Elizabeth;

I'm no expert, but what you are describing might also be called a valve
spring compressor.  This is a tool that would be used on automobiles rather
than wagons; the valve spring that it compresses is part of the engine.

I'm basing my impression of the tool you described on my high school motor
mechanics class.  You might try contacting the Industrial Arts department of
a local high school to see if they can positively identify the tool for you.

Good luck!

Tim McShane, Collections Manager
West Parry Sound District Museum

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