OK, Can anyone name this odd tool?

[Richard Sutton]

This image shows a tool that was used every time a printer set up a page in the days before computer typography and photo- typosited headlines. It's the T-shaped item. Can you also tell us what it was used for?

 

[KG Christopher]

I'me guessing it tightened a wooden frame that the type was arranged in? to ensure a good snug fit?

 

[Alistair Roberts]

Not a clue!

 

[Emurelda]

Reminds me of a corkscrew

 

[Nicole Wilson]

Medieval torture device. Oh wait. Wrong place for that....

 

[Alistair Roberts]

Ouch!

 

[Carol Rose]

It's called a QUOIN KEY (scroll down the page below for pics and description of uses, etc.)

https://letterpresscommons.com/general-tools-and-supplies/

 

[E. G. Jensen]

. . . and how in hell did you know that? I am impressed.

 

[Paul Whybrow]

This thread makes me think of all of the old printing trade terms that we use, without realising where they come from. Upper and Lower Case are obvious ones, as is minding your Ps and Qs, but others are less apparent.

http://letterpressdaughter.blogspot.co.uk/2010/09/upper-case-lower-case.html

 

[Richard Sutton]

It was known in the Northeastern US among old printers as a Printers Devil.

 

[Richard Sutton]

It's called a QUOIN KEY (scroll down the page below for pics and description of uses, etc.)

https://letterpresscommons.com/general-tools-and-supplies/

Of course Carol got it.