Mystery Tool. Any ideas what it might be?

My Dad picked this up with a box of old woodworking tools. Absolutely no idea what it is or for. It says The "Gipe" Patent. Google turns up nothing. My only guess is maybe a swaging tool or something to do with rigging cables etc.

Of course none of us are likely old enough to have any idea what it was for! :-)  If I were to hazard a guess I'd say 1920's or 30's vintage.


Update: Mystery solved!  http://www.ids.u-net.com/cash/gipe.htm