Apparatus for gripping a column of block-shaped articles such as bricks arranged in an end-to-end relationship to one another with at least some of the articles being initially spaced from one another to form at least one corresponding intermediate gap in the column. Intermediate tongues are provided for insertion into the intermediate gaps thus providing intermediate support for the gripped column. The intermediate tongues are mounted in a novel manner and cooperate with novel apparatus to provide a positive return motion to the intermediate tongues for positively, accurately and quickly positioning the tongues in proper predetermined positions when the gripper is in an open condition such that the intermediate tongues are readily insertable into the gaps of the column. Then, when the gripper is closed, the positive return force is released thus permitting the intermediate tongues to float or move as required into gripping engagement with the adjacent bricks of the column thus providing the required intermediate support.