1910s Black leather boots
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1910-1920 A pair of black leather boots.
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The sole of the right boot
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The back of the boots showing the short backstrap on the seam
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The toe of the right boot
Description
They are laced up the front and are in a style called balmorals; the vamp and quarters are all one piece, with a seam at the centre back, and there is a separate toe-cap. The back seam of the latchets has a short backstrap top-stitched on above the seam with the quarters, to strengthen it; this is 2" long and 1" wide narrowing to ¾" at the top where the end is mitred.
The seam round the top of the vamp has a row of punched holes, as does the seam of the toe-cap.
The latchets have 18 pairs of black metal eyelets at the front for lacing over the black leather tongue, but the laces here may not be original.
The soles are black leather, with replacement leather nailed on as a repair, and these show much wear. The 2" high cuban heels are black stacked leather, and also show signs of wear.
The boots have a lining of natural cotton, with a black leather facings, 1¼" deep inside the tops, and ⅞" wide behind the lacing holes.
Contemporary illustrations
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Detail from an advertisement in The Draper and Drapery Times, September 1911
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Alice Fincham with her daughter, Jessie, 1917
History
Balmorals were a style popularised by Queen Victoria, who wore them while staying at her Scottish castle, Balmoral.
Contemporary items
More boots from the Hopkins Collection can be seen in Footwear, published by The School of Historical Dress and available from the Hopkins Costume Trust bookshop.