What is this fluted clamper thingy?

Not sterling or valuable but driving me crazy. It’s only 3 inches long and maximum opening is 3/8 of an inch. The flutes don’t match up when closed so I don’t think it’s a mold. Kitchen or serving piece? No marks. Found it in my parents basement in NC.

 

I'm going to guess sugar cube tongs.

 

Just throwing this out there.....possibilities, although TOTALLY UNSURE....sugar tongs, or for used tea bag?????? AND YOU may see the mark on the handle much clearer than I was able to make it..........? Maybe a gentle toothbrush might lighten them up a bit???

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Might be a Victorian skirt lifter??
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Antique-...MI5bW2pv6w8gIVYIODBx35uQCpEAQYAiABEgLPS_D_BwE

 

Bar towel clip...

~Cheryl

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=bar...DAuMTCYAQCgAQGwAQU&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-img

~Cheryl

 

Makes more sense than sugar cube tongs I guess, since they only open 3/8 of an inch.


These are on eBay right now, listed as sugar tongs, but I don't know what's with the big eye hook.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-sugar-cube-tongs-with-lock-/183926336607
Maybe some kind of a curtain tie back? The eye hook would be screwed into the woodwork?

 

LOL! Cheryl nailed it!

 

This is getting funny! Worth Point has a value guide for skirt lifters, and this one sold on Etsy for 25 bucks as a towel clip.

https://www.flippertools.com/tools/...how_sold_out_detail=1&ref=nla_listing_details

https://www.etsy.com/listing/502344...how_sold_out_detail=1&ref=nla_listing_details

 

Never in a million years would have thought of that one! Thanks Cheryl for the ID. And everyone else who joined in.
Why didn’t they just hang the towels on a hook? A gadget for everything.

 

Heh, darned things are misidentified all the time - practical, sturdy design, still available at restaurant supplies, and I used them in my bartending days. The item Houseful linked in post 4 is a skirt-lifter, note the rubber pads (date would be 1877 rather than 1817)...

~Cheryl