Blacksmith tongs?

[Slacker]

Found these while metal detecting at an early 1800's farm in orange county.
The jaw design is unique, haven't found one similar on the net. Long handles, possibly for extra reach or leverage.
The jaws are definitely not designed for nipper use.

 

[Inglis]

Nut busters.

 

[Slacker]

Nut busters.

Really? It was a cattle farm at one time.

 

[rdinatal]

Looks like those would be too wide to hold horseshoes. Definitely used for something near a very hot flame.

 

[Scsmith42]

They may have been used to close horse shoes for a smaller hoof.

 

[Inglis]

Or hold on to some thing and turn it.

 

[ronn47]

Off-set tongs, here are some I found

Offset z bladesmithing tongs 1

Heavy jaws with 12" reins with ball ends for secure control. These can hold metals slightly wider and thinner as well. Commonly used in bladesmithing and decorative blacksmithing.

blacksmithsource.com

Box Jaw Tongs | Order Blacksmith Box Jaw Tongs - Centaur Forge

https://www.amazon.com/BetterForge-Z-Type-V-bit-Blacksmith-Making/dp/B078MTRPJ2

 

[J R Green]

they're made for flat bar stock. ... like a knife blade.

 

[RR]

Off-set tongs, here are some I found

Offset z bladesmithing tongs 1

Heavy jaws with 12" reins with ball ends for secure control. These can hold metals slightly wider and thinner as well. Commonly used in bladesmithing and decorative blacksmithing.

blacksmithsource.com

Box Jaw Tongs | Order Blacksmith Box Jaw Tongs - Centaur Forge

https://www.amazon.com/BetterForge-Z-Type-V-bit-Blacksmith-Making/dp/B078MTRPJ2

This ^

These hold the flat bar edgewise so you can get your blade profile hammered in.

 

[Slacker]

I have been told it's for grabbing flat stock.
That would make sense.