Vintage Tool Novelty Bottle Opener Appraisal

Vintage "Sure Grip" Scissor Jack / Bottle Opener

This item is a vintage "Sure Grip" branded scissor-type tool, likely functioning as a multi-purpose device, specifically appearing to be a combination bottle opener and possibly a small jack or clamping device. It features a robust construction predominantly of metal. The main body consists of a series of black, crisscrossing scissor-style arms, connected by rivets, which suggest an expandable or contractible function. The end of this scissor mechanism is attached to a red-painted, rectangular metal top piece with three small, protruding rivets or bolts, potentially designed to grip or hold an object. This rectangular top piece forms one half of the grip or opening mechanism. The other end terminates in a shaped handle, possibly made of cast metal that has been painted or finished with a metallic grey paint, showing areas of wear where the underlying metal is visible. The handle is distinctively shaped, narrowing towards the base, and features a prominent red inlay with horizontal grooved lines for improved grip. A visible manufacturer's mark, "SURE GRIP," is present on the widest part of the handle in raised lettering, suggesting a casting process. This area also retains some red paint, indicating it was likely part of an overall red and grey color scheme. The overall condition shows significant signs of age and use, including paint loss on both the red and black painted sections, surface scratches, and some visible grime or oxidation, particularly on the black scissor arms and the worn grey handle. The functionality of the scissor mechanism appears intact. The item's design, particularly the integrated opener-like component, suggests a style period from the mid-20th century, possibly 1940s-1970s. The construction indicates a focus on durability and utility, characteristic of vintage tools.