Buttonhook Society

This site contains information about collecting buttonhooks, and their history. These Victorian era tools were designed to help pull buttons through stiff leather on shoes and boots, or to fasten buttons on garments. Most found today date from the 1880s to the 1930s, but an early reference to this useful tool dates back to 1611. Buttonhooks appear in many shapes and sizes, and materials utilised range from steel to gold, and from early plastic to inlaid gems. Buttonhooks are wonderful collectible items and are collected worldwide. Check the menu panel at the left of each page for a selection of articles and photographs.