It has been suggested that this apparatus was for broaching clock hands, and
well they may be used for that by some, it seems Peter does.

But to me they are  jewellers draw pliers =quite similar to those illustrated in

https://www.google.com/search?q=jewellers+draw+pliers&client=firefox-b&
sa=X&biw=1344&bih=728&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=8OGEBvLUEouVuM%253A
%252CuJeQH-QogqlPCM%252C_&usg=__TNCCD_WU2ZE0JaeCkFUVe2H6yZE%3D&ved=0ahUKEwib_uSE
htzbAhXMHzQIHdMRBtIQ9QEIOjAD#imgrc=8OGEBvLUEouVuM:">https://www.google.com/searc
h?q=jewellers+draw+pliers&client=firefox-b&sa=X&biw=1344&bih=728&tbm=isch&source
=iu&ictx=1&fir=8OGEBvLUEouVuM%253A%252CuJeQH-QogqlPCM%252C_&usg=__TNCCD_WU2ZE0Ja
eCkFUVe2H6yZE%3D&ved=0ahUKEwib_uSEhtzbAhXMHzQIHdMRBtIQ9QEIOjAD#imgrc=8OGEBvLUEou
VuM:

So that is my vote.If I had to broach clock hands, I’d be using a much  lighter
tool

They were used in my limited experience to draw wire through a “ draw plate” to
reduce it to size needed. To my mind, even though it could be used to hold clock
hands, it’s a little too cumbersome for that delicate task

You will notice that this one has the slide to allow it to get a good hold on
the wire when tapped by a mallet, but doesn’t have the hooked hand to allow a
more positive grip as shown in the google images.

If any of you other tool junkies need to find another  slippery slope, find yer
local Jewelers supply shop, but I’d stronglys advise leaving yer wallet at home
for the first visit! DAMHIK, and if swmbo goes with you they typically have lots
of gems on display, but that might be OK as It would be a reason to buy MORE
TOOLS!

Sorry for the post but do  completely grok  the ‘nuther slipppery slope” warning

Eric in Calgary