Silver Mounted Button Hook Hallmarked 1916 Antique
Approximate dimensions: Length - 211mm (8.3")
Condition Good with marks indicative of both age and usage. Naturally tarnished.
This antique silver-mounted button hook is a fine example of early 20th-century craftsmanship, hallmarked in London in 1916. It measures 211mm (8.3") in length and features a handle that might be hand-turned ebony or possibly a composite material. The end of the handle shows some markings that are unclear but may be a name.
Button hooks were commonly used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for fastening boots and shoes that used buttons instead of laces. The hooked end would be inserted into the buttonhole to pull the button through with ease, a necessity in an era where buttoned footwear was fashionable and functional.
The handle's material, while not definitively identified, suggests a high-quality construction typical of the period. Ebony was often used for its durability and attractive appearance, though some composite materials were also popular for their resilience and cost-effectiveness. The silver mount, as indicated by the hallmark, assures its authenticity and origin, reflecting the high standards of London silversmiths in the early 1900s.
Collectors of antique silver and early 20th-century fashion accessories will appreciate this item's historical significance and practical design. The natural tarnishing has been preserved, allowing the buyer the choice to polish it or retain its antique patina.
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