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Subiaco Museum > Records

SHOE STRETCHERS: WOODEN

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Overview

(a) Left foot of a pair of varnished wooden shoe stretchers. The front part and half of the ankle are joined by means of a wooden tenon. The other half of the ankle plus the heel form a separate piece which fits into the front piece by means of a groove and tongue. A wedge of wood, similarly grooved, with a handle at the top completes the stretcher. By gradually forcing the wedge between the other two pieces of the last tight boots and shoes could be stretched. The last without the wedge was also used to help boots and shoes retain their shape when not worn. Pieces of leather/rubber(?) are tacked on at the left side of the last, presumably at the point where the owner's foot was wider than average or perhaps to accommodate corns. Size '8' is stamped on top and 'L' nearby on the left side.
(b) The right foot is identical to the left, except for the fact that there are pieces of leather/rubber tacked onto the right side, as well as above the length of the big toe. The heel piece has a '4' stamped on top and does not fit the rest of the last. The wedge also does not fit properly into the grooves of the other parts.

Details

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-43-1993.4a-f

Item type

Material

Keywords

COSTUME ACCESSORIES

Household Effects

Photographed 2023

Statement of significance

Unknown.

Subiaco Museum

Subiaco Museum

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