Shoe
Date1730-1750
OriginEurope
MediumBrown leather
DimensionsLength: 5 3/4"; Width: 2 1/4"; Height: 2 1/4"; Heel Height: 3/4"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1985-235,2
DescriptionMiniature shoe for a child. The shoes are constructed of scuffed and worn leather, originally dark brown in color and stitched with white thread. The shoes have pointed, upturned toes, a brown rand, and straps for buckling over a low, mishapen tongue. Tongue may have originally been squared, or intended to be square, but was altered after the fact. The latchets are slightly more narrow than is typical and have ends that are not symmetrical. One latchet has a flat edge and the other has the beginnings of a flat edge and then a missing corner, likely from the corner of the end being cut away. The interior is unlined. The shoes were made on a straight last, with no differentiation between right and left. The heels are low and leather-covered with a wood structure at the interior. Circular closing stamps with a crosshatch pattern are evident at the bottom near the toe and arch of the sole. The shoe accompanying shoe #2, although similar, is not a matched pair.Construction History:
1. 1730-1750: Initially constructed. The cut to the corner of one latchet may have been a period occurence or was altered well after the construction date.
2. It is possible that the tongue of this shoe was originally intended to be square but was cut down after its construction. The top now has a shallow piece cut out of the top and the two sides appear straight rather than flared to be wider at the top.
