Historical information
Bootmaking is a complex process requiring a variety of tools.
The leather is cut to shape, glazed & burnished (polished) with heated irons. The pieces are stretched onto, & nailed to, a wooden last to form the boot. Once attached to the insole, the boot is finished on a metal last. Uppers are stitched with waxed thread through holes made with an awl. Heels comprise pieces nailed together & neatened with a heel shave.
Metal plates, short nails or hob nails driven into the sole & heel, often in a pattern, improved durability.
Physical description
Cast Iron ball and ring bunion stretcher.
