I don't know how hold it is, and I don't know what it's original story is either unfortunately. It is stamped with 8B which is a ladies shoe size, I wonder when shoe sizes were standarised because that would give a clue as to how old it is along with the actual style. A good old fashioned shoe maker would probably know.
I love word etymology. OE has this to say about it: "shoemaker's block," from Old English læste, from last "track, footprint, trace," http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?allowed_in_frame=0&search=last&searchmode=none
How unusual...
ReplyDeleteIt is isn't it? That's one of the reasons I love it so much.
DeleteWhat an interesting photo, where did you find this?
ReplyDeleteI've had it so long I don't actually remember but I think I picked it up from an antique shop.
DeleteIs it for making shoes? x
ReplyDelete#MySundayPhoto
It sure is. You can't see it so well in the photo but it's hinged in the middle so that it can be removed from a shoe.
DeleteLike this as quirky and makes me want to know more
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad, it was a last minute, desperate 'I need a photo, and it will have to be a still life, what cool thing do I have I can shoot?' decision.
DeleteThis looks quite old, is their a story behind it?
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking up
I don't know how hold it is, and I don't know what it's original story is either unfortunately. It is stamped with 8B which is a ladies shoe size, I wonder when shoe sizes were standarised because that would give a clue as to how old it is along with the actual style. A good old fashioned shoe maker would probably know.
Deleteooh i love this photo. i thought it was a shoe last but then i wasn't sure. but i see that it is. it is a lovely object.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sherry :o) People think I'm strange to have a shoe last as a decorative item - but I love it.
DeleteWhat a clever find. Thanks for linking up to Vintage Beauty!
ReplyDeleteI love the name shoe last. It makes me wonder about the origin of the word.
ReplyDeleteI love word etymology. OE has this to say about it: "shoemaker's block," from Old English læste, from last "track, footprint, trace," http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?allowed_in_frame=0&search=last&searchmode=none
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