Ha! Willie, we're on the same page! The very first thing that came to my mind, was a sheet metal brake or bar folder of some sort. I used that type equipment, when I was in the custom car business, for parts fabrication. But, like you ..... "I have to admit I ain't seen anything ~just~ like that before." If it IS anything like that, it looks like a pretty crude tool. I'm pretty much clueless. It might be easier to know what the guy's trade or hobby was. That could be a big hint, possibly!