Wooden glove stretcher

Glove stretcher is a 19th century device for "easing" (stretching) the gloves.[1] The rounded tips of the stretchers, typically made of two wooden pieces hinged in the middle and spring-loaded,[2] were placed inside the fingers of a glove. The handles were then squeezed so the fingers were stretched,[3] allowing the glove to be put on without damaging it.[4] The scissors-like implements were also made from metal and celluloid.[5]

History

Glove stretchers were popular in the Victorian era.[2]

Kid leather was considered to be the best material for gloves worn by a proper Victorian lady, as cotton and silk were easily stretchable, thus revealing the imperfections of a hand. The leather of a young goat was essential to emulate the desired appearance of a hand with tapered fingertips. The scissor-like stretchers were helping to preserve the shape of the glove fingers after washing.[6]

A 1908 advice on washing the chamois gloves suggests using the stretcher as an alternative to washing and drying the gloves on hands.[7]

In the 19th century the stretchers were widespread, every "good" shop or household was expected to have one.[4] In the 21st century the original device resembling the scissors is largely forgotten. Haglund reports that while playing a version of the Kim's game, children are no longer able to guess the purpose of the implement.[8]

References

  1. ↑ William Henry Baker (1908). A Dictionary of Men's Wear ... with an Appendix Containing Sundry Useful Tables: The Uniforms of "ancient and Honorable" Independent Military Companies of the U. S.; Charts of Correct Dress, Livery, and So Forth. W. H. Baker. p. 120. OCLC 1043004215.
  2. 1 2 "Close to the Skin: A Revealing look at Lingerie" (PDF). berkshirehistory.org. Berkshire County Historical Society. 2015. p. 18. Retrieved 12 December 2022.
  3. ↑ National Coal Mining Museum 2021, p. 7.
  4. 1 2 Eliza Leslie (1854). The Behaviour Book: A Manual for Ladies (5 ed.). Willis P. Hazard. pp. 83–. OCLC 1336198599.
  5. ↑ Rogers Historical Museum. "Donation of the month". rogersar.gov. Rogers Historical Museum. Retrieved 12 December 2022.
  6. ↑ Beaujot 2012, p. 44.
  7. ↑ Fabrics, Fancy Goods and Notions, Volume 42. McCready Publishing Company. 1908. p. 66.
  8. ↑ Haglund, Laila (2008). "Introduction and Background". Brewarrina Shire Community Based Heritage Study (PDF). Sydney: Haglund & Associates Pty Ltd.

Sources

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