In the 18th and 19th century fastenings on undergarments and boots would always have been buttoned. The buttons on shoes and boots at this time were dome shaped and a hook would be needed in order to thread the button through the hole with ease. Undergarments usually had small mother of pearl buttons, again a button hook would make it easier to thread through the hole.

Gentleman's folding boot pull and button hook combined. This would have been an important part of a gentleman's traveling kit. One end would be used to aid the pulling up of gentlemen's boots, the smaller hook would aid the buttoning of gloves and footwear. Made polished steel.