Ottawa Moccasins #043
These moccasins are unusually shaped and utilize three piece construction of pale, natural leather. There are tufts of rabbit fur on the toes of the shoes. The moccasins are pieced together with a tight machine sewn stitch.
They were purchased in Ottawa, Ontario in Canada and given to Lillian P Wood as a gift by Dr. and Mrs. Carl Lamb, her family friends. Purchased in the early 1940s. These are authentic miniature moccasins made for souvenirs by the Native Tribes.
Measurements for a single moccasin are 2 1/2″ in length, 1″ in height and 3/4″ in width. There are lined with cotton material.
These miniatures are 70 years old and in very good condition. They are well made, but the leather has discolored due to exposure and age.
Information obtained from personal papers.
Native American Moccasins #042
These cream colored moccasins with gray rabbit fur on the uppers. Simple scalloped bead work around the openings and at the base of the front flap. A ten bead cross is on each vamp. The beads are multi-colored and glass.
These shoes were purchased at the Rockefeller Center in New York City in 1944. They were given to Lillian P Wood by daughters from a train trip they took to NYC. The two girls, aged 18 and 22, were invited to NYC to attend a Ships’ Ball at the Hotel Astoria. According to private papers, the daughters were in a train car loaded with servicemen and so they took turns sleeping throughout the trip.
The moccasins each measure 3″ long x 7/8″ wide x 1 1/2″ high. They were made by Native Americans as souvenirs.
Unknown purchase price and origin. Estimated collector’s value is $25.00 to $35.00.
Native American Moccasins #041
This intricately beaded pair of baby moccasins from the Oglala Tribe Sioux in Pine Ridge, South Dakota was given to Lillian P Wood by Edith Keane. The two women were well acquainted as they were both members and Past Presidents of the Home Extension Services of Adams County in Illinois. The moccasins had been in the Keane family for over 50 years when they were gifted in the 1950s. circa 1880.
There are 17 rows of various colored glass beads on the vamps and tops, and 5 rows of white and brown beads in a pattern of crosses. Each shoe is approximately 3″ long, 1 3/4″ high and 1 1/4″ wide.
These are very fragile but intact, brain-tanned leather except for a 1/4″ tear on the left toe flap. Moccasins were originally tied together with sinew through pierced holes in each of moccasins but is only attached to one shoe now. Moccasins are stuffed with white wool. The shoes are constructed totally of soft leather and are sewn with throngs of hide.
These shoes in their current condition are valued at $120.00 to $150.00. Prices for Native American items at auction including many variations are found at http://www.livingstonandassociates.com/
There is further information about the Oglala Sioux at www.nativeamericans.com/Sioux.htm Information also from private papers and interviews.
Indian Moccasin Tape Measure on Postal Card #003
This shoe was in the original collection of Lillian P. Wood and was a 1959 acquisition, a gift from close friends, Bessie and Winnie Zeman. The Zemans frequently purchased gifts of miniature shoes for the collection.
This is a multi-purpose shoe. The moccasin is attached to a postal card which measures 3 1/8″ by 1 11/16″, and could be sent as is through the United States Post Office. The moccasin is made of very soft, natural color leather and is sewn with red decorative thread. The shoe doubled as a pin cushion and a tape measure. The tape measure is white cotton, retractable and measures to 36 inches with a marking on it – JAPAN. The tape measure is pulled by a metal tab located on the right side of the heel. The pin cushion is extremely dense and covered with a cordedmaterial which has never been used as a pin cushion.
The postal card reads “This can be mailed anywhere as it is without wrapping or folding” PLACE POSTAGE HERE made in Japan. There are spaces for to and from addresses. Lillian Wood wrote “Winnie and Bessie Zeman July 1 – 1959″ on the card. The postage rate to mail this card (and also letters) in the States was 3 cents at that time.
This photograph shows the moccasin slightly larger than it is.
A close-up of the simple hand beading and hand stitching. This moccasin was made in Japan and beads of minimal quality and pattern compared with decorative moccasins hand constructed in the United States.
This is the back of the postal card. It reads INDIAN MOCCASIN TAPE-MEASURE Just pull me out and you will know ~ I’m a tape measure and hold pins to sew.
This type of postal card is unusual, and then to have a miniature shoe attached is extra-ordinary for a collector. I have only seen four of these postal cards in 15 years scouting antique stores, etc. and I do have a second card with an attached cowboy boot. Since the above shoe has a fully functioning retractable tape measure and unused pin cushion, it’s value is estimated between $50 and $65 dollars.
Sorry if it’s not a politically correct shoe. It’s 50 years old. It’s an old thing. It doesn’t know any better. But I do. I apologize now if it offends anyone. That is not the intention of this post.
-
Please
