VG Antique c.1830-50 Wood & Original Leather Child Shoe Cobbler Last/Form, 7.25"

Description

VG Antique Wood & Leather Child Boot Cobbler's Shoe last or form, measuring 2.5" wide across the toe box, 7.25" in length, 3"h. This is a very old shoe last, research places it between 1830-1850.
Gorgeous multiple number and letter die demarcations on top, side and front.
There is no expansion mechanism, nor is it pieced, and this is a definitive right sided shoe form; straight forms (no left nor right) were for the masses until late 1860 when machining paved the way for left and right shoes for the rest of the populace. This was most probably a bespoke custom form used by a cordwainer for one individual, measured to specifications, with a left and right. It is extremely rare to find the original leather on a form, particularly given the age as mid 1800s.
Tiny tooling marks and tack punctures weave a story of the cobbler's craft. The steel forged footbed is in very good condition, with all nails still intact, and even the cork cushions remain in each of the three holes in the bottom; again, a very rare aspect in such an old form. The wood is hardwood to withstand tacking; cherry with lovely graining.
This is delicate, and often was pulled off or rotted over the years, or was simply not present for the makers of less supple leather shoes, which also lends an authentic aura to the this lovely object. There is a '1' and '28' below it on the neck, 'B2' on front above leather, and a '21' on the interior left side of the mold.
One can only imagine what amazing shoes must have come from this form.
This item is being sold as a collectible, as is, in very good antique condition. The condition statement is our opinion based on comparables research.
We do our very best to describe items in detail or provide detailed photos. These items have been carefully researched, often with professional feedback from reliable sources, but have not been inspected by a professional evaluator unless otherwise stated. The photos are part of the description, so please carefully review them. Feel free to ask us for additional information if you need it before you bid on or purchase our items.  We meticulously document and pack each item to assure protected travel to you.
This item will be shipped with a silica packet for the leather's protection; keep away from children and pets.
And thank you.
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Shipped with USPS First Class Package.