What the Heck is This Thingy?? Small metal spring-loaded doodie.

I bought a whole heap of antique sewing-thingies today, and this spring-loaded thingybob was part of the mass of rufflers, hemmers, piping-feet, and seam-guides, etc, that I ended up getting.

I have no clue what it is, or what it do, and I've been messing with sewing machines and sewing-equipment since I was like 5 years old.

So what is it!? It's not often I get stumped when it comes to sewing equipment, but this has really got me flummoxed!! The only thing on it is "PATENTED" and that's it.

 

Not quite sure how it works, and there may be some small bits missing from yours. But this might be helpful -

https://quiltingrevolution.blogspot.com/2015/06/vintage-singer-no-36806-needle-threader.html

 

It's not a needle threader, I've got two of those old Singer threaders already.

 

Does the springy bit clamp down hard enough to hold a piece of fabric?

 

It looks like a suspender for stockings to my inexpert eyes.

 

that end shape looks like it slides on a button......

 

I have found a somewhat similar spring mechanism on a modern money clip. Perhaps that was its use, and it hung on a pants or suspenders button?


https://www.amazon.com/Polished-Patterned-Engravable-Rhodium-Measures/dp/B0CLZRZ121

 

Thanks for the suggestions, guys. I agree, the end-loop looks like it's designed to hook onto a button.

My guess is that some fabric, or a strap (maybe elastic?) was looped underneath, clipped into place, and then stretched and buttoned onto something.

Stockings? Shirt-tails? Your guess is as good as mine. I suppose they came in pairs or sets, then, to be added to one's clothing.