Another mystery tool, maybe not so mysterious!

[John Brown]

It’s a boot hook.
https://www.philipmorrisdirect.co.uk/dubarry-boot-hook/
And I have this for taking them off - can’t get the grooms these days Boot Jack

I have one of those also(the boot jack). It didn't cost £35 though, offcut of larch cladding and a bandsaw...but as you say, £35 is cheaper than a groom!

 

[Chris Harris]

I’ve seen something similar used in the meat preparation industry but I could be mistaken .. definately wouldn’t last long with manholes ..

 

[MF1000]

yup pulling offal intestines around on the disembowelling.

Errrrrrr….not quite (just happens to be one of my areas of expertise)

 

[TRITON]

The result of an extremely stubborn bottle of wine ?

 

[carpenteire2009]

Thanks for all the replies, the mostly likely answer seems to be the boot hook, thankfully I won't have much call for that now, but who knows in future!

 

[joshvegas]

It's not a boot hook. The hook is clearly wrong, it needs a flat bottom to pull the leather tab evenly, that thing would trash the tab is no time.

It's not a manhole lifter because
A. They're bloody heavy, and have huge whole hand handles.
B. They lock rigidly or you would forever be dropping the covers down the manhole when trying to put them back. Which is funny when someone else does it and less funny when it's you standing there wondering what to do next.

Older tent peg pullers I have seen normally have a flatter end as they came from pulling wooden pegs and the flat locked into the notch. It could be though.

 

[Alex H]

Google Lens seems to think it's a boot hook

Best result is this Pre WWII Army officer riding boots, spurs, breeches, sword hanger