Zippade is a device from the 1950s, made in Liverpool, that was created to help women do up awkward zips on the backs of their dresses. It works by hooking the device onto a zip before putting it on and pulling the fastener up using the attached cord.
Fairly ingenious at first glance, and I considered buying one on eBay earlier in the week. On closer inspection, however, it does seem to be nothing more than a hook with a piece of string attached – something that even the most DIY-challenged person could make at home. So I chose function over fetish, for once.
I wonder how much these went for at the time? The one I saw on eBay went for a couple of quid, but RetroOnTheNet have it listed for £10.