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English Shoes
early 1730's

For similar see: Pratt, Lucy & Woolley, Linda Shoes p 45. Silver-gilt braid became very popular in the 1730's and 40's. They were known as 'laces' and could easily be added to or removed from the shoe to suit the costume or occasion. The braid would match the braid on the stomacher My thanks to Claire Browne, Textiles Department, V & A for supplying the following information. The silk doesn't appear to have any points rentrees, the weaving effect of dovetailed colours that came in in about 1733/4, and was particularly taken up straight away for parts of a design with curved shape like fruit - and your shoe appears to have fruit on the heel - so the silk may be from the very early 30s. They look in fabulous condition.

Cataloguing

of silver gilt woven with pink and coral flowers, green and silver leaves and gold circles, the deep tongue with curving top edge,lined with pale blue finely ribbed silk, the latchets tied with green silk grosgrain ribbons, lined with white kid, the rand of white kid, the straight soles of brown leather, heel to sole 7 3/4 in or19 cm; heel height 2 1/2 in or 6 cm.

Condition

Excellent. There is slight wear to the toes, but I had to use a magnifying glass to see it! The green ribbons are a little dusty. The soles reveal these were well worn shoes. The inside kid is very slightly marked.