Shoe Shop Sign

DateProbably 1920-1940

MediumWood, leather, paper, rubber, paint, and shoelace

DimensionsOverall: 6 1/4 x 6 1/2 x 20 3/4in. (15.9 x 16.5 x 52.7cm)

Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gignilliat

Object number1975.706.1

DescriptionAn over-sized but otherwise credible representation of a saddle oxford shoe made for a right foot, its instep white, its toe and heel black. A real lace is criss-crossed over the tongue and bow-tied at the top. The shoe is built over a wooden form and covered with painted leather with a rubber heel.

Artist unidentified.Label TextSimple everyday objects can be transformed into effective advertising symbols when blown up to incredible proportions. In this case, the shoe's giant scale catches the eye initially, while the mental image of a human foot sized to fit it would have caused passersby to laugh, linger, and, perhaps, enter the shop.
The oxford may have advertised shoe sales, repairs, or both. It probably was used in a shop window or on a counter top; its painted cardboard and leather surfaces would not have withstood weathering well. The shoe's rubber heel is imprinted with the image of a winged foot, a logo of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company that is still in use today. The symbol was first associated with the company's shoe products in 1914.

Mark(s)Stamped in the rubber heel are the words "Good Year/Wingfoot" with the symbol of a winged foot appearing between the words "Good" and "Year."ProvenanceOwnership prior to AARFAM's donors, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gignilliat, is undocumented.