What are these things?

[paulg]

While cleaning out my in-law’s estate (a farm) we encountered these items.
One item is a device that punches “AA 409” onto things.
The other is a round, clampy thing with holes.
Any ideas what these are?
All comments, good or bad or campy jokes welcome.

 

[rp2813]

The AA 409 reminds me of canceled checks and library books.  Those cup things, I don't know.  Is it just the camera angle or is one smaller than the other?

 

[wiskybill]

no clue...

about the "stamp"

but the tongs are for making meatballs.

 

[paulg]

Holy Meatballs Batman!

I NEVER thought of meatballs! Big thanks for figuring that one out. We were truly stumped.

 

[turbokinetic]

A bit grim but....

The "AA 409" pliers are used for marking livestock on their ears for identification. They are called "tattoo pliers" and are coated with ink and then the needles are used to puncture the markings into the ears of the livestock. There are a variety of them still available. A Google search will show many. 

 

As for the other item, I don't recognize it. The first one I saw while working with my uncle at the dairy many years ago. 

 

[bradfordwhite]

I think those have something to do with being able to pick up cherries or olives and being able to shake the water off of them without getting your hands wet.

 

[wayupnorth]

They do make perfect sized meatballs. I have one.

 

[bradfordwhite]

They could also be watermelon ballers or perhaps an ice cream scoop.

 

I can't see them being used for balling meat.  The meat would stick to the metal.  You have to roll hamburger to make meat balls.

 

[foraloysius]

Yes, a meatball maker. Google it and save us from another useless argument.

 

[paulg]

That was fast!

Thanks for all the input.
Indeed, the farm had livestock many years ago when an adjacent farm’s barn burnt down. The livestock came to visit for a while. Perhaps the owner left the tattoo pliers behind. Maybe the cows turned into meatballs.
At any rate, case closed.
Much obliged!