This month's item is another cobbler's tool. Specifically, it's used to stretch the upper of a boot over the last into the hollow of the shank (the metal plate in the sole of the boot). We took our answer from the Dictionary of American Hand Tools, by Alvin Sellens. These tools come in a variety of models, with many dating back to the mid-1800s. To enlarge the pic shown, click here. For an illustrated text book answer from the 1880s, click here.

To see the patent for an "improved" shank laster (circa 1874) that's similar to ours, click here.