My feeling is that these are male because of the colour, the width of the calves and the larger design. Men and women wore bright coloured stockings in the 18th century.
Knitted as flat pieces on a stocking frame, the back seam was butted and sewn with whipstitches. The soles were knitted seperately.* The decoration was also knitted into the stockings and is called plating.
What a dandy. Worn with breeches these would have been very visable.
The pair of dark green/blue silk, frame knitted in stockinette stitch with bold cream clocks, the back seam hand sewn, the welts with a channel for tapes (missing)
Heel to top 23 1/2 in; 60 cm
Foot 8 1/2 in; 22 cm long
Calf 5 in; 13 cm
Very very good. The cream area from the sole of the foot upwards is slightly grubby on each. On the folds at the backs, the colour is slightly blue.
*Costume Close Up. Clothing Construction and Pattern 1750-1790, p 75 Linda Baumgarten & John Watson with Florine Carr
Socks & Stockings by Jeremy Farrell
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