Found in a box of old sewing stuff at a garage sale. It looks like small metal tongs with padded discs at the end and a loop for a chain. What on earth is this thing used for?

Upon closer inspection, the skirt lifter is often made of metal, typically brass or steel, and measures about 4 to 6 inches in length. The metal tongs are designed to clamp onto the fabric of a skirt, with the padded discs at the ends ensuring that delicate materials are not damaged in the process. The loop for a chain is not merely decorative; it serves a crucial functional purpose, allowing the wearer to attach the lifter to a chatelaine or a belt.

These tongs are held together with a spring mechanism, providing just enough tension to secure the fabric without slipping. The craftsmanship can vary from simple and utilitarian to ornate and decorative, depending on the social status or personal taste of the owner. This range in design also reflects the evolution of fashion and technology over the decades.