51/601

A last, also known as a ‘hobbing foot’, is used by a boot or shoe maker as a model on which to make shoes to fit individual feet. This model is for a fairly small shoe, probably a woman's or a child's. Nothing is known of its origins.

1 last: wood; metal; good condition

MERL 'Catalogue index' card – 'Nothing is known of the origin of this last. It is a model for a fairly small shoe, probably a woman’s or a child’s. A rough round piece of wood with most of the bark still on it forms the leg. The foot is secured to it by an iron spike thrust up into the wood, and a brass band has been slipped over the end to prevent the wood from cracking. // The foot measures 7.75 inches in length and 2.25 inches at its widest point. The leg is 19.5 inches long and 7.25 inches in circumference. // See also 51/181M.', No Lavinia Smith No. recorded., The file includes a hand drawing of the item with dimensions, materials and a cross section. [Added by Tim Jerrome for the Barnett project, 2024]

Wood, Metal

Rippon, Miss Dorothy May Lyddon (Agent)