Probably too easy.....

[rusty]

In fact, almost certainly too easy....
(Patented)

[john k]

I won't say.   And, I don't have one!

[Lostmind]

Not to easy for me. Looks like end is for some sort of snap ring, inside looks like crimper.
For oil lights?

[Papaw]

Wire crimpers? Lightolier was/is in the light fixture business.

[jimwrench]

 looks like a pair of tire chain pliers.

[oldtools]

Kool Tool

[Mel Larsen]

Looks like it would be used to work chain, probably tire chains.  Nice tool.
Mel

[krusty the clown]

i'm guessing it predates the electric light. burner pliers for gas chandoliers?

[Ken W.]

Tire chain tool.

[scottg]

Yours is different
 But not
 yours Scott

[rusty]

Perhaps not as easy as I thought ;P

They are "Malleable iron chain pliers", note that it is the chain, not the pliers that is malleable.
Malleable chain is better known as light fixture chain.....

Modern versions have a stepped nose to handle multiple link sizes.

I have not been able to find a patent for these, perhaps they are, in fact, too similar to tire chain pliers and the patent was untimatly denied....dunno

I love all the text molded into them tho, was a 'must buy' at the flea :)

[jimwrench]

 Everybody make some of these? Heres a pair that looks a lot like Scot's but made by different co.
These say"1XL chain plier patented" "Peerless light Co No 1785" and"Malleable Iron" on both jaws.Also"Chicago-NY-Frisco"on inside one jaw. I've had this pair for years and never looked at them closely;just assumed they were tire chain pliers and not noticing they were made by a "LightCo."

[rusty]

I am beginning to understand why I could not find a patent, apparently anyone with a dollar in their pocket could get a pair made with their name on it ;P

I wonder how many different ones there are?