This heavy old-fashioned tool is a hand-operated rivet and eyelet press. Similar cast-iron presses were commonly used in leatherworking and other crafts to punch holes or set rivets, eyelets, snaps, and related fasteners.
The material was positioned between the upper punch and lower die, then the long handle was pulled to apply strong, controlled pressure. Different dies could be fitted depending on the job.
Answer: An antique rivet/eyelet hand press.


