Rubber boots with buckles are in the 1897 (repro) Sears catalog. On the other hand, while both it and the 1900 edition list some work boots, none have speed lacers.

Robert

----- Original Message -----
From: Cranmer, Leon [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 3/23/2006 10:13:21 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: rubber boot hooks

> Hi All,
> 
> Does anyone have any information on when hooks for rubber boots were
> introduced?  The kind I mean consist of a metal hook with a series of
> rectangular holes in it, and the other side of the hook has a metal tongue
> that goes through one of the rectangular holes and folds over, locking and
> tightening the hook. There is plenty of info on shoes and boots, but nothing
> is usually mentioned about the hardware.  Sometime ago I was trying to find
> info on the hooks found on work and hiking boots that I call speed hooks or
> speed laces - but nothing!
> Thanks,
> Lee Cranmer
> Historical Archaeologist
> Maine Historic Preservation Commission