Could use some help on this one.

[3baygarage]

Any guesses as to what this is?

It has a steel split beam, a brass knurl that slides up to bring the ends together for holding something, and the handle is wood.

Found it at the flea market amongst some misc. hand tools.

[coolford]

Looks like a hot rivet holder.

[oldgoaly]

a handle to hold barbed wire while you nail it to a wooden post?

[lptools]

Whatever it is, I love it!! Thanks for posting!!

[3baygarage]

Thanks for the replies so far. The photos are very trimmed down to fit, but you can see against the tape measure it’s just about 4-5/16” long

[3baygarage]

Someone has identified this as a pin vise. There is a hollow section down the center, so that makes perfect sense. Thanks. Now to try it out.

[wvtools]

Fancy looking ones like that one were typically used by jewelers and watchmakers.  I have had a few like that one, but not for awhile.

[mikeswrenches]

I would agree it’s a pin vise. Here’s mine that I got in a shop in way upstate NY. In good shape if you overlook the split in the handle.
It’s almost a twin to the one 3 bay posted, except for a few subtle differences.

Mike

[papadan]

cool Tools.

[amecks]

Really like that piece.  Maybe the side hole is for setting small nails/brads?