Bidspirit auction | Antique German Silver Shoe Form

Antique German Silver Shoe Form Vesta Case and Coin Holder - This antique pocket accessory is constructed from German silver and designed in the novelty form of a man's dress shoe. The exterior case is embossed with decorative scrollwork and a raised-relief inscription on one side that reads An Old Shoe For Luck. The reverse of the case is detailed with a simulated leather sole and heel, including patterns representing stitching and nail heads. A suspension ring is attached to the top by a swivel fitting. The case opens on a bottom hinge to reveal a dual-purpose interior. One side contains two spring-loaded circular coin holders with engine-turned geometric lids, while the inner surface of the cover is lined with a purple velvet fabric. A strike plate for friction matches is located on the outer bottom edge of the hinge. The interior frame is stamped with the characters GER. SILVER. There are partially legible characters impressed above this metal mark that cannot be clearly identified. The total length from the top of the suspension ring to the bottom hinge is 2 3/4 inches. The shoe body measures approximately 2 1/4 inches in length. This antique item shows signs of use and age consistent with its period. There is significant surface wear to the silver-colored plating on the exterior high points and interior frame, revealing the yellow-toned base metal (photo 1, photo 6). The exterior exhibits a darkened patina and surface tarnish throughout (photo 2). The purple velvet interior lining shows wear, fading, and some accumulation of dust (photo 7). The hinge is fully functional, although a small gap is visible between the two halves when the case is in the closed position (photo 3). The match striking surface on the bottom shows mechanical wear from use (photo 9).