Sunday 5 January 2014

THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR ?

 
I bought these little antique pottery boots recently. I've had similar pairs before and I love them, the trouble is, I'm not completely certain what they were used for.

Seasonal vases?
 
 Useful pen holders?
 
 
They were made by Maw, Son & Sons, manufacturers of pharmaceutical instruments and useful, everyday china objects for those of a delicate constitution - invalid feeding cups, tooth paste pots, bed pans, inhalers for use with steam to clear the "tubes"...
 
 
...so I think they may have been used, filled with hot water, to warm a baby's bootees or shoes before taking the poor mite into the dangerous, winter world outside. What do you think?
 
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16 comments:

  1. Ha ~ I love the idea that they might have been used to warm socks. Maybe they would just look nice with a small collection of other Maw, Sons & Son items.

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    Replies
    1. OR - maybe a collection of shoes & boots - more to my taste than pharmaceutical items!

      Delete
  2. They are the sweetest little boots nilly, I like the sock warming idea for tiny toes!!

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    Replies
    1. I think that is what most people think they are. There's nothing like keeping baby comfy for a peaceful life!

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  3. My husband David Hoexter is the editor of the Advertising Category of the Transferware Collectors Club Pattern and Source Print Database. He has entered a few pot lids made for S. Maw, Son & Sons. He wondered if the boots were used as packaging for some type of unguent. They probably had paper labels which have been lost (not unusual).

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    Replies
    1. That's possible, though I've never found any with a trace of a label. Thank you for this idea!

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  4. You have come up with a very unique idea for these cute little feet Nilly which is hard to better.

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    Replies
    1. Most people in Antiques-land agree with me, but you never know!

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  5. Lovely!! Sock warmers!!! They should do adulit sizes!!

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    Replies
    1. Well they did make larger boot-shape ones with stoppers. These were bottles for spirits to warm other parts!

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  6. Don't think it matters what original - and probably mundane - use they were put to, Nilly. Your ideas make these cute boots deeply desirable. You should be in advertising! Axxx

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    Replies
    1. No! no! I'm hopeless at selling things - really!

      Delete
  7. If I had to guess it would be for paper taper holders or long matches, but the little sock warmers are a much more interesting idea. x

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    Replies
    1. I think that would be a good use - vases too.

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  8. http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/full/325232153.jpg

    have a look at this great little item

    ReplyDelete
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