Purse hook

A purse hook (also known as a handbag hook or handbag hanger is a type of hook meant to temporarily secure a purse or handbag to a table, sink or armrest. Such hooks have been available since the 1920s. Queen Elizabeth II is said to employ an S-shaped one to hang her handbags on.[1]

Contents

Types

There are four types of purse hooks available. The order is based on patent file dates.

  1. The original L style type with a circular pad and a rigid bent wire.
  2. The link type with circular pad and a set links that either wrap around the pad or make a "hook"
  3. A spring closing bracelet type
  4. A twisting ring type

Reasons for use

The practical uses are numerous; hanging a purse, bag, groceries, umbrella or any item that can be hung and needs to be kept close.

In Brazil there is a superstition that a woman will lose all of her money if she puts her purse on the floor.[1] A bag placed on the floor in a restaurant or bathroom will collect bacteria, fungi, and viruses.[2]

Notes

  1. ^ a b Anne Kingston (2008). "Would you put $8,000 on the floor?". Macleans Magazine: 56. http://www.macleans.ca/culture/lifestyle/article.jsp?content=20080709_37497_37497. 
  2. ^ Snopes: Bag-teria

External links