Boots

Unknown

1865–75 · wool · Costume Institute

By the last quarter of the 19th century, the United States had risen to the world leader in shoe manufacturing technology and production volume. Mechanical advances were recognized as paramount to improved and accelerated production, and were accordingly regarded as a great point of pride for the developing nation. This pair of boots bears a rare paper label on the heel indicating the use of the McKay sole-sewing machine, an important American technological innovation in shoe manufacture. The McKay machine allowed the sole to be machine stitched to the upper, thereby eliminating the laborious and time-consuming task of hand stitching while producing a high quality and flexible shoe. This well-preserved pair of button boots, the standard girl's style for period, exhibits the curved top and straight button fly then in favor.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1865–75

Medium

wool

Culture

American

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; H. Randolph Lever Fund, 1967