Period Correct Hanger

[Matthew Semple]

The photos below are of a mid-nineteenth century hanger that I have had for about 20 years. When I was eleven I got it from my Grandfather who had received it from his Grandfather. On the hanger was an 1880's wool overcoat which has since disappeared somewhere in the family. Alas, all I have is the hanger and wish I had the overcoat that was on the hanger when handed to my Grandfather.

Does anyone know a source for these period correct hangers?

All input is appreciated.

[Hank Trent]

Re: Period Correct Hanger

Just curious, how have you been able to date it to the mid 19th century rather than, say, ten or twenty years later?

Hank Trent
hanktrent@gmail.com

[Matthew Semple]

1880's, Possibly Earlier Hanger

Hank,

Very good point. I will add the additional information I know which I did not share since the post is really geared more towards finding other hangers like it.

The mid-nineteenth century period instead of late-nineteenth century time period is an assumption based on what my Grandfather told me when I asked if I could have the hanger. My Grandfather told me that his Grandfather had said that "I took an old hanger from around the house and put the overcoat on it and have always used it for this coat." Since my G-G-Grandfather recieved the overcoat in the early 1880s the earliest time period it can be from using eyewitness accounts is the early 1880s. However, since my G-G-Grandfather explicitly said "an old hanger from around the house" it is entirely possible to date much earlier. "Old" is a subjective term. I have hangers in my closet that I hang my modern clothes on which are 15 to 20 years in age, but I don't consider them old because they are a utiliarian item that gets used every day without much thought. Since my Grandfather stated "old" for a common utilitarian item such as a hanger it is reasonable to put a twenty year window on the hanger.

I think I should change the name of this thread from "Period Correct Hanger" to something different because you do have an very good point.

Thanks for posting.

[reddcorp]

Re: 1880's, Possibly Earlier Hanger

Some research indicates that Thomas Jefferson invented an all wooden "shoulder shaped" hanger, and I've found examples of all wooden hangers that pre-date the CW i.e. Shaker hangers. But as to hangers like the one pictured, IMHO, those date to the 1880's or later. Just haven't found anything like the one shown dated to the CW; but who knows what may turn up. I've several like that one that were in my grandparent's closets.
Andy Redd

[Spinster]

Re: 1880's, Possibly Earlier Hanger

Andy,

I'm agreeing--this is wistful thinking. All I've been able to find for the period is the 'Shaker Hanger'.

The metal/wood hanger pictured was ubiquitous in fine clothing stores at least through the 1920's. I've one that says "Rutenberg's" and have seen both "Pizitz" and "Loveman's" hangers in this style----for those from other parts of the country, these are the great Jewish merchantile familes of the post-war south. About a decade ago, a friend cleaned out "Browns" in Tuskcaloosa, and came away with several large boxes of that same hanger.

[Army30th]

Re: 1880's, Possibly Earlier Hanger

I have looked and found reference to a O. A. North who patented a "Clothes Hook", precursor to the modern wire clothes hanger in New Britain, CT in 1869. However I cannot seem to find the patent for it.