I knew I asked the right group of people about my mystery items yesterday! Thank you for your responses! Punch needle and bias tape makers sound right. The clips don't have a hole in the end however; the metal is just folded with a chisel shaped tip; no openings except the side just like a big binder clip. Would that still work?
Here is the lovely sewing chest that started it all.

How about the prices on these Boye hooks below? I wish my hobbies were that cheap now! 1930's-40's maybe?

The two below are unmarked on the other side of the throat, completely smooth.