Rose is a favorite on and off the re-enactment scene.  This a two elastic gusset ankle boot in soft black leather.  It has a smooth slightly rounded pointed toe, 1/4″ leather heel and a tab at the back to help pull the boot on.

Whole and half sizes, black only  6 M to 11 W, price

Victora Black by Fugawee

Named for the’ famous Confederate spy and patriot, Rose Greenhow,  this is another elastic-sided shoe.  It has a plain, tapered squarish toe and a vamp much like a fine English riding boot or jodhpur. Designed to be comfortable for outdoor wear, it is a fine shoe for the active lady, whether period-correct event watcher, nurse or  sweetheart. We called this model Rose with a vision of a dedicated lady making her way over the uncertain ground between Federal and Confederate lines.  Rose is leather lined and very well constructed. Rose looks good with today’s slacks, too.  Sizes 6M-11W full & half sizes. Price $103.15

Rose Greenhow is credited with furnishing the information that won the Battle of First Manassas. Captured and imprisoned, she somehow obtained her freedom and fled to Europe where she became a great social success, presented in several royal courts and raising funds for the Cause.  She wrote a book about the War and raised support, money and sympathy for the Confederacy.

When the Blockade Runner which was returning her to the Confederacy was driven against the North Carolina  shore by Federal blockaders, Rose attempted to reach land at Cape Fear in a small boat. The boat overturned  and Rose Greenhow was pulled down to her death by the weight of the  gold she was carrying.

Authenticity of style:  “Shoes” by June Swann (page 48) shows an unfinished lady’s shoe that was made by Spekes Hall and shown at the Great Exhibition in 1861.  Elastic-side shoes remained in fashion until the 1880’s.

Your welcome to Phone us at 1 800-605-8280 to order

Victoria is a fully leather lined flat heeled, fitted ankle-high bootee for the ladies. Victoria has a tapered, squarish toe cap and is made of soft leather on a left\right last. We have been getting some complaints that ladies with sturdy feet or stronger ankles are experiencing difficulty with getting into the Victoria. We have made a slight adjustment by adding another elastic gusset. full and half sizes 6 M to 11 W, price $103.15

Victoria has six jet black buttons on the front of the shoe but there is no need for a button hook. Victoria has an elastic gusset on the inside and a smaller one on the outside of the ankle. Don’t worry about time period or authenticity. The elastic gusset was patented in Britain in 1837 by the firm of Spekes Hall. (Victorian Costume and Costume Accessories, Anne Buck, keeper of the Gallery of English Costume, Platt Hall, Manchester. Library of Congress #62-8330)

Balmoral Castle was Queen Victoria’s favorite country estate and several styles and new articles of clothing were first seen there