Bought a box of kitchen junk for $5. This wooden hinged tool was at the bottom. It doesn’t seem to grip anything tight enough to be tongs. Any thoughts?

Glove Stretchers Were Used Step by Step
Using a glove stretcher was a straightforward, yet delicate process. First, after washing, the damp gloves were laid flat. The glove stretcher was then inserted into each finger of the glove, one at a time. As the handles were gently squeezed, the arms of the stretcher would open, expanding the fabric of the glove.
The process ensured that the gloves retained their original shape and size, preventing any shrinkage that could occur during drying. This was particularly important for gloves made of delicate materials such as kid leather, which were popular in the Victorian era. By stretching the gloves in this manner, they remained comfortable and fitted, ready for the next outing.
7. Why Glove Stretchers Look So Much Like Kitchen Gadgets 
The resemblance between the glove stretcher and common kitchen tools is no coincidence. Many Victorian tools, whether for the kitchen or