Found in a box of old sewing stuff at a garage sale. It looks like small metal tongs with padded discs at the end and a loop for a chain. What on earth is this thing used for?

The metal tongs are designed to clamp onto the fabric of a skirt, with the padded discs at the ends ensuring that delicate materials are not damaged in the process. The loop for a chain is not merely decorative; it serves a crucial functional purpose, allowing the wearer to attach the lifter to a chatelaine or a belt.

These tongs are held together with a spring mechanism, providing just enough tension to secure the fabric without slipping. The craftsmanship can vary from simple and utilitarian to ornate and decorative, depending