I also have thoughts of them being Continental with regards to the style of knob on the lever.
My friend has said he's seen the pipe on some French engravers tools but cannot remember the manufacturer.
Yes Andy, PEGLER taps
It is of course totally plausible that they are a one off and like you say for an entertainer of sorts.
Also, addressing the holding quandary this could be explained by them being mounted for a ceremony of some sort.
Another observation is that not only does the spring close rapidly, the cocking lever is flung forward as well, at a rate of knots.
With regards "CIER" , the font spacing is a little wide for me between the I and E as if something is missing but any shot at a name is worthy of consideration.
The attached bolt is the worn out original and need to get around to doing a restoration of it. ( before or after making planes with planemakers planes ? :roll: ) It is worth mentioning at this point that they are totally worn out in most moving parts but the blades still look originally ground.
Possibly used once and played with by children time and time again?
Also attached is a neatly engraved tag bearing the number 227 in very nice cursive numerals as though for display identification purposes.
The closing position of the blades was regulated by a stop which is also very worn.
Keep the thoughts coming as any idea is better than no idea.....
Cheers
Andy