"Old Guy" wrote in message
news
Guys,

At the Wright Brother's shop in Dayton, this tool was in a display
case. No one there knew what it was. I'll bet one of you guys will
know....

http://users.vnet.net/egriffin/tool.jpg

Thanks,
Ed

Best guess: a pocket-sized oil can.

The cupped plate would serve two purposes: to provide a means of pumping the
oil and, when upright, to catch dribbles from the tip.