Wire Clothes Hanger Value Guide

Invented in 1903 by Albert J. Parkhouse in Jackson, Michigan, these early wire hangers represent a pivotal shift in domestic organization. This specific 1900-1920 example is highly collectible due to its original cardboard branding and intact twine, features rarely preserved over a century.

What Is Wire Clothes Hanger Worth?

The typical price range for Wire Clothes Hanger is $25 - $40 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition and legibility of the cardboard detail, as these fragile components often deteriorate.
• Presence of the original twine, which significantly increases the item's rarity and historical integrity.
• Overall structural stability of the wire, including the absence of excessive rust or bending.
• Historical provenance or specific branding printed on the cardboard element.

How to Identify Wire Clothes Hanger?

• Look for the distinct double-oval wire shape characteristic of Albert J. Parkhouse's original 1903 design.
• Verify the presence of period-correct cardboard inserts used for branding or garment protection.
• Examine the twine for natural fiber aging and authentic wear consistent with the 1900-1920 era.
• Check for the specific gauge of metal wire common to the Timberlake Wire and Novelty Company production.

History of Wire Clothes Hanger

Wire hangers were invented in 1903 by Albert J. Parkhouse, an employee at Timberlake Wire and Novelty Company in Jackson, Michigan. He created it during a fit of frustration from a lack of coat hooks. He bent a piece of wire into two ovals with a hook at the top, and the basic clothes hanger design was born. Early wire hangers like this one often included simple cardboard or paper details for branding or as a slight improvement for garment care.