This strange-looking object is a vintage metal clothespin, also called a clothes peg or laundry clip.
The looped upper section allowed it to hang directly from the clothesline, while the two metal jaws opened and clamped tightly around wet clothing, sheets, or towels. Its firm grip helped prevent laundry from sliding along the line or blowing away on windy days.
Metal clothesline clips were valued because they were durable, reusable, and stronger than many simple wooden pegs. Similar clips are still sold today for fastening laundry securely to outdoor lines. [oai_citation:0‡canadiantire.ca](https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/strata-metal-clothesline-clips-10-pk-0428927p.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Although modern plastic and spring-loaded clothespins eventually became more common, many people still remember seeing these sturdy metal clips hanging outside between wash days.
