Strange Clamp

[thiggy]

Has this tool ever made it to this forum?  What is the purpose of this clamping device?
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g284/jamescerwin/Antiques/Whatzit_2Small.jpg

[Lewill2]

I believe it is called a shoe lasting clamp, cobblers tool used in making shoes.

[wvtools]

I believe it is called a shoe lasting clamp, cobblers tool used in making shoes.

I believe your name is the proper one, but I have also heard it called a shoe cramp.

[Branson]

I believe your name is the proper one, but I have also heard it called a shoe cramp.

What we call clamps are usually called cramps in the UK.

[Billman49]

Called in French a 'chien de cordonnier', i.e. a shoemakers dog, it is used to pull the leather upper tight over the wooden last, to allow the upper to be pegged to the sole of the shoe. It first clamps onto and holds both ends of the upper as it is wrapped around the last, and then tightened to pull the upper tight onto the last...