The Year Was 1912...actual historical film footage.

Luxurious Antique Edwardian Supple Suede Boots

Supple, soft chocolate colored suede leather....

The boots date to the Edwardian through the extended Titanic era time lines, circa 1909-1912.

At first glance, the boots appear as though they were never used, but their soles are gently worn from either a dance floor or at home wear. 

In fact, a department store paper label is still attached to one of the soles. Sadly, this is no longer legible.

The boots are, however, labeled on the inside. Alongside inventory numbers, the Lazarus department store logo is stamped upon the wide, supple leather facing. The logo was embossed with genuine gold leaf and this is obvious since it has not tarnished nor changed color over time. The Lazurus logo glistens!

Lazurus was a beloved, elegant department store at Columbus, Ohio. These boots still have the same glamorous appearance now as they once did a over a century ago.

They are calf length in height with hand sewn, suede uppers. The lacings travel through 19 pairs of holes, lined with canvas and the front tongue edges are faced with leather.

The boots are designed with a 3 inch or 7.6 cm spool heel. There is no size measurement marking. The total length of each sole is 11 inches or 28 cm. The widest point across the sole measure 2 5/8 inch or 6.8 cm. The boots are considered quite narrow in width in comparison to shoe sizing today.

The overall condition is outstanding and many people will have a difficult time believing that these boots are indeed antique…until they examine them closely.  Yes, they are quite authentic and at excellent plus condition in our opinion…perhaps even a notch above. 

The laces are slightly discolored and may be cleaned by a professional. The leather is beautifully supple overall. Please refer to the photographs. 

Although the boots might be strong enough to be wearable, we do not recommend this in any way as their value lies in their style as well as ultra fine condition. Certainly, they will be eye-catching for any exhibition or discerning private collection.

Rare Antique Victorian Boots Were Target Marketed to Women Involved with Suffragette Movement

These Victorian boots are shiny, black and look as though they were only worn yesterday. Their brand name, Sorosis, is stamped on the interior of each boot. This label has a documented history indicating that these were styled by the shoe company with the women's suffragette movement entirely in mind.

Suffragettes tended to be fashionable women and used their chic style to attract attention to the women's rights movement. The workmanship is sublime. The soles are in wonderful condition. These boots are over 115 years old and they will certainly delight the eye and inspire the imagination.

The boots have the Sorosis brand name stamped on their interiors. This name was first introduced in 1897 by the company that made them, A.E. Little Shoe Company. The boots date to circa 1898 based on their style, silhouette and the typography used in the company's brand logo.

According to Pam Peterson at the Marblehead Museum and Historical Society at Marblehead, Massachusetts:

"The name "Sorosis" refers to the most successful shoes made by A.E Little Shoe Company, Sorosis shoes for women. The name Sorosis is derived from the ancient Greek word for sisterhood and was also the name of a famous women's suffrage group of the late 19th and early 20th centuries." -- See "Marblehead 101: The Sorosis Farm" To find this, simply Google the name as listed here for an immediate link.

There are 19 pairs of lacing holes, which are made from enameled paint covered metal eyelets. Their total height is 10-1/4 inches or 26 cm. The shaft height is 7-7/8 inches or 20 cm. This measurement begins at the point where the heel is connected to the leather upper at the back of the boot, ending at the top. 

Finally, the approximate length of the sole is 11 inches or 28 cm. The widest part of the sole is 2-3/4 inches or 7 cm.