can anyone tell me what this is

[quentin]

a little gunshop next door ran across this item. no one he has talked to knows what it is. he's an older guy so him getting on the internet was out of the question. so i thought i might be able to help. any input is greatly appreciated.

[mart]

Is there a patent date anywhere ?? How did the shop owner acquire this item ?? Was it with guns he bought ??
 Need to know what the tool does and its size since there is nothing to compare it to !!  It appears to be a vise to secure a gun while working on it !! But then again,,,,

[quentin]

there are no markings on it what so ever. the whole thing is about eight to nine inches long. the owner collects different stuff like old griswold skillets and anvils and other things, he said he just ran across it somewhere and didn't know what it was so he bought it.

[cogar]

That is a neat old clamp ....... and there was undoubtably 2 or 3 times I could have used one like that.

A table mount with a swivel head on it.

[Rauville]

There's one listed here:

http://patented-antiques.com/Backpages/SewAcc/lacemaking.htm

[quentin]

thanks alot. i would have never found that.

[mart]

I would never have guessed that by looking at this pic !!  But with knowing what it is I can see how it would work !! I have seen embriodery clamps but not made like that !!