MADE FOR RHODES, RAWLING & SHAW LTD., CIRCA 1880

This lot is an example of an exhibition or manufacturer's display model. What differentiates this pair from a cruder shop prop is the fact that they are entirely constructed using leather (sole and upper) and are well-tooled, detailed and stylised. They are apparently an accurate, scaled-up model of a British size 42 Balmoral boot, which was the height of Victorian fashion worn by Prince Albert amongst others. It is highly unusual to find a pair such good condition and of this date.
The Clarks Shoe Museum in Somerset have a similar single Victorian boot which is not as finely detailed as this pair.

Rhodes Rawlings and Shaw were retailers and predominantly manufacturers of boots and footwear, with offices in Halifax and Manchester in the North of England.