What is this?

[spencer739]

Hi all,
I was going through my grandmother's stuff today when I found this object. I was wondering what it is and what it was used for. Any information would be great! It is a gold hexagonal prism, with a tip and a button on the opposite end. Attached to the button is a small ring that looks like it would be used to hang on a necklace. When you press the button, the tip pops out and opens up. If you put it tip-end down, a small blade-like thing comes out. To get the blade to go back in you press the button end in again and turn it tip-end up. I will attach pictures to make it clearer. Again, information is welcome.
Thanks

[icedgold10]

Maybe a portable letter opener?  What does it measure?

[spencer739]

Without actually measuring it i'd guess the main thing is 2 inches with a 1 inch blade

[icedgold10]

It looks like a dull blade not sharp edge from the picture so thinking letter opener is probably it.  Hopefully grandma wasn't doing random surgery on people.

[mart]

Maybe part of a nail set !! Clean under the fingernails !!  How old was your grandma ?? I remember sets sold with similar items in 1950`s and 60`s !!

[Rauville]

...Or maybe a "stiletto / punch", for laying out an embroidery pattern?

OK...I think this might be closer to reality:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VINTAGE-HALLMARKED-STERLING-SILVER-9-ct-GOLD-PROPELLING-TOOTHPICK-1988/151170772425?_trksid=p2047675.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D18836%26meid%3D3059112127776672504%26pid%3D100011%26prg%3D8556%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D5%26sd%3D390672877517%26

[greenacres]

Lol, I would being using that as a screwdriver.   Great tool. I like it. If you have solar lights. I didn't know what it was for, but I thought great tool to have.

[KC]

Actually in the 1940's the retractable toothpicks were very popular.  In addition, some were sold as retractable cigar piercers!!!

[spencer739]

On the blade it says 750 in small font. I believe this means it is 18ct gold. any idea what the value would be?

[KC]

750 is a European marking indicating the gold content.

Well...the first thing is what does 750 mean....  750/1000  which means 75% purity which translates to 18k gold...which means 18K gold contains 18 parts gold 'n 6 parts of one or more additional metals, making it 75% gold. (whereas as 24k is total gold).

Suggest you search "antique retractable gold toothpick" to see all available for sale.
Those currently selling on Ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=antique+retractable+gold+toothpick&_in_kw=1&_ex_kw=&_sacat=0&_udlo=&_udhi=&_ftrt=901&_ftrv=1&_sabdlo=&_sabdhi=&_samilow=&_samihi=&_sadis=200&_fpos=&_fsct=&LH_SALE_CURRENCY=0&_sop=12&_dmd=1&_ipg=50

If you search the completed/sold listings they are averaging between $50 - $125.  But there are those that get more and they typically have markings to indicate the maker.

Now for some more information:
http://en.wikicollecting.org/antique-and-vintage-gold-toothpicks