I'm investigating a cache of four likely mid-19th to late 19th century
shoes concealed between the wall and chimney of a small mid-19th century
home.  I have images, measurements, and descriptions if someone has
expertise in dating shoes. Unfortunately, there is no archaeological
context. The cache was discovered during extensive remodeling February 2013
and came to my attention when they were brought to the local historical
society. Tracing the deed for the property is proving difficult prior to
1916, but we have an idea of the families who used the house.  There are
reports of additional cached shoes in two neighboring houses.

I've found several intriguing articles online about the practice of hiding
shoes in New England, but nothing specific about dating shoes.  We are
considering 'repatriating' them to honor practice so I'd love to have a
better idea of when the shoes were made.

Thanks.

Anne Grulich
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*Four leather shoes*

*Shoe A*:

11" long x 4 ½" wide x 2" high at the heel

Stitched leather upper, 1 shoelace hole on each side, remains of shoelace
present; sole 'pegged' in single row to upper leather. Repaired with hand
sewn leather patch on left front. Flat toe. Heel.

 *Shoe B*:

10" long x 4" wide x 2" high at the heel

Stitched leather upper, 1 shoelace hole on each side; sole stitched to
leather upper inside shoe (not pegged). Rounded toe. No heel.

 *Shoe C*:

8" long x 3 ½" wide x 2 ½" high at heel

Stitched leather upper, 2 shoelace holes on each side, string tied through
holes. Sole 'pegged' in single row to upper leather. Flat toe. No heel.

 *Shoe D*:

6 ½" long x 3" wide x 2" high at heel

Stitched leather upper, 3 shoelace holes on each side; sole 'pegged' in
single row to upper leather. Flat toe. Heel.