Thickness/Feeler Gauge Holder?

[OilyRascal]

The seller doesn't know what it is, and I guess I don't "know" either.  I've seen thickness gauge holders before in similar style, but without the "V" shape on the working end when closed (more flat).

What is it?

[Papaw]

Could be just that, but it reminds me of another kind of "holder"!
Guess what kind!

[Bill Houghton]

Could be just that, but it reminds me of another kind of "holder"!
Guess what kind!

Awfully long for that purpose.

Looks somehow veterinaryish to me.  Not that I know anything about veterinary instruments.

[OilyRascal]

Could be just that, but it reminds me of another kind of "holder"!
Guess what kind!

My only other guess is to hold a swab as a dipstick.

[john k]

Just looking at it, believe its nickel plate over brass, which would predate the clip type holder mentioned.    This could have been used to pull a long feeler gauge along the cylinder, to check for tolerance between the piston and cylinder wall.  More of a fishing tool, to reach in a tight spot to pull out an item.   When the lower curved finger hold is pushed down, it could grab something.   The V shape is puzzling. 

[Lostmind]

I think the V shape makes it easier to retension the tips if they spread
Not sure what this is

[johnsironsanctuary]

I'm thinking GP parts picker upper. The V would grab the shank of a wood screw or small bolt.

[Ken W.]

It looks kinda fancy to be the "other" kind of holder.

[john k]

Okay, got another idea.  I had to relight an old gas water heater several times a month at a place I worked.   I would make a tiny torch of rolled paper, attach it to a long stiff wire, light it and poke it 12 inches inside the lighting hole then hit the gas.   To light some of the early furnaces, water heaters, even the oil burner heating stoves, this would have been great to insert a burning bit of cloth or paper, pull the finger pull device, drop it burning where it was needed.  Just my thoughts. 

[scottg]

I think John has it!
Lighting gas appliances. Want to know how many times I have stood on my head with a match held in a pinched piece of coat hanger? Then continue to hold the little red button down while the pilot warms up?

It looks kinda fancy to be the "other" kind of holder.

Uh well, not fancy enough for some people!
  yours Scott

PS Custom made for my birthday, way over 30 years ago, by my friend Mathew.  Sterling silver and ebony.

[Fins/413]

Roach clip for a giant. Sorry I couldn't resist.

[HeelSpur]

Roach clip for a giant. Sorry I couldn't resist.

Wonder how many were thinking that but stayed silent.

[Batz]

Roach clip for a giant. Sorry I couldn't resist.

Wonder how many were thinking that but stayed silent.

[fflintstone]

jease guys havent you ever sean a short marshmallo roaster before?