Anyone know what these tiny metal things attached to cotton handkerchiefs are?

[rileynexttime]

I picked up some handkerchiefs in a charity shop. They had these little metal tags attached and I wondered what their purpose could have been.
Any ideas?

[Smartiepants79]

I can’t really visualise what you mean. Picture?

[rileynexttime]

Whoops

[tobee]

Would clip onto something to stop you losing them? Or are they not handkerchiefs at all?

[MrsDanversGlidesAgain]

Were they at the corners? the 'hankies' could be food covers with weights to stop them blowing off.

[CaptainMyCaptain]

I've never seen those on cloth hankies.

[rileynexttime]

I don't think they're large enough for food covers and they are on only one corner.
As said , perhaps they clipped on to something

[MBappse]

I think it's a napkin. And those are decorative metal bits.

[rileynexttime]

A napkin. Could be , especially since they have flower things on them which have loose petals. Not ideal for blowing one's nose.

[Breathmiller]

I think these may be to cover your milk jug with? My granny didn't have a fridge in her kitchen and kept a jug of milk with a weighted cloth like that on top.

[tuvamoodyson]

I think that’s a placemat, the loose petal is where you’d put the matching napkin in (you’d make it into a point to slip into the hole) my mother had these, bought in Spain many years ago!

[rileynexttime]

Ah, another possibility...
Though my mum's jug covers were crochet and had beads all round the edge.

[rileynexttime]

@tuvamoodyson there isn't actually a hole , the flowers are only attached in the middle with loose petals .IYSWIM

[isthismylifenow]

That is gorgeous.

I think it's a serviette too. Did you find a set of them?

Wild guess, but perhaps the little clips matched the cutlery, or something else used in the table?

[tuvamoodyson]

Oh! Right…🤷‍♀️ sorry! Can’t help.

[Feduperika]

I think those are tags on vintage Madeira embroidered linens, Gremio tags. I have some but this is a link to some on Etsy. Your flowers look like Madeira work too https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1478423881/pair-of-unusedvintage-madeira-linen-hand?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=madeira+gremio+tag&ref=sr_gallery-1-4&organic_search_click=1

[Feduperika]

Oh and if yours are rectangles about 30cm by 40cm then they are guest hand towels

[Feduperika]

I guessed looking at mine, maybe a bit longer than 40 cm

[rileynexttime]

Good heavens , yes that's the same tag.
Is it just to identify them ?
Mine are 30 cm square .
I only picked them up in a charity shop so not a big investment.
Do you collect that kind of thing ?
I'd be happy to post them on to you if they are something you like .
I don't want anything for them.
It would be nice for them to go to someone who appreciates them.

[Feduperika]

That is very kind but I have enough thank you. Sometimes I put some of the towels out but guests are rarely brave enough to use them. Sounds like yours are hankies though. Glad to have solved the mystery.

[Breathmiller]

@rileynexttime

Ah, another possibility...
Though my mum's jug covers were crochet and had beads all round the edge.

Ah yes, you're right. It had beads all round. And was round now that i think of it

[rileynexttime]

Thank you everyone for sharing ideas . @tuvamoodyson I think you were close with your suggestion , Spain / Madeira!
And @Feduperika I can't get over the fact that someone knew what they were.
Amazing .
.