1893 World's Columbian Exposition Metal Woman's Shoe Pin Cushion

As we are winding down our Shipwreck sale, even though we still have a large number of lots available; we may change some of the shipwreck-related material and prices, and we'll get back to listing a wide array of material for sale here.

I am working on the inventory for the next sale, which will be focused on world's fairs with emphasis naturally on the Columbian Expo. I will include at least 40 scarce to rare WCE tickets. In the time between the two sales, you'll find medals, coins, 3D items and even a few Columbian items. Since many customers (according to the demographics from previous store purchases) drop by throughout the month, just to browse new listings and to see what new items are available.

This is a surprisingly common type of pin cushion from the end of the 19th century. They turn up in a variety of different sales from different world's fairs. The manufacturer offering these and various shoes, boots, etc. had only to change or just remove type on the sole of the shoe or boot when using it for a different event or venue.

This shoe has text that was part of the sole and was included when it was manufactured, not added after the fact.

In this case, the text on the sole is very difficult to see; I neeed extra light and a magnifier to read: "Souvenir/World's Exposition/Chicago Ill 1893." The word "Columbian" was omitted. I could NOT bring up the text adequately to provide a photograph. I've found that many collectors are satisfied that the text confirms its connection to the fair even if the fair name is difficult to read.