BOOT OR WALKING SHOE

Found under the Sunday Times building by pest exterminators. Black wi pointed toe, button up at side with ten buttons and scalloped effect on button loops. Shaped for the left foot. Slightly waved shape across top which exten well above the ankle . DRAFT TEXT FOR "YOUR MUSEUM" ARTICLE 9.2.78 There are a number of features that indicate tha the shoe is in the style worn during the 1880's. The shoe is made of black leather with pointed toes which were in fashion at this time. The button up style and the scalloped effect of the button loops are an important fashion feature. In the last decade of the nineteenth century, walking shoes extended higher up the leg and had up to sixteen buttons along the side, this shoe has ten buttons dating it a little earlier. Another interesting factor is that it is shaped for the left foot; a difference in construction for left and right foot shapes was not introduced until the 1870's. The height and shape of the heel would have given further information but, unfortunately, this is missing.

Further information: supplied by June Swann, world authority on historic shoes visiting from UK, during her inspection of shoe collection 18th October 1993.
'This is a left boot not a shoe (no accession sheet found for it). Requires conservation - mould inside, due to being cleaned with water by conservation. 10 button boot, with sharply pointed toe. Patent leather cap. Has lost medium high heel. Sole: seam stitches burst. Was too narrow for wearer. wearer has walked on upper and has worn through at bunion joint. Heel cut off; has walked in it flat. C. 1890. Was well made - very fine stitching. Machine-stitched. '

Department: 

Collection

History Collection

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