"Unkown Treasure" - Pair of Men's Gray Slippers (Possibly from "Young Bess")

Description

Own a unique piece of classic Hollywood wardrobe history with this pair of men’s gray period-style leather slipper shoes, believed to be screen-used in the production of Young Bess (1953). These finely detailed slippers showcase: a pointed throat with refined period styling; brown piping along the opening and throat; three oblong light gray cloth appliqués sewn onto each vamp; and a soft gray leather exterior evoking Tudor-era costume aesthetics.  The right shoe includes a clear insole stamp: "King Bee / Casuals", along with a handwritten "9 1/2" size marking. It also retains a round orange Sotheby’s sticker labeled: "SOTHEBY’S / 540/11 / NEW YORK".  The left shoe features similar construction, with the insole inscription worn, but the handwritten "9 1/2" still visible.

Acquired directly from Sotheby’s Beverly Hills, Lot 540, during their May 21, 1997, auction. This lot included other items from the 1953 film Young Bess, and the Sotheby’s catalog stated that the slipper-style shoes “...appear to have been from the same production; the slipper style shoes... appear to match the shoes found in the original costume sketch.”

Includes Planet Hollywood Certificate of Authenticity.

Condition

Right Shoe: Surface of the shoe is painted gray, with some minor losses of paint on the back of shoe. One large hole and two pinholes along proper left side near opening, and one pinhole along proper right side near opening (possibly from display). Threads of piping are fraying very slightly along opening. Cloth pieces on vamp are not sewn on very cleanly and the cloth is fraying outside of the border of these. The insole is worn from use and slightly soiled. Short nail embedded sideways in the heel. Scuffing at toe (resulting in loss of paint here). Overall shoe is very slightly deformed but overall good condition.

Left Shoe: Surface of the shoe is painted gray, with some minor losses of paint on the back of shoe. Scuffing along proper right side. One large hole and two pinholes along proper right side near opening, and one pinhole along proper left side near opening (possibly from display). Threads of piping are fraying very slightly along opening. Cloth pieces on vamp are not sewn on very cleanly and the cloth is fraying outside of the border of these. The insole is worn from use and slightly soiled. Some white accretions (paint?) on the vamp and near toe. Overall shoe is very slightly deformed but overall good condition.

Unit Dimension

Each shoe measures approximately 3.375" high x 4" wide x 11.375" long

All photographs/screen captures are used solely for reference. Screen captures do not imply items are screen matched.