What is this thing ?

Hello oh knowledable people. I have to say that although im only a very new person to these pressure lamps im loving my time. You people make a huge difference by sharing your knowledge so freely. Now down to business. This tool which i have no idea what it is was in a box with the preheater and mantles etc that came with my 50s guardsman . Does anybody know what it is ? The 2 legs pivot around and to me it looks old enough but what is it ? Many thanks

 

Looks like a nutcracker, even if they generally are a bit more rounded in the jaws.

 

a Pair of nutcrackers!
If you fold them over you can get different sized nuts in them
could never find them at christmas
edit : crossed with Christer

 

They be Turn of the entry nut Crackers.
They came in steel and brass.
I have a few sets.

 

Thanks for the info guys.i couldnt see how they were something to do with the lantern

 

Maybe someone in the Guardsman factory's packaging line during the 50s simply loved nuts.
Perhaps its a special gift .
Use it as a lucky charm in your fettling sessions and there won't be any "nut that is too tough to crack" situations.

 

Well done . This made me smile

 

Nutcrackers... my mum used to have exactly this type, in fact I think I've still got it somewhere.