Now that we know what it is, I wonder why they just didn't make bigger gloves?

My first thought was old curling iron. On second thought, my first thought still holds.

Well, had I bothered to read all the way, I would have found out how much my thoughts are worth. Nada!

it is definately a victorian glove stretcher

I would love to know!

The reason why they needed them is of used real leather. Just think of your leather shoes, they expand with wear, and change with heat and humidity. The gloves were worn most of the time that people were in public, while riding horses, driving a carriage etc, if they were not tightly fitted, the user's grip would not be as tight, giving them less control.

I hope I am explaining clearly.

Really old clothes-pin?????

it's a antique victorian glove stretcher

My husband says it was probably the clothes grabber such as when soaking in hot water.

Twezzers or hair clip to hold rollers....old