Monday, October 24, 2011

18th Century Patten




From the seller:

Rare probably 17th Century Iron and wood Shoe pattern The style of ironwork is very similar to that found on box hinges ect were it splays out like a kite on 17th Century Bible boxes and other furniture. The wood probably either Aldef or Elm. I'm sorry but I only have the one and not a pair how a single survives I do not know.
Length 25 cm, 9 3/4 inches. Total height just under 2 inches. 4.5 cm.
In fact, these pattens are remarkable survivors and would grace any collection of costume and would look wonderful in a period room reconstruction.

Pattens were worn as overshoes. 17th and 18th century shoes were delicate and had thin soles. The 17th century pedestrian would have to contend with unmade roads and cobbled streets which were covered in mud and filth. Pattens raised the wearer up, sometimes up to 10 cms from the ground. This was particularly desirable for women who wore long skirts at that period.

Pattens were made between the medieval period to the early 19th century. The production of pattens was overseen in London by a Guild known as The Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers.

The present pattens are of a type which were made during the later 17th to early 18th century. They consist of a wrought iron ring (similar in principle to a horse shoe) which was attached to a wooden sole - nomally made from alder, willow or poplar.

Pattens were usually discarded when they were worn out. They were made from biodegradable materials - so normally only the ring, or at best the ring and the wooden soles survive.

Condition  Lacking leather tops, one edge remains nailed to the side.

From Me:

I think this is probably 18th Century rather than 17th Century based upon what I've seen of extant 18th c pattens.

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