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?

the tongs closed around the fabric. This design ensures that the skirt remains securely lifted without constant adjustment. The loop for a chain or ribbon allows for easy attachment to a belt or chatelaine, a versatile approach that kept the device accessible and easy to use.

The primary function of a skirt lifter was to keep hemlines free from dirt and moisture. In an era when streets were often unpaved and public sanitation was still developing, the ground could be a