Caucasian Belt Multi-Tools?
 

Does anyone know what these items are called?
I have across a few of these and many in photos but cannot figure out what their purpose i beyond that of a screwdriver and fire starter. I spoke with a Circassian bladesmith who told me the design with one long slot is for straightening or fixing any nicks in the blade of your shashka/kindjal.
This makes sense for that particular design, but for the ones that have two smaller slots and the circular opening in the middle? Any help would be appreciated, any speculation would be welcome as well.

I believe they must be used as a tool for the miquelet lock and rifle in some way as well. The design was used all the way into the service of the Russian M1870 Berdan №2 where it's uses are more apparent.

This is a screwdriver - an object with which, at the right time, they tightened the bolts on the gun, and generally monitored its good condition. The screwdriver had nothing to do with the shashka and dagger. A screwdriver hung on the belt on the right side. With the transition to modern firearms became an element of decor, which was made of silver. Small decorative screwdrivers have turned into wolves, dogs and dragons.

Surely these slots served some purpose?

Made of silver, these were exclusively decorative elements.

Sure, the silver ones are decorative. However, take a look at the first post, there many made from Iron and Steel and utilitarian

Of course, from iron are utilitarian. They performed the function of a screwdriver, as I wrote in response to the first post.

I understand that the part that is circled in red is used as a screwdriver, but I'm wondering about the part that is circled in yellow? And what is the proper name for these pieces in Russian or Caucasian languages?

Slots make the screwdriver lighter and perform a decorative function. There are archaic Caucasian screwdrivers without through slots. They were tied to a belt on a thin and long leather strap.
Unfortunately, I do not know how these screwdrivers are called in Russian and Caucasian languages.

A black powder muzzleloading enthusiast may know what these are.

The "hook" or right angle extension on one end might be some form of bullet starter.
The hinged brass section of one of them looks a lot like a bullet starter, as it would not scar the bore.
With the exception of the more refined machined version, where a separate piece is attached as a screwdriver blade, the other end on these does not look slim enough to be a screw driver. Is there a view from another angle?

And why the ceremonial versions, and the one in a french fitted case?

It is also possible this implement has nothing to do with weaponry.

One other thought- this item may have to do with preparing the cartridge in use-
Does one end of a sealed paper cartridge need to be punctured and the charge poured in the barrel?
Is the hole to locate the tool over the ball, sitting on the end of the barrel, so more pressure can be applied to start it in the bore?
A maintenance tool does not need to be carried close to hand at all times..
A fighting tool does.

Just tossing some ideas out.

This thing has a definite purpose, and it is likely the screwdriver is a ancillary function, not a primary one.

"Hook" is a little hammer for chop off flint in the lock of a gun

A screwdriver and a small hammer for flint lock are exactly the main functions.

Image of screwdrivers among arms on gravestones from the Caucasus.

Using a screwdriver.

interesting speculation, hadn't considered a short starter, but I'm not sure. The slots could also possibly be used for lacing the leather belt through for... some purpose?

Thank you for the wonderful photos! Please post more. I still think due to the different designs that there must be some other functions.

Photo Ossetian with a screwdriver on his belt. And several screwdrivers of different shapes. But judging by the opinion of researchers from the Caucasus, the form could be different, but the functionality is the same...

the cutout slots in the tool could also be useful to get more leverage when put over a screw with a flat or winged head.

btw that ossatian is a brave man, pointing his gun towards his own face.

There are no such screws on Caucasian firearms :)

so much for my creative thoughts... the slot-hole-slot design would fit a winged nut perfectly but if there where none (not exactly, but alike) then I throw the towel :-)

A lot, if not most, caucasian miquelet locks seem to have a ring in the screw to tighten down the top jaw to hold the flint. I always assumed you slipped a ramrod through this to get a bit of leverage. I wonder if the right-angled protrusion or hook on this tool could serve the same purpose?
Best wishes
Richard

It certainly seems to fit!