Author Topic: What is this?  (Read 1799 times)

spencer739

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What is this?
« on: November 29, 2013, 08:13:34 pm »
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

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Re: What is this?
« Reply #1 on: November 29, 2013, 08:25:16 pm »
Maybe a portable letter opener?  What does it measure?

spencer739

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Re: What is this?
« Reply #2 on: November 29, 2013, 08:58:59 pm »
Without actually measuring it i'd guess the main thing is 2 inches with a 1 inch blade

icedgold10

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Re: What is this?
« Reply #3 on: November 29, 2013, 09:03:29 pm »
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. ;D

mart

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Re: What is this?
« Reply #4 on: November 29, 2013, 09:11:08 pm »
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

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« Last Edit: November 29, 2013, 10:31:29 pm by Rauville »

greenacres

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Re: What is this?
« Reply #6 on: November 29, 2013, 10:28:10 pm »
Lol, I would being using that as a screwdriver. ;D ;D  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.
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KC

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Re: What is this?
« Reply #7 on: November 30, 2013, 12:09:26 am »
Actually in the 1940's the retractable toothpicks were very popular.  In addition, some were sold as retractable cigar piercers!!!
I'm from the South - but please don't mistake my Southern Manners/Accent/Charm as a weakness!

spencer739

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Re: What is this?
« Reply #8 on: November 30, 2013, 07:03:48 am »
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

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Re: What is this?
« Reply #9 on: November 30, 2013, 12:10:03 pm »
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

« Last Edit: November 30, 2013, 12:12:46 pm by KC »
I'm from the South - but please don't mistake my Southern Manners/Accent/Charm as a weakness!