they make excellent metalsmith tools but what does this do?

Likely for pulling sheets out of a case.

I'm going with draw tongs, used for pulling wire through a drawplate to change the diameter or shape of the wire. Jewelers use them. The William Dixon Company in Newark, NJ sold jewelers tools from 1868 to 1964 when they were purchased by Grobet. Apparently, Grobet still uses the Dixon name though, since if you Google "Dixon Jewelers Tools" you will find some (mostly silversmith stakes) still being sold.

Hmm, yeah, makes more sense, with long jaws , rather than wide jaws.

draw tongs they are
http://www.riogrande.com/Product/Draw-Tongs/111005?Pos=2
Thanks!

Definitely wire drawing tongs - for hand use e.g. for jewellery use in drawing silver wire through a drawplate. Those used with a draw bench have two curved ends to hold the chain or leather strap in place.

see: http://www.musee-renaissance.fr/bancdorfevre/

see also: http://outils-anciens.xooit.fr/t4069-Les-pinces-a-suspendre.htm and http://outils-anciens.xooit.fr/t2531-Identification-d-une-petite-pince.htm

Some interesting links Billman Thanks!