Does anyone know what this tool is used for ? (I have no clue whatsoever)

[gregozedobe]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/311814474673

It has scales styled to look like a hand, with a fold-out loop of wire, in a knife-like configuration.  I'm guessing it is designed to catch something and hold it in the smaller end of the wire loop, but beyond that I have no idea.

Any ideas ?

[Smashie]

I would take a guess at it being related to clothing but beyond that I have no idea 

[powernoodle]

There is a ring on the finger of the hand.  Maybe its  a ring sizer, though I see no markings to indicate ring size.

[Huntsman]

Could it be something to do with gloves?

A finger stretcher maybe?
Although the hand is definitely not wearing a glove!!

http://sangamoncountyhistory.org/wp/?p=2118

Here's the pic off ebay:

[gregozedobe]

Could it be something to do with gloves?

A finger stretcher maybe?
Although the hand is definitely not wearing a glove!!

http://sangamoncountyhistory.org/wp/?p=2118

Here's the pic off ebay:

Hmmm, I think you found the right company with that link, the dates seem about right for the Patent date on the tool.

I wonder if it is some kind of pulling tool for a button on a corset or footwear or something ?

[Poncho65]

Could it be something to do with gloves?

A finger stretcher maybe?
Although the hand is definitely not wearing a glove!!

http://sangamoncountyhistory.org/wp/?p=2118

Here's the pic off ebay:

Hmmm, I think you found the right company with that link, the dates seem about right for the Patent date on the tool.

I wonder if it is some kind of pulling tool for a button on a corset or footwear or something ?

I think you are on to something there It also could be a play on words as a "helping hand" for buttons 

[LoopCutter]

Could it be something to do with gloves?

A finger stretcher maybe?
Although the hand is definitely not wearing a glove!!

http://sangamoncountyhistory.org/wp/?p=2118

Here's the pic off ebay:

Hmmm, I think you found the right company with that link, the dates seem about right for the Patent date on the tool.

I wonder if it is some kind of pulling tool for a button on a corset or footwear or something ?

That's what I thought as well.  The hand is giving it a woman's use. 
Shoes button.  But if I remember from some photos, corsets laced.  To early for a bra device?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Grant Lamontagne]

Could it be something to do with gloves?

A finger stretcher maybe?
Although the hand is definitely not wearing a glove!!

http://sangamoncountyhistory.org/wp/?p=2118

Here's the pic off ebay:

Hmmm, I think you found the right company with that link, the dates seem about right for the Patent date on the tool.

I wonder if it is some kind of pulling tool for a button on a corset or footwear or something ?

We have a winner.

When clothing was stiff wool and fairly form fitting (since most clothing was hand made for the buyer) you often had trouble getting the large buttons through the holes.  You would use a tool like this, but inserting it through the hole, then around the button.  Then you could use the handle to pull the button through the hole.

There are some modern designs that are similar to help people with arthritis and other hand dexterity issues get dressed.  Some have both a button holer like above and a zipper hook like the new airline friendly version of the Gerber Dime.

Def

[gregozedobe]

Thanks Grant     

That's one of the things I like about MTo, anyone can ask a question about (almost) anything, no matter how obscure and/or esoteric, and you will almost certainly get a helpful reply, and no attacks for going "off-topic", no flaming or any of the other crap that often happens on other forums.       [group hug]