I've seen a device similar to that. It enables you to grip a fish while scaling it. They aren't fastened to anything like that is though. Mainly just the loop with the toothed latch to lock it in place under pressure. The teeth inside grip the fish. I'm wondering if the board and posts are someone's attempt to mount the tool....maybe for display.?.? If those posts are stationary and the loop is attached, I can't see it being able to clamp anything, plus the direction of the jaws is not right for what I explained. Interesting item! What are the dimensions?