Shoe
Date1760-1775
Artist/Maker
Gresham
MediumSilk (upper, binding), linen (vamp lining), leather (sole, quarter lining), wood (heel)
DimensionsLength: 9" Heel height: 2 5/8"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1957-148,2
DescriptionWoman's shoe, one of a pair, of dark green silk satin. Shoes are made with oval toes, medium-wide curved heels 2 5/8 inches tall, with natural linen stitching. A pair of latchets (straps) across the instep are intended for buckles (missing). Edges are bound with matching 3/8-inch silk ribbon. White kidskin quarters lining and natural linen vamp lining. Printed paper label of John Gresham is intact in the insole of shoe #2; the label measures approximately 1 3/8" x 1 5/8", and is printed with the words "Gresham's At the Crown/ Tavistock Street/ Covent Garden/ London."
Construction History:
1. c. 1770: Initial Construction
Label TextSome women's shoes apparently came in standard sizes. Several Virginians ordered shoes for their wives, referring to "Fives," or "Small 5." According to an order placed by George Washington to Robert Cary and Company, September 20, 1759, Martha Washington wore "the Smallest fives" (published in Writings of Washington II, p. 331). This silk satin shoe has the words "Small 6" inked on the interior. The shoe corresponds roughly to a modern size 6.
MarkingsGresham's label in one shoe. " Small 6" in ink under tongue
ProvenanceSaid to have descended in the family of the donor, Mrs. J. E. Hamm, of Baltimore. A 1957 letter from Mr. John Hamm, Jr. states "These shoes were owned and worn by my wife's great-great grandmother, Mrs. Henry Loudon Davies--(Catherine)--mother of Parson Clay. The shoes were made in London--1735." Paper labels accompanying the shoes read "Shoes worn by Mrs. Henry Loudon Davies 1735" and "These shoes were made in 1735 and were my Father's Grandmother's a Mrs. Davies. Catharine Davies wife of Nicholas Davies." The shoes actually date to the period around 1770.
