Speaking of Antiquing – December 2018/January 2019

I have recently acquired a small vintage collection of tiny glass boots, shoes and slippers in varying sizes and colors. While favor for collecting this tchotchke may be waning, it still intrigues. Many people collect them simply in honor of a relative who died, or they remember them from childhood, or they are just pretty in a window.

There are many makers, sizes, shapes, and colors that one may collect merely based on one or more of those reasons. Small colorful glass always looks appealing in a window or display shelf. These small items have been a collector’s item since the late 1700’s when, it is said, England had a Prime Minister in the era of George III, who imposed very heavy taxes. Glass boots were blown as a campaign symbol with the slogan “boot him out.” By the time the Victorian age rolled around with the industrial evolution of mass production, molded glass shoes were a popular whimsey. They became commonplace and very inexpensive.

As time went on the fashion of the boots turned to slippers and were made in France for perfumes or dainty treats. From vanity tables to dining tables, they were placed at each table setting for salt, condiments, or jellies.

Victorian-era colors were blue, amber, crystal, canary yellow, pale green, milk white, and cranberry. As technology in glass making improved, more colors were introduced such as amethyst glass.

To determine an old versus new shoe, the best way is to compare the two side by side. During the American depression in the 1930’s glass quality was diminished creating a dullish thinner shoe. Some shoes and boots may be marked with patent dates and registration numbers which can be traced to determine age and maker.

In many homes, non-useful items were not permitted. The pretty glass shoes were employed to hold thimbles, pins, flowers, rings, and a wide variety of small items. This may be the determining factor with today’s repurposing focus. Many of these beautiful, colorful shoes may be made into pin cushions, planted with a small succulent, used for air plants, you name it. The beauty of the glass is not to be denied and may well be enjoyed for another generation.

For serious collectors who desire to expand their collections, now might be an excellent time to come and peruse the collection. You will have a better knowledge of the age and value of the pretty little things. I am amazed by reading a collector’s guide book from 2001 that some of the very shoes in my collection were valued at over $100. But as collecting whims come and go, trends change, as well. The value is up to you dear collector.

Gift giving season is a fun time to be creative with these little beauties. I will see you in the shop.