These have the original uncut silk ribbons. These shoes are called Straights because there is no left or right foot. Obviously when worn a few times the foot would shape the soft leather, but this has not yet happened to this pair. I am including a single linen shoe bag with these shoes, a very rare item.
These have come by direct descent from the family of Samuel Bagster the elder (1772-1851) and, more particularly, his wife Eunice Bagster (1777-1877). They had two sons, but no daughters.
Samuel Bagster was a publisher and author whose name became synonymous with Bagster bibles. He published numerous different editions of polyglot bibles with new notes and references. He presented bibles to King George IV, King William IV and Queen Victoria, who honoured him for his compilation of ‘Bagster’s Comprehensive Bible’. He died at his home at Old Windsor, Berkshire, on 28 March 1851, his wife Eunice (nee Birch) surviving him by some twenty-six years, dying on the eve of her 100th birthday. Queen Victoria certainly knew Eunice Bagster and the Royal Collection has a photograph of her, taken on her 99th birthday (23 August 1876) which was acquired by Queen Victoria. Family legend has it that Queen Victoria also visited Eunice Bagster the day before Eunice’s 100th birthday with some flowers, knelt by Eunice’s bedside and was blessed by her. Sadly, Eunice died that night, but family legend relates that the flowers left by Queen Victoria were used at the ensuing funeral.
Plain with rounded toes, edged with black ribbon, long tieing ribbons, lined with soft kid, the soles of leather, toe to back 9 in; 23 cm.
The coarse linen shoe bag fastened with a Dorset button.
Hardly worn. Very good condtiion. Just a little wear to the leather sole.
Footwear by Alan and Vanessa Hopkins p 55
All images and text © meg-andrews.com 2021
