General Description : Metal skirt lifter consisting of plain clip designed to go on a belt with a chain attached. A circular grip attaches to the edge of the skirt. The grip works like a pair of scissors; when the catch is pushed down the grip opens and the skirt is caught between the two padded discs.

Additional information : During most of the 19th century, walking in the streets could be very dirty and hazardous; uncollected rubbish and poor sanitation especially in the bigger towns were not compatible with the full, long skirts and dresses that were in fashion. Many ladies drove in a carriage to avoid this problem. From the 1850s, these skirts lifters started to be used. A corner of the skirt would have been placed in the clip. When the cord was pulled, the skirt would be lifted off the ground and clear of any mess.

Material : metal
Technique : moulded

Measurements :
length (cm)  24.5
width (cm)  3
length (ins)  9.7
width (ins)  1.2

Creation date/period : 1870-1890
Creation place : England

Object number : 1949.33.52