While cleaning my old house, I came upon these items, which seem familiar to me.

Industrial Revolution: introduced stronger materials like brass and steel, improving longevity.

19th–20th centuries: saw the rise of plastic and synthetic materials, making shoe horns cheaper and widely available.

Some versions became luxury items, made from silver and decorated with intricate designs, turning a practical tool into a status symbol or collectible.

How to Use a Shoe Horn Properly
Using a shoe horn is straightforward, but doing it correctly helps your shoes last longer.

Basic steps:

Place the shoe horn against the inside back of the shoe, at the heel.
Slide your heel down along the curved surface.
Once your foot is in, remove the shoe horn gently.
When shoe horns are most helpful:

Shoes with stiff backs or narrow openings
Dress shoes that you want to keep looking sharp
Anyone trying to reduce wear and tear on everyday footwear