This is the second of these old brass button guards I've had in the shop, which I just love the look of, and which I think would make a great line-making and design tools. C.. 1910-20's, I believe these would particularly have been used for polishing buttons on uniforms, with the "teeth" of the guard closing tightly around five buttons at a time, while protecting the fabric of the coat or jacket to which they were attached. Really a smart design I think, which I'd probably hang on the wall from the hole at the end, which is also the hinge, at the ready to draw patterns when inspiration strikes!

Closed: 7 3/4" x 2". Opens to 14" long. Good condition with a nice patina and a nice weight.