{"product_id":"pair-of-french-shoemaker-s-lasts-french-mid-19th-century-circa-1850-1880","title":"Pair of French Shoemaker’s Lasts French, mid-19th century, circa 1850–1880","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn outstanding and highly sculptural pair of 19th-century French shoemaker’s lasts, hand-carved from solid hardwood and retaining their original iron sole plates, removable foreparts, and beautifully worn working surfaces. Gracefully fashioned with long, sharply pointed toes reflecting the fashionable footwear of the period, these handsome forms possess a remarkable sense of movement and elegance that transcends their utilitarian purpose.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCreated as indispensable tools of the master cordonnier, these lasts were used repeatedly in the shaping and construction of finely crafted leather shoes. Their rich, untouched patina bears witness to decades of honest workshop use, while the warm color, smooth hand-worn surfaces, and subtle tool marks transform them into compelling examples of sculptural folk art. Branded with a maker’s trademark in the form of a lozenge enclosing the letter “T”, along with original workshop size markings, they remain wonderfully authentic examples of traditional French craftsmanship.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eToday, antique shoe lasts have become highly sought after for their striking architectural form and timeless aesthetic. Whether displayed on a bookshelf, within a cabinet of curiosities, or as part of a collection of early trade tools and folk art, they possess a quiet elegance that appeals equally to collectors, designers, and lovers of honest craftsmanship.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA beautifully matched pair exhibiting exceptional form, outstanding originality, and the unmistakable charm that only generations of use and careful preservation can impart.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition: Excellent original condition with rich, untouched patina, original iron sole plates secured with period slotted screws, branded maker’s marks, and expected wear consistent with over 150 years of workshop use. A remarkable pair of sculptural trade tools with tremendous decorative and folk art appeal.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Folkism Antiques LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45549832142957,"sku":null,"price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/folkismantiques.com\/products\/pair-of-french-shoemaker-s-lasts-french-mid-19th-century-circa-1850-1880","provider":"Folkism Antiques LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}