For the Susan Bates Crochet Hook Collector

So the Susan Bates hook lovers do not feel left out this blog is dedicated to Susan Bates vintage hooks. And if you are lucky, you might run across a vintage Susan Bates store display case to house some of your hooks.

The C. J. Bates Company started out making bone hooks. Sometimes referred to as Ice Cream Cone hooks because of their shape, these bone hooks are not too difficult to find. However, what is almost impossible to find are hooks in pristine condition like the ones in this picture.

Clipson hooks are also collector items. There are two kinds, one with the metal clip and later ones with a plastic clip.

Some other vintage Bates hooks…

1. Anchor Crochet Hook …steelite crochet hook in a handle.
2. Quicksilver … the Susan Bates version of the Teflon coated crochet hook.
3. Early Plastic … pre in-line plastic hook.

And last but not least...early plastic afghan hooks.

As you can see from this sampling, there is enough variety of vintage made in the USA Susan Bates crochet hooks to keep a collector looking for a long time.

Rare Size 15 Boye Crochet Hook

In my research on crochet hooks I came across a reference to Boye introducing a size 15 crochet hook in late 1924. About 5 years ago, I finally found one.

Then, yesterday I was sorting through some hooks I bought on eBay a couple of years ago. If I hadn't procrastinated so long, I would have discovered that buried with the hooks was another size 15 Boye hook. This one has markings indicating it was made after 1925.

In your search for hooks to add to your collection, see if you can find one of the rare Boye size 15 hooks.

Difference Between Vintage and New Susan Bates Inline Hooks

I have had several people question the differences in vintage inline Susan Bates hooks and the new ones made in Mexico. Soooo...I am going to attempt an explanation .

The difference is more evident in the steel hooks.

The top hook is the made in Mexico hook, the middle is made in Japan and bottom is made in the USA. The USA one has a shorter shank and flatter throat than the other two. The others have more of a scoop for the hook than the classic inline shape of the USA hook.

Aluminum hooks...

are very similar (top is USA) (bottom is made in Mexico). The one made is Mexico has a more pointed head and the throat is not quite as flat. Also the throat on the one made is Mexico is a little shorter than the USA hook and though it doesn't show on the picture there is more space for the yarn in the USA hook.