Glove stretcher explained

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, allowing the glove to be put on without damaging it.[3] The scissors-like implements were also made from metal and celluloid.[4]

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.

A 1908 advice on washing the chamois gloves suggests using the stretcher as an alternative to washing and drying the gloves on hands.[5]

In the 19th century the stretchers were widespread, every "good" shop or household was expected to have one.[3] 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.[6]

Sources

Notes and References

  1. Book: 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 . 120 . 1043004215 .
  2. Web site: Close to the Skin: A Revealing look at Lingerie . berkshirehistory.org . Berkshire County Historical Society . 12 December 2022 . 18 . 2015.
  3. Book: Eliza Leslie . 1854 . The Behaviour Book: A Manual for Ladies . 5 . Willis P. Hazard . 83– . 1336198599 .
  4. Web site: Rogers Historical Museum . Donation of the month . rogersar.gov . Rogers Historical Museum . 12 December 2022 .
  5. Book: 1908 . Fabrics, Fancy Goods and Notions, Volume 42 . McCready Publishing Company . 66 .
  6. Book: Laila . Haglund . Introduction and Background . Brewarrina Shire Community Based Heritage Study . 2008 . Haglund & Associates Pty Ltd . Sydney .