Odd tool no idea what it was used for, any idea?

[Creature Meadow]

My aunt was helping to clean out a house with a friend and found this tool. The husband had passed years before and the wife recently. As they were going through things found this tool. She brought it to me as she was curious what it was called and used for.

Told her I would post it here and see if someone might know what it is called and what it was used for. No markings on it that I can see.

Anyone have an idea or maybe even have one?

Thanks for your time.

Jay

 

[ccoon520]

They appear to be blacksmith pliers. I saw someone a couple years ago roll through town and seem to recall something similar. From a quick google search of "blacksmith pliers" I found a few pictures that appear to be an exact match but I cannot find any exact details because they are always pictured in a set of antique blacksmith tools that are up for auction with no description of the individual tools.

Hopefully this helps narrow down your search!

 

[Tornado]

My aunt was helping to clean out a house with a friend and found this tool. The husband had passed years before and the wife recently. As they were going through things found this tool. She brought it to me as she was curious what it was called and used for.

Told her I would post it here and see if someone might know what it is called and what it was used for. No markings on it that I can see.

Anyone have an idea or maybe even have one?

Thanks for your time.

Jay View attachment 49964

They appear to be an antique set of cobbler pliers, which were used in leatherwork, primarily in shoemaking and repair. If you search cobbler pliers you will find some modern varients that look very similar.

 

[MINICUP28]

I think it's a farrier's tool, a nail clincher/hammer. I remember one hanging in our barn.

 

[Tornado]

I think it's a farrier's tool, a nail clincher/hammer. I remember one hanging in our barn.

Cobbler pliers were used in some tack work as well. They are a leatherworking tool.

 

[Bmyers]

I think that looks like an old pair of lasting pliers.

 

[Tornado]

From doing some research, I am certain they are a cobblers pliers. A cobbler is a shoemaker, often working with leather. These pliers were used in the process of making shoes. These are not blacksmith tools, they are too small, and the handles aren't long enough. If you research cobbler tools or cobbler pliers specifically you will find dozens of exact matches, even some modern variants that you can still purchase.

 

[Lil Foot]

Learn something new everyday! Thanks for posting.

 

[jajiu]

Tornado is correct! I worked in the shoe industry for 30 years and these were used mostly in the factories to pull the leather uppers over the last so the laster can staple it to the insole rib.

 

[Bmyers]

Tornado is correct! I worked in the shoe industry for 30 years and these were used mostly in the factories to pull the leather uppers over the last so the laster can staple it to the insole rib.

That is why they are called Lasting Pliers.

Just Your Ordinary Lasting Pliers… | Chopine, Zoccolo, and Other Raised and High Heel Construction

 

[ccoon520]

I stand corrected I was mistaken.

 

[Creature Meadow]

You guys and gals are awesome!

The husband was a surveyor but I guess somewhere along the way he acquired the cobbler pliers.

Now that I have a starting point I'll do some research and let my aunt know more about them.

Thanks for all the responses.

Jay