Meaning of shanker

[Shortfuse]

Hi All
Hoping somebody has an idea what a "shanker" did, Its down under Occupation on a 1851 Census.

My wife tells me many years ago when working as a machinist she used to "shank" buttons on to coats etc and

I'm hoping this is the same type of work as the person I'm looking for ended up working as a taylor. I've tried

several lists for old occupations but unable to find any information

regards to all sf

[carlineric]

You are probably correct in thinking he was employed putting shanks on buttons. Shanker according to the 1920 Census Occupations Dictionary is used in many different industries - shanker, button; shanker (clog soles); shanker (coal mining); shanker (fish hooks); shanker (harness furniture) shanker (piano hammers); shanker (scissors and hand shears); shanker (wrough nails).

Eric

[Shortfuse]

Many thanks Eric , I was unable to find it in any of the lists I checked

regards sf