Shoe
Date1760-1770
Artist/Maker
Hose & Spier
MediumSilk Satin (Exterior); Silk Satin Tape (Edging), Leather (Insole and Outsole); Linen Tabby (Lining); Silk Taffeta (Tongue Lining); Paper (Label)
DimensionsLength: 10"; Height: 4 3/4"; Width: 3"; Heel Height: 2 1/2"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1996-852,1
DescriptionOne of a pair of woman's shoes of cream silk satin zone and quarters trimmed with blue silk. Blue silk covers the heels and forms the latchets, bindings, and seam overlay at the side of the foot. The shoes are made with a slightly pointed toe and as "straights" with no intended distinction between right and left. Latchets over the instep are slightly pointed and shaped and were intended for buckling over the tongue with removable buckles. The heels are high and shaped. Linings consist of linen and leather. A circular paper label remains at the insole of 1996-852, 1. The tongues are low and squared and the lining is a white ground silk tartan with stripes of greens and purples. A dark inked mark, possibly reading 77 inside a geometric shape is inked just below tongue center on the lining. A second, indecipherable mark is inked on the lining in the same manner below the tongue on the left side. Construction History:
1. 1775-1785: Initially Constructed
2. Unknown Date: Tartan silk taffeta possibly added later over a tongue lining of white silk satin.
Label Text
MarkingsCircular paper label reads "Made by / HOSE & SPIER / at the Boot in/ Lombard Street / London." Ink marking in tongue of labelled shoe appears to be "77". Indecipherable ink marking to left side of shoe tongue.
ProvenanceThese shoes were made in London, England, and worn in Maryland by Ringgold family member about 1775 to 1785.
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