17th Century Bone Shoe Horn

An early shoe horn, dating from the end of the 17th century or beginnings of the 18th century, the grip end finished as a feather or shell; probably made from ox bone.

7 inches long.

From the latter part of the 16th century the appearance of the legs and feet of the fashionably attired became important indicators of the wearer’s status.

Stockings were made fine and expensive and the production of shoes attained new heights, the leather now being made soft and supple allowing for a tight fit without damaging the hose. Thus came the rise of the shoe horn, a necessary development to assist in the putting on of these otherwise difficult shoes, initially of course made simply from horn, the design soon developed to be made from wood, brass, or as in this case, bone.

Price

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

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