Historical information

Shoe stretchers were commonly used by cobblers and shoe repairers in the 19th and early 20th centuries to adjust the fit of leather shoes. They were particularly useful for breaking in new shoes or accommodating foot conditions such as bunions. Unlike modern wooden or plastic stretchers, this all-metal design is more industrial and may have been used in shoemaking workshops rather than for personal home use.

Physical description

The item is a vintage metal shoe stretcher, a tool used for expanding the width of leather shoes to improve fit and comfort. It consists of two long, flat metal arms that taper at the ends, connected by a central hinge with a rounded handle for applying force. The metal arms open and close when pressure is applied, allowing the tool to be inserted into a shoe and expanded to stretch the material.
The stretcher has a rusted, aged appearance, indicating significant use over time.