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What-is-it question CXCXVII


A what-is-it question that I'm convinced will have you all beat!

A novelty that was patented in 1885:



I'm not too sure of the actual size of item, but I guess the illustration shows it somewhat larger, I suspect the size more likely to be around the image below, but don't hold me to it:



The illustration on the left shows the item in the open position, on the right, closed. It was initially only available in either gold and silver.

OK, what is it?

Trev.

Maybe an ear-scoop? without the hole there are other would be several nefarious possibilities.

Hi JL,

Nice try, but no, not an ear-scoop.

Trev.

Hi Trev

two wild guesses:
A little insertable blade as attachement to a pocket watch chain? To be used to open the back cover of pocket watches?

Or completely different:
A universal tool for sewing. The small blade for cutting thread, open hem seam. And the hold to lock tread. To hold it for inserting it in the eye of the needle?

Kind regards

Jörg

Hi Jörg,

They are good guesses, but neither is correct I'm afraid.

Time for a clue.... To use this item you will need to be ambidextrous.

Trev.

I assume it has a pocket watch related function. It seems the maker is BHJ&Cie, which would mean B. Haas Son & Company. Swiss watchmaker. Holding a patent for an automated winding mechanism.
http://www.antique-horology.org/gallery ... sp?id=8397
But I have no idea in what watch related activity the item could be used....

Regards

Jörg

Hi Jörg,

No, not watch related. Keep guessing, you'll get it soon.

Trev.

Hi Trev. Crazy idea - a nail care tool?

Hi elenabutov,

No, not a nail care tool, but you are getting close.

Trev.

It is a glove fastener.

Well done Silverly!

It is indeed a glove fastener, patented by B.H. Joseph & Co. of Birmingham in 1885:



Trev.

Hi Trev

sory my ignorance, but how does this work? I do not understand the function.

Kind regards

Jörg

Hi Jörg,

I'm afraid I'm also unaware, but I presume you slip the point into the button-hole, then the button through the hole in the point, withdraw the point, and this will pull the button through the button-hole, then slip the button out of the hole in the point.

Can anyone confirm this?

Trev.

Yes, Trev's description sounds like the only was it can work. By design the fastener is usable when extended only, and is otherwise kept retracted for appearance sake.