Shoe

The silk damask fabric covering this single woman's shoe was woven between 1740-43, which can be identified from the pattern. However, the shoe could have been made some years after the fabric. The upturned, pointed toe is reinforced on the inside to keep the shape while the round 'Louis' heel supported the wearer walking on the high heels. Polishing on the leather sole shows these shoes were made to be worn outdoors. Orginally, a glittering silver-thread braid embellished the shoe. This valuable trim may have been removed to use again, or sold to a fripperer who melted down the metals.