Antique folding sterling silver button hook. This late Victorian piece is decorated with an engraved floral design. When folded this piece easily attaches, by a jump ring at the top, to a chain. The curved hook flips out from the side. Based on the size, it's likely to be a glove hook. A lady, when visiting friends or completing errands, would have worn gloves while out but not inside the home of friends. A discreet, beautifully decorated and easy to wear button hook allows a lady to do her buttons for her gloves without the need for assistance. This one is particularly pretty! Circa 1890s, British in origin.

Hallmarks for sterling silver, assayed in Birmingham, date letter "z" for 1899. The actual hook is steel for strength with the heavily decorated exterior in sterling silver.

Measures approx 5.1 cm / 2 inches long and 1.1 cm / 0.44 inches wide at the widest point.

Weighs 7.95 grams.