Walkers Patent Brass Folding Hooks

A String of folding brass hooks stamped Walker's Patent 6569 T.P. & S.

The five hooks work in much the same way as those produced by Kenrick, whose 24785 design was registered in 1885. Each single hook is riveted to a bar linked to the next to allow them all to fold easily. The two end and the middle hook have hanging plates for fixing. The string can be fully extended and hung both horizontally and vertically. Alternatively, the middle hanging point can also be used to set the hooks at two different heights for use in a smaller space.

The back of the hooks are stamped with the above patent and maker's details. There is also a Walker's Patent set of folding hooks dated 1864 that work to a concertina action. It is not known if these hooks were conceived by the same Walker or not.

The maker's stamp of 'T.P. & S.' maybe for Thomas Perry & Son, iron founders who were established in Bilston, Staffordshire in 1806. However, it's not the type of item normally associated with the company. A more likely candidate is Thomas Potter & Sons, who were based at 44 South Moulton Street in London. They exhibited at the 1851 Great Exhibition and specialised in ecclesiastical work although they also made items for the secular market.

The hooks fold down to a very compact size and would be very useful to the traveller. Late 19th Century.

Maximum size is given.