Old twisted wire clamp with wire finger hole. What is its use?

[john_wade]

Looks very

old with a nice dark patina and not rusted. Measures 6" long. Reminds me of some old corkscrews but with a very different end than a corkscrew. 

[wastingtime101 · Accepted solution]

It's a match holder @john_wade .

Check out this:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/186144745875

[md1919]

were sold as roach holders in the 1970s

[john_wade]

Thank you so much. Never would have guessed it. Has other uses too. 

[john_wade]

The art of wire twisting is a lost art. Some were done by hand and others used special twisting gadgets.  I've seen many rare corkscrews using twisted wires. 

[sonomabarn67]

"The art of wire twisting is a lost art."    Hmm, I have to disagree. Twisting one or two wires to create a low cost tool is still done daily around the world. Go to your local hardware store and visit the plumbing section.