Purse hook

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Modern purse hook from Taeshy Handtaschenhalter.jpg
Modern purse hook from Taeshy

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 was said to employ an oddly shaped one that looks like a soldier from World War II to hang her handbags on. [1]

Contents

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, for convenient access or to discourage theft.

A bag placed on the floor in a restaurant or bathroom will collect bacteria, fungi, and viruses. [2]

In Brazil there is a superstition that a woman will lose all of her money if she puts her purse on the floor. [1]

Types

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

Notes

  1. 1 2 Anne Kingston (2008). "Would you put $8,000 on the floor?". Maclean's Magazine: 56. Archived from the original on 2012-05-16.
  2. Snopes: Bag-teria