Some handles make you wonder whether the object they’re attached to was ever used: they’re almost too beautiful - or fragile - to hold.
In the mid 18th century, porcelain accessories like the fanciful hatted head above were often exchanged as gifts or love-tokens. Here the handle has become a thing of beauty, to be admired rather than held.
Cane handle, Meissener Porzellan Manufaktur, c. 1730 - c. 1735, Rijksmuseum Amsterdam
Would you dare to hold the handles on this delicately carved ivory stacking box?
Stacking box, Kanton, anonymous, c. 1800 - before 1815, Rijksmuseum Amsterdam
Today, look for ornamental handles.
Handles which are impractical but tell great stories.
About the wealth and power of their owner for example. Or about their desire for beauty.
Share your finds using the hashtag #kramerseye on Twitter or Instagram.