Antique Edwardian Shoes in Original Box Dated 1907

These amazing, gorgeous shoes are well over 100 years old and were never, ever worn. In fact, they are still in their original box. They are closely dated to 1907-1908 by the maker’s logo and advertising slogan as it appeared in trade & manufacturing reviews. With original box and condition that is no less than mint, this will make a perfect new acquisition for both museums and discerning collectors.

The box is marked that these are “Prince Albert” shoes. A Prince Albert slipper was a formal man’s shoe worn in a black tie formal setting and only worn inside the home as Edwardian etiquette dictated.

It is incredibly rare to to find a pair of unworn shoes in their original box…one that also includes the original tissue wrappings. The shoes are shiny black and beautifully made. They are dated by way of the advertising and marketing campaign that was documented to between 1907 through 1908 by Hamilton Brown Shoe Company at St. Louis and Boston. Their marketing slogan that year was “Watch Us” and “Keep the Quality Up”. This logo was also stamped on the soles of the Hamilton Brown shoes, printed on their boxes and other advertising media as the company attempted to become the largest in the world. More than once historical account states that they reached this goal not long after these shoes were produced.

The shoes are made of fine, supple, polished black leather.  They are lined with linen in the front and

soft leather within the interior of the heel area. The shoes are also marked with the word “maturity” next to the inventory numbers indicating that these would be intended for an older gentleman in style and design. Each sole is stamp with “Hamilton Brown Shoe Co. Watch Us” logo. The inventory markers on the interior read 4 EE73968. The very early elastic band used in their

design is notable. It is marked with Hub Gore. This elastic was created for use in shoe-making and one of the first mentions of its manufacture and usage dates to 1883. The front linen lining is stamped with 640.

There is not an overly obvious indication of left or right shaped sole found with this shoe style, which was not uncommon for this particular design. The length of the sole from toe to heel is 9-1/2 inches or 24.2 cm. The widest point of the sole is 3-1/8 inches or 8 cm. The width at the

slightly squared off toe is 2-1/4 inches or 5.7 cm. The heel of the shoe has internal support. The heel cap height is 2-7/8 inches or 7 cm. 

The box measures approximately 5-3/8 x 12 x 3-1/2 inches or 13.7 x 30.5 x 9 cm. The box is deteriorating due to the acidic nature of the cardboard. 

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.

Edwardian Spats or Spatterdashes Dated to 1901 in Original Box

Imagine popping back into time to go shopping...circa 1901... and coming home to 2014 with a boxed pair of warm, woolen spats complete with the button hook just as originally packaged....

This seems like a dream...but these incredible spatterdashes will make you feel as though you lived it!

They are indeed truly authentic. They are from the Edwardian era and dated to circa 1901 based on style, labeling, the maker's history and even the manufacturing logo on the lid from the box company.

The spatterdashes are in their original box labeled: G.G. Brown's High Grade Perfect Fitting Spats. The color is listed as "Faun." Still stitched together just as they were when offered for sale over 113 years ago...these spats have never, ever been used.
Hand sewn.They are made from a very light olive colored woven wool that has also been felted. The buckled strap and edging is made from soft, supple leather. There are four tortoise shell buttons on each spat and they come with the original metal button hook that was included in the box from G.G. Brown. The box itself is labeled as having been made by the Rhoades Paper Box Company.


The size on the box indicate that the spats will fit a size 11. We have measured and researched these sizing conversions from this era compared to ours, and can only offer that there is no comparison.  The height of the spats on the inside is 4 3/4 inches or 12 cm. The length at the longest point is 9 1/2 inches or 24 cm. 

Certainly, the value of these is due to their unworn condition and that they remain in their original packaging with original button hook. There is, luckily, no damage from moths nor acidic discolorations due to the packaging. This is simply a glorious find that will truly be appreciated by both curators and discerning private collectors. 

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.