need help unknown object

[xrmmont]

21 inchs long about 8 lbs name on inside is japanese for areoplane other then that im at a loss THANK YOU FOR ANY INFO

[CallieGray]

Hmm... From the looks of it, the picture of the whole thing makes it seem like some sort of fireplace tool... The symbol on the bottom picture also appears to be some sort of hallmark.  That's all I can think of though...

[fancypants]

Interesting item , xrmmont ...

I'm wondering if this has a positive/negative (matching) image on each side/half of the iron , such as used for embossing paper/leather , etc ?

My first impresion was that it could be an iron used for cookies &/or other 'street-food' delights (made one @ a time , over a heat sorce) .

[CallieGray]

And after looking at it again I found the right words for it I think: a hot coal grabber... maybe? lol sorry... from the slight red corrosion on the insides of the grooves of the picture it looks like rust, so its probably Iron... However, the rust could either be a result of simple aging oxidation or from being doused in water.  because the rust seems to settle only in the grooves I would say that the later is more plausible.

[Ipcress]

It's a printing plate, isn't it ? Japanese
The image is reversed.

In fact, it looks like Hikouki, which is Japanese for aeroplane.

[CallieGray]

(Sorry for repetitive posting... I found more information.. ) So, after googling different types of 'tongs' I found something that actually looked quite similar... Something called 'farrier tongs' or 'black smith tongs.' If these were a set of black smith tongs, the whole water theory I just had would make sense, since blacksmiths dunk their hot metal into water with tongs.  Still not sure about the whole "aeroplane" thing is about though...  As for the printing plate thing, which I think is also correct, maybe it was a blacksmith printing plate?

[xrmmont]

other side of plate is flat with a cross pattern

[Rauville]

...My first impresion was that it could be an iron used for cookies &/or other 'street-food' delights (made one @ a time , over a heat sorce) .

I think you're probably right...
http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/hand-forged-iron-japanese-asian-103425771
(These might go under the name of "Sembei Kata"?)

[Ipcress]

Senbei kata

http://blog.americanhistory.si.edu/osaycanyousee/2010/07/origins-of-a-fortune-cookie.html

but why the shield shape with the flags outside that ?

[mart]

I think you are right !!  Perfect to heat and cook or use as a tool for cookies or sweets with that indention,, imprint of plane as decoration for kids ect !!

[KC]

Senbei was ORIGINALLY a Japanese cracker or wafer....made round, square, oval, etc.   So it is only natural that a good chef found a way to Americanize and merchandise.

These old ones are few and hard to come by.  Haven't seen one in years!  

Collecting airplane paraphenalia from all over the world, hikouki means airplane in Japanese.

[mart]

There ya` go !!  Figured KC would know !! But daughter called before I could get back and modify my post to say so !!

[bigwull]

There ya` go !!  Figured KC would know !! But daughter called before I could get back and modify my post to say so !!

That,s one of the best excuses of forgetfulness...tha t I,ve heard in a long time....

[mart]

Best one I have ,,,right now !!  No !!  She really did call,, for 20 minutes was on the phone !! 

[xrmmont]

THANk  you  TO EVERY ONE    I WAS REALY STUMPED ON THIS ONE YOU GUYS ARE GOOD!!!!