ANOTHER "WHAT IS IT?" UNKNOWN

Here's another object, constructed of cast aluminum, that walked into the shop a while back. It appears that the lever caused the edge of a razor blade to protrude from its base, for whatever purpose we know not. Can you identify its usage?

RARE CONFEDERATE ARTILLERY FUSE IN 12-POUNDER SPHERICAL SHELL/CASE SHOT

This 12-pounder spherical shell was fired by Confederate artillerists during the invasion of the South and the Siege of Vicksburg in 1863. 12-pounders are probably the most plentiful artillery shells dug around Vicksburg. I recall that in the "old days" we were disgusted when we dug one of these, and even considered throwing it back in the hole. However, this particular shell was fitted with a Confederate fuse adapter that is so rare that it's not found in most books written on the subject. The only place I've found a photo of one is in Charles S. Harris' "Civil War Relics..," page 251.