Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Silver, Room 65, The Whiteley Galleries

Boot Powderer

1762-1763 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This gentleman's dress accessory was used to contain powder which could be sprinkled into his boots to assist in putting them off and pulling them on. More commonly made in steel, this silver example reflects the status of its original owner.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Silver, decorated with piercing
Brief description
Silver, London hallmarks for 1762-3, mark WL (unidentified).
Physical description
Silver container with a hinged lid, pierced in a decorative pattern.
Marks and inscriptions
  • Mark of WL (This mark has not been identified.)
  • London hallmarks for 1762-3
Gallery label
Credit line
Given by Guy Oswald and Rupert Oswald Smith
Object history
This contained powder which could be shaken out into one's boots so that they were easier to pull on and off. Such accessories are usually made of steel, so this silver example reflects the status of its original owner.
Historical context
Used to contain powder for the inside of boots making it easier to put on and pull off.
Association
Summary
This gentleman's dress accessory was used to contain powder which could be sprinkled into his boots to assist in putting them off and pulling them on. More commonly made in steel, this silver example reflects the status of its original owner.
Bibliographic reference
Domestic Metalwork 1640-1820, Rupert Gentle and Rachael Feild, p.370
Collection
Accession number
M.1078-1927

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Record createdOctober 16, 2006
Record URL
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