As you know the Legs of which I have the most examples are Pipe Tampers (47 examples), and this week I am covering the second most popular with 3 examples out of my collection of 9 Button Hooks.
I gave you an example in Post No 12, and these 3 are yet
more variations.
All nine of the hooks were purchased in February 2017
from the same person, as the result of my Daily Telegraph letter appealing for
a name for Leg Collectors which appeal you know culminated in “The
Microtibialist.”
I have looked on e-bay for button hooks and came up with
755 examples (none of which were
leg-shaped) in a multitude of variations of style and many of them folding and
carried in a pouch. Just for
clarification, whether they are called shoe hooks, boot hooks or button hooks,
there is no difference – as long as they can catch a button they are exactly
the same.
I have to admit that I learn a great deal from
researching my legs when writing my posts, including finding that earlier in
the year I incorrectly elaborated on the operation of Button Hooks!! .. which
is why I welcome this opportunity to correct my misinformation!!
A button hook is used to pull a button through a buttonhole.
It is as simple as that. Not as I used to think to entwine and pull tight a
shoe/boot lace!!
Right, these are the 3 legs for this week.
The bottom hook is in very good condition and is one of
the few that I have made of Ivory, and with the hook made of steel. It has been
beautifully engraved as a boot with a decorative garter/top. It measures 6
inches.
There are 7 pairs of holes on the front, simulating buttonholes,
and 10 dots on the sole, replicating studs. The two initials are P and H, which
could have belonged to Phyllis Hughes, but it was not acquired from a location
where she lived, and also being a late 19th century carving, would
be before Phyllis Hughes was born.
The leg in the middle is a combination of brass and
steel, no engraving although 3 small rings have been cut to suggest sock tops
and a garter. This is the right size to
be used by a lady and would fit easily in a handbag or chatelaine.
Finally, the top one is a hefty example. It looks to me like a combination of steel
(the dots),brass (the hook) and bakelite (the brown body). I intend to show it to an antique dealer to
try and get a better knowledge of the materials.
The steel studs, on the upper leg and around the ankle
make a very good job of looking like a long-buttoned boot. It is heavy (60
grammes compared with 10 for the Ivory version) and itwould definitely be used
by a gentleman.
Despite all the different styles, sizes or features, the
one thing that is identical is the size of the hook. They all have to fulfil
the same “hook and pull” procedure by going through the buttonhole and hooking
the thread.
Which I hope makes you “hooked” on my collection.
I have plans to visit three antique fairs in November and
I’m hoping for some new additions to my collection.
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