posted on January 18, 2003 02:39:00 PM new
Here is my latest perplexion. (See what happens when I hobble around the house and dont go to work???) My 85 year old neighbor was given this as a present over 40 years ago as an antique. she said that it was some kind of a form they used either to sell shoes or make them. That is during the time when women wore button up shoes. She said she has been using it for a door stop all these years and didnt want it any more. She gave it to me. It is VERY heavy. On the bottom, you can see the rust, so I am assuming it is made of iron. I have tried to list the fotos below. I hope you all don't mind if I listed the fotos here instead of the link. I thought it would be easier. Only me, this only happens to me, I am sure. Any thoughts are appreciated.(Of course, you all knew that anyway)
posted on January 18, 2003 02:53:44 PM new
It looks like a shoe or boot last. I think it would make a neat store display item or as you said, a doorstop.
I've never seen one that old before. The only one I see on ebay is this one and yours is much more interesting.
posted on January 18, 2003 02:57:38 PM new
Kiara, I don't mean to sound stupid but what is a shoe last?
Never mind, I just looked at the auction that you put up the link to. Thanks so much. Any thoughts on how much it should go for?
[ edited by paloma91 on Jan 18, 2003 02:59 PM ]
posted on January 18, 2003 05:51:21 PM new
I have no idea what this would go for. You could put the history as you know it in the description along with the date.
Describe it as a high top button boot or shoe.
You could also add that it makes a good door stop. Maybe someone else will know more about it. Good luck with it.
posted on January 19, 2003 12:01:28 AM new
I am bumping this up. Thanks again Kiara for all of your valuable info.I am hoping that some experts might be able to shed some more light on this.
posted on January 19, 2003 05:56:22 AM new
I think it could be something displayed in a store or even on a sign in front. Maybe a shoe repair place. If it were a last I don't think it would have the button area showing like that. The last was mainly for the bottom of the shoe, gave stability while the sole was fastened to the upper section. The top part with the buttons would have been cut from a pattern and stitched on. This is probably better than a last and I would put something about advertising in the title.
posted on January 19, 2003 09:24:50 AM new
Where it shows the buttons and the design, are those parts indented on it? If so they would perhaps wrap the leather around it and form the design that way so it would be a mold as well as a shoe last.
Is it hollow or solid? If it is open inside it would also make a neat container to hold dried flowers or something else.
Look closely and see if there is a number on it to designate shoe size.
posted on January 19, 2003 10:02:53 AM new
Gee, thanks so much everyone! The bottom is hollow except for the heel. There is no indent on design. Looks like it is painted on. The inside is painted black. The only rust showing is on the heel. I don't know if you can see it from the fotos but, On the top near the ankle, on each side of the shoe, left and right, there are two holes about 1/2 of an inch or so. I can't see how they would display this outside. It would rust.
