Unknown tool

[toolmiser]

Another garage sale find, if it's cheap and unusual I will bring it home.  This does have the word "camp(with the legs of the A and M crossed) stamped in the handle.  I should have shown a picture, it's maybe the company logo.  The center leg does stick up about and 1/8" more than the two outside ones.  I really don't have a clue what it is, probably not more than 25 years old, I guess.

Thanks!

[p_toad]

Looks like it's for hand bending lighter spring wire...  but i haven't found anything to back that up yet...

[wvtools]

How wide does it open?  It looks like a rubber band type emasculator/castration tool.

[Nasutushenri]

I think this tool is for bending certain parts of corsets.
See: http://www.corsetiere.net/Spirella/Camp.htm

Henri

[toolmiser]

I think this tool is for bending certain parts of corsets.
See: http://www.corsetiere.net/Spirella/Camp.htm


Sure looks like the same logo.  Can't find much in google search.

Don't think it is used on animals- the jaws only open 3/4 max, and the uppers get closer to the middle.  Not very knowledgeable about that technique though.

[Stan D]

Gettin' a little risque', aren't we?

[Bill Houghton]

http://www.corsetiere.net/Spirella/Camp.htm

What torture devices!

[p_toad]

Good catch Nasutushenri.    I'm not at all familiar with those garments but it sure does look like the same logo.   Now to find out how that tool was used...

Just as an update...   I found the owner of that web site and dropped a line with a copy of that first picture to see if she has any idea what that tool is and how it was used.

[toolmiser]

Thanks, I showed my wife the website, and she was amused.  Always suspecting that I am trying to pull something over on her.

[Nasutushenri]

Topic is becoming too risky.

Henri

[toolmiser]

The pattern on the handles is kind of "corset like".

[p_toad]

Sorry for being slow on the upbeat here...  but this is the reply I got from Ivy:

"The tool was designed for bending the steel bones that could be placed at the back of a corset. Most bones are quite flexible, however, for wearers with back problems, heavier steel bones could be used at the back of the corset. These were manufactured straight and then bent by the fitter using this tool to follow the curve of the wearer's spine.
http://www.corsetiere.net/Spirella/Modart_J_G49.jpg
This link shows such bones half removed from the back of a corset. It took the leverage of the 'pliers' to bend these bones. Camp was one such company of many that made back support corsets."

So, now you know, and can get your corset bones bent....or hang it on a display rack.   

[toolmiser]

Thank you for all of your efforts.  I wouldn't have figured it out in a million years.  I bet it's a very valuable tool since it would be tough to acquire one today.  I will have to place a tag on it so I won't forget.

Appreciate it.

[Bill Houghton]

Who knows?  Maybe there's a market among the steam punk crowd.