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

Description

A refined and rare artifact of classic Hollywood costuming, this pair of men’s gray period-style leather slipper shoes is believed to be from the production of Young Bess (1953). These uniquely detailed slippers feature: a distinctive double-pointed throat with a central V-shaped split; brown piping along the opening and throat for contrast, three oblong tan cloth appliqués sewn onto each vamp; rich gray leather construction with period-accurate styling.  The right shoe includes a mostly worn insole inscription, possibly reading: "King [illegible]". It retains two original auction stickers.  First sticker is a round orange Sotheby’s sticker labeled: "SOTHEBY’S / 540/11 / NEW YORK".  Second sticker is a rectangular white sticker on the sole marked: "M176751/14".  Interior size and model information is stamped near the heel but is illegible.  The left shoe matches in style and condition, with a similarly worn insole and interior heel stamp reading: "[illegible] 8 1/2 7721"

Acquired directly from Sotheby’s Beverly Hills, Lot 540, in their May 21, 1997, auction. This lot included other costume items from Young Bess, and the auction listing 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: Considering the shoe's age, it is in good condition. The leather surface is generally dusty and the interior of the shoe is significantly worn. The sole is only slightly worn. There is a series of pinholes along the proper left side, at top center along the opening of shoe (likely from display). Some of the fine threads in the piping have broken/frayed slightly. Toe is scuffed. Two spots of dark accretion on proper left side of vamp. There are pink and black marker stains on the insole (appears to be writing that has been crossed out).

Left Shoe: Considering the shoe's age, it is in good condition. The leather surface is generally dusty and the interior of the shoe is significantly worn. The sole is only slightly worn. There is a series of pinholes along the proper right side, at top center along the opening of shoe (likely from display). Some of the fine threads in the piping have broken/frayed slightly. Toe is very slightly scuffed. There are pink and black marker stains on the insole (appears to be writing that has been crossed out). Small flaw/damage in leather on proper left side near back. Small stain on heel on proper left side. Dark accretion on proper right side near back.

Unit Dimension

Each shoe measures approximately 3.25" high x 4" wide x 11" long

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