PAIR OF BOOTS, Convict

Thick black leather. Stitched across front and at ankle. High to back of ankle. Laces up front. Marked with 'upwards arrow' on ankles and 'downwards arrow' on sole. Has rows of thick nails around sole and metal reinforced heels.

Information supplied by June Swann, world authority on historic shoes visiting from UK, during her inspection of shoe collection 18th October 1993.
Probably 1850s-60s. Boots - since on one side. Interesting that there's hob-nailing under arch - probably for pushing spade etc into foot at this point. But usually something was used to protect the boot in this labour, so this is unusual. Hobnails are in single arrow patterns, pointed forward, on each foot. also run around edges on sole.
Technically a bleacher (one piece back) - 7 pair punched holes for laces. Tongues made of such cheap leather they're mostly broken off and are missing. Quarters overlap the ramp. This was more common in 1850s-60s. Shallow toe; would have been tight across the top of the foot (throat) .Perhaps why never worn or only when inside rather than outdoors. Uncomfortable.
Probably not earlier than 1850s - squared toe. Not right and left - may have been shortage of lasts. In England however, virtually rights and lefts 1850s-60s.
'A very important pair of boots.'
Hole at centre back is to tie the pairs together.
Probably 1850s - may have been as late as 1860s, if an old-fashioned teacher was employed. Leather type consistent with that date.
Needs light British Museum leather dressing; white moist, push shape into heals and toes to set shape better.

Hand-stiched - 1 thread, not blacked and waterproofed. 2 rows of stitching at side seam. 3 rows at throat coarse stitching - probably not a sample - 2 would not have been made. Clumsy work.
Very tough hard stiffener, and not tapered, so would have curled andfelt uncomfortable with foot in boot. Sole lifters - same material as sole proper - unusual/ chequer material usually used. Therefore the maker was probably in prison - no need to worry about economics in same way. Unwaxed cow hide - the shiny side inside.

Department: 

Collection

History Collection

Collection Item Data