I actually know what this is *L* it's one of those things that makes you ask....what on earth is this??
It worked too didn't it :-) I am just kiddin' I think it might be an old hair clip for making the finger waves like the gals had back in the 1920's. I have some old hand stitched leather curlers that were my grandmothers. They are pretty funny looking.
Hope you find out what it really is and clue us in..