#6195 $1,100
Gentleman's embroidered velvet/leather shoes, c.1850-1860
Decorated men's shoes are a hard-to-find treat for the serious collector. The shoes combine hand-embroidered ornamentation with utilitarian construction. What is most striking is the delightful decoration on such sturdy practical shoes, truly a celebration of individual craftsmanship and design. In the 1880s, this is just what William Morris, the founder of the Arts and Crafts Movement, described as the goal of the decorative arts.
The latchet-tie closure, a carry-over from the 18th century, remained in style throughout the first half of the 19th century. See p. 185 of Women's Shoes in America, 1795-1930 by Nancy Rexford for a line drawing of a pair of men's shoes with similar shape, heels, and latchet closure (patented in 1860).
The shoes are fashioned from brown leather with contrasting tan velvet toes. The toes are hand-embroidered with flower sprays of chenille and silk floss. The soles and stacked heels are leather. The shoes close with one-eyelet latchet ties—the ribbon ties are original.
The shoes, which came from a private collection, have no known provenance.
The condition is almost excellent. The shoes show minor scuffing and general wear, as well as one missing inner sole.
The shoes are 11 1/4" long.
