A remarkably well-educated and knowledgeable participant on another forum has identified it as... Corrida implement!
According to him, descriptions of such a device can be found at:
M. Defourneaux, "L`Espagne au siecle d`or", 1996.
Page 176
Théophile Gautier,Voyage en Espagne 1862.
Page 353
and in multiple other Spanish and French contemporay sources.
It was allegedly used by peons ( maintenance workers) at the corrida to immobilize and to slaughter the still-alive bull.
Spanish colleagues: any access to first-hand information?
French speakers: can you verify the above sources?
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