#2342 $1,450
Child's Berlin woolwork slippers, c.1840
Berlin woolwork or needlepoint, as it is called today, was often used to fashion slippers in the mid 19th century. After a lady completed her needlework design for the uppers, she took it to a shoemaker to be attached to soles and then lined.
This pair is lined with red hand-quilted silk for warmth. The upper edges are trimmed with bottle-green silk ribbon that forms bows in front. The leather soles have almost flat slip heels inserted.
The slippers are thought to be American, although there is no provenance. The artless simplicity of the embroidered design is a delight to the sophisticated modern eye.
The condition is almost excellent. There are a few small worn spots in the needlework. The soles look barely worn.
The slippers are 5 1/4" long.
