The Scottish Mountain Heritage Collection
1649.2022.1
Wristlets
07/04/2022
Hermione Cooper
07/04/2022
2 pairs of woollen wristlets with cotton bindings. 3 finger holes on each one.
Wool, cotton
32(L) x8(W) cms
2 pairs
cream
“ The wristlet is issued for the protection of the wrist. It may be worn with any of the gloves and mitts and is a most efficient item. Remember that a really warm wrist, palm and back of the hand is essential if the fingers are to have a chance of being kept warm”
Extract from the Royal Marines Handbook on Mountain And Arctic Warfare (1972)
Wristlets are indeed an excellent item using the simple principal of getting warm blood down through the arm and wrist to keep the fingers warm; a principal that many mountaineers and ice climbers would do well to adopt.
Wristlets help reduce the risk of frostbite and can be used in the treatment of it in remote areas. They can also help with Reynaud’s Syndrome, a problem that causes decreased blood flow to the fingers.
“ She dights her grunzie wi’ a hushion.”
The words of Rabbie Burns suggesting that Willie Wastle’s wife had wiped her face with a hushion.
Seems a hushion could be a footless stocking or sometimes the sleeve of an old jumper or stocking worn on the arms and pulled down over the wrist to keep the fingers warm.
07/04/2022
07/04/2022
Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007
07/04/2022