Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Buttonhook, c. 1860-1910 |
Object Name |
Buttonhook |
Description |
Buttonhook, c. 1860-1910. Buttonhook has an ivory-colored bakelite handle with a raised fleur-de-lis design; metal hook piece has a few decorative ridges near where it attaches to the handle, then tapers into a narrow, pointed hook at the end. Used for buttoning ladies boots. |
Date |
c. 1860-1910 |
Creator |
Unknown |
Role |
Manufacturer |
Catalog Number |
2015.031.007 |
Dimensions |
H-7.25 W-0.5 D-0.375 inches |
Collection |
3D - Personal Gear |
Inscription Text |
none |
Provenance |
Family heirloom belonging to Bay Area citizen. |
Notes |
"To use the implement on a shoe, one firmly grasped the handle, and then inserted the steel hook through the eyelet, grasping the button and pulling it through. Unfortunately, aggressive use of the buttonhook often did more harm than good as it could tear the buttonhole or pull out the button. Not only were the shoes and garments damaged: sometimes a straightened out or distorted hook on a buttonhook indicates that the tool was subject to rough or repeated use. The buttonhook was generally the size of a fork although it ranged in size from less than an inch to around 2 feet in length. Most were used for shoe buttons, spats and gaiters, although the smaller types ("glovehooks") were used for buttons on dresses, sleeves and men's stiff collars." [https://www.thebuttonhooksociety.com/collecting.php 10/19/2018] "Bakelite is a trade name taken from its inventor, Leo Baekeland, who invented Bakelite in 1907. Bakelite is made from carbolic acid (phenol) and formaldehyde and is referred to as a phenolic resin. [...] Bakelite was first used as insulators against heat and electricity. As ways were found to manufacture Bakelite in bright colors, it began to be used for all sorts of decorative objects, especially jewelry." [https://www.realorrepro.com/article/Is-it-Bakelite 10/19/2018] |
Search Terms |
Buttonhook Buttonhooks Personal Items Tools Victorian |
Subjects |
Boots Buttons (Fasteners) Shoes |
Credit line |
Courtesey of Hartley Laughead |