Victorian "Watts Patent" Ladies Shoe Stretchers – Lacquered Wood
CHF 95
A beautiful and functional pair of antique shoe stretchers for ladies' footwear, marked with the "Watts Patent" engraving – a well-known Victorian-era innovation for maintaining shoe shape and fit.
Made of solid wood with a now timeworn lacquered finish, the stretchers feature turned handles and mechanical heel adjustment. These large-size stretchers were once essential in well-kept wardrobes, and today they add character to any interior or display.
Origin: England
Artist / Attribution: Watts Patent design, 19th century
Year / Period: Circa 1880s–1890s
Materials:
Hardwood (likely beech or sycamore) with original lacquer and metal spring fittings
Features:
- Early mechanical shoe stretcher design
- "Watts Patent" engraving present (typically on heel section)
- Richly patinated lacquer finish
- Ideal for display in dressing rooms, fashion studios, or as decorative tools
Marks / Signatures:
"Watts Patent", "Ladies Large" (partially visible due to wear)
Condition:
Structurally intact and fully functional. Visible signs of age and wear, including lacquer loss, scratches, and patina – all consistent with use and age.
Measurements:
Length: approx. 22 cm;
Handle height: approx. 22 cm
