What-is-it Question CCIX

[dognose]

What-is-it question CCIX


A Sterling silver novelty from 1897:



I'm guessing the item may be slightly smaller than illustrated, but maybe not.

What is it?

Trev.

[olga_kehl]

Hi, Trev ) Mayby hairpin?

[dognose]

Hi Olga,

A good guess, but not a hair-pin.

Trev.

[silverly]

This is a real stretch I imagine, but is it anything to do with food, such as a handle for a block of cheese.

[dognose]

Hi silverly,

No, nothing to do with food.

I'm struggling to find a clue for this one, but this item prevents, as a hair pin would, something from coming out of place, but it is not placed on the person, but on a person's possession.

Trev.

[moonshine]

Holds a bag closed?

[dognose]

Hi Moonshine,

No, not for keeping a bag closed, but I think we're getting closer.

This is for keeping something open.

Trev.

[juantotree]

Is it to hold a book open?

Martin

[dognose]

Well done Martin!


J.D. Bartley - Bradford, Mass. - 1897

The 'Perfect' Open Book Holder.

Trev.

[silverly]

I'd look to see an example of it in use. What a great idea!