Accession Number

987.006a-b

Description

A wood, bristle, and brass floor-mounted shoe brush consisting of a circular brush with bristles forming a domed half-circle in profile, with a brass pole rising from the core of the brush and terminating in a plain brass orb finial (6cm in diametre) at the top.

Narrative

This design of floor-mounted shoe brush was produced in various grades throughout the mid to late 19th century. This brass model is of superior-grade. The user grasps the brass orb at the top of the brass pole and rubs the soles of the shoes on the long stiff bristles below. 

History of Use

This shoe brush was donated to The Castle Society by three elderly sisters in 1987. They were from an old Victoria family, and it is believed that this shoe brush was used only in Victoria BC from about 1890 when it was acquired by The Castle Society.

Date

circa 1890

Dimensions

111 x 43 cm
43 cm at base

Material

Metal, brass; Wood; Bristle