What is this called and who made it.

[lebaron]

Marked Forged Steel and Pat Pending on handles. Thanks.

[turnnut]

it looks like it would open the links on a tire chain.

many companies that made chains also sold the tool, some were made by other
companies for them.

Weed tire chain was one that comes to mind

[mikeswrenches]

Weed is what they look like to me also, but I've never seen them with the bent tips.  First time for everything.

Mike

[turnnut]

with the bent ends, it is easier to use.

make believe that you are looking at a set of tire chains on the floor and the open end
of the links are facing up.  it would be easier to use a bent tool than to try to do it in
a flat position. 

many moons ago, we used a chisel before the boss bought the proper tool. it was not fun.

[mvwcnews]

The bend is an "aftermarket" modification by a skilled blacksmith.

[bear_man]

Talk about serendipity!  I just this morning pulled a Weed set of these out of a gallon of vinegar, then brass-brushed the gunk off of it.  Besides "WEED," mine says "PAT'D July 29, 1913."  The head is cupped a tiny bit but not bent to 90° like yours, and mine have deeper and wider "reliefs" than yours do on the inside of the jaws in pic #2.  I'd not've guessed they were tire chain pliers.  Seems early, to me, but I'll track down the patent (and probably learn something, as usual).