Significance

Gloves have been used since prehistory and they have been worn for warmth, protection, a badge of distinction and as part of fashionable dress. During the Victorian era gloves were a status symbol and a lady wouldn't dream of going outside without her gloves. The Essential Handbook of Victorian Etiquette advised that the only time it was required to remove gloves was while at the table. Gloves were made of kid, thread, silk or washing leather and these fabrics tended not to have much give so they had to be stretched when new or just washed. Given that the gloves were usually worn skin tight these stretchers were used on the fingers so the gloves could be put on.

Physical description

Plain cream coloured bone glove stretchers with two metal pins and springs as hinges.