These are barely worn leather shoes made in the second quarter of the 19th century. They have a label from Rodney's Manufacturer at 17 North Third Street in Philadelphia.
In the 18th and early 19th centuries, shoemaking was one of Philadelphia's leading industries. In the 1850's, shoes began to be made shaped for left and right feet. Prior to that time, they were known as "straights" and by wearing them, they molded to each foot. These shoes are "straights" and remain so as they were probably not worn more than once.
They measure 9 1/2 inches in length. The exterior is leather with a cotton lining.
The shoes come with a photo portrait of a dour woman. I don't know if the shoes were hers but the image has been with the shoes for a long time so I am keeping them together.
