A collection of four early 20th century glove and boot button hooks in sterling silver and silver plate.
CONDITION: good vintage condition with expected wear to steel parts
SIZE: average 5-6 ins long (13 – 15 cm)
APPROXIMATE DATE: early 20th century
MATERIALS: sterling silver, steel
DESCRIPTION:
Here is a small collection of fairly simple button hooks which probably date from the late 19th or early 20th century. In such items the size usually indicates whether they were used for gloves or dress bodices, or to fasten boots or shoes, These were probably used for boots or shoes. They have handles of variously coloured materials and are all in good condition. Reading from left to right on the main photo:-
#1 silver handle probably plated as no hall marks
#2 silver handle probably plated as no hall marks
#3 Birmingham 1904
#4 London 1902
The most common buttonhook materials at that time were early plastics such as celluloid, bakelite, French ivory, and marbled plastics. Handles were produced to resemble tortoiseshell, amber and ivory. The better quality button hooks were made in sterling silver or silver plated for the more popular market.
These examples would make a fascinating display mounted on a frame or in a vitrine.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
In the 1890s buttonhooks became a common household tool when the feminine high buttoned boot became popular. A new fashion demanded stiff leather boots that would fit tightly and show off the shape of the ankle. At the same time, long gloves fastened by numerous buttons became popular. By the 1880s, gloves and garments began to feature more buttons, especially long rows on the front or back of a dress, or on a pair of long gloves. All of these factors resulted in an increased demand for buttonhooks. However, button boots, buttoned gloves and spats continued to be worn through the war years and buttonhooks were still produced during the 1920s and 1930s. Men's spats were usually in dark colours or white, while women's spats at that time came in colours to compliment their garments.