Strap hanger

© Transport for London
Collection of London Transport Museum
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Sample rubber and bakelite strap hanger with label for London Electric Railways stock

Hold on tight : Early straps on Underground trains were made of leather. In the 1930s, sturdier bulb handles of metal and bakelite plastic were introduced.

Their strength had other uses. In the Second World War grab handles were issued to commando troops for use as coshes.

By the 1990s, grab handles were even being used to advertise everything from deodorants to chocolate eggs. In new and refurbished trains they have now been replaced with fixed bars and floor-to-ceiling poles.

Dimensions: Width: 108mm, Height: 100mm

Reference number: 2002/19144

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See this object and other related objects from within the Travelling Underground gallery