Woman's Shoes
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Mary Ledyard
(American, 1735 - 1807)
ShoemakerMade by
Jonathan Hose & Son
(English)
Dateabout 1750-1760
MediumHand-stitched leather, silk brocade, and linen, with silk-covered wooden heel
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth): 4 1/2 x 3 x 9in. (11.4 x 7.6 x 22.9cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Dr. John L. Comstock
Object number1840.3.2a,b
DescriptionShoes of white silk brocade with pink and brown flowers, bound with pale blue silk tape, with a pointed and upturned toe and Louis heel. The two latchets which cross the top of the foot would have been held by a buckle. The tongue is pointed. A white rand edges the vamp of the shoe, around the sole. The leather sole is continuous over the front of the heel. The silk is lined with plain-woven linen. The soles are straight.
Label TextHigh-style women's dress shoes, of white silk brocaded with pink and brown flowers, originally belonging to Mary Ledyard (1735-1807) of Groton and Hartford, Connecticut. Mary Ledyard's brother was Colonel William Ledyard, who was killed at the Battle of Fort Griswold on 6 September 1781. She married Colonel Thomas Seymour (1735-1829), the first mayor of Hartford. The shoes have leather soles, pointed and upturned toes, Louis heels, and a paper label, "Made by / JNo. HOSE & SON / At the Rose in / Cheapside near / Milk Street. LONDON."
NotesHistorical Note: Mary Ledyard Seymour's brother, Colonel William Ledyard, was the commanding officer of the American troops at the Battle of Fort Griswold in Groton, Connecticut. He was killed during the battle, on 6 September 1781.Status
Not on view