Buttonhooks

Between the 1850s and 1930s, buttonhooks were simple, but necessary items.  Everyone had their own to use, and they were as individual as toothbrushes.

They made buttoning shoes, spats or boot tops, gloves, leggings, gaiters, collars, corsets, and shirts a painless activity.  A free buttonhook came with each pair of shoes, or they could be bought separately, in sets of two or three, or as part of dresser sets, manicure sets, traveling cases, or writing cases.

They were made of abalone, agate, antler or bone, brass, copper or gold, glass, rubber, horn, or leather, mother-of-pearl, pewter, plastic, porcelain, rifle casing, silver-plate, steel, sterling silver, tortoise shell, wood - anything - making them an individualized accessory.

If you are fascinated with buttonhooks and want to learn more look at The Buttonhook Society's web site at www.thebuttonhooksociety.com