Offered here from the dougfinds collection of curated fashion, accessories, clothing, collectibles, and unique gifts is this pair of vintage adjustable wooden shoe trees, featuring beautifully aged shaped wood forms, split-toe construction and mechanical metal adjustment assemblies with wooden end knobs.

Dating these precisely without a visible manufacturer or patent marking isn't possible, but their materials and construction are consistent with early-to-mid 20th-century shoe trees, likely circa 1920s–1940s. Adjustable wooden shoe trees employing steel and spring mechanisms were well established by this period, making these an appealing surviving example of practical early shoe-care equipment. Google Patents

Their narrow, tapered form appears most consistent with shoe trees intended for ladies' footwear. Beyond their original practical purpose of helping maintain the shape of shoes, the pair has wonderful decorative character for a vintage clothing display, shoe collection, dressing room, retail display or collection of early shoemaking and shoe-care tools.

Features

• Matching pair of vintage wooden shoe trees
• Shaped hardwood construction with rich aged brown patina
• Narrow tapered form consistent with ladies' footwear
• Split-toe construction
• Adjustable metal center mechanisms
• Spring-operated locking adjustment — depress the mechanism, slide to the desired position and release to lock
• Rounded wooden end knobs
• Original aged metal hardware
• Visible period-style nails/fasteners securing the wooden construction
• Incised “1” marking visible on the underside
• No maker's name or patent marking found
• Both adjustment mechanisms operate
• Attractive untouched vintage character suitable for use, collection or decorative display

Measurements

Approximately 11 inches overall when fully closed and 13 inches when fully extended.

Please see the measurement photographs for the best representation of the adjustment range.

Detailed Condition

Good vintage condition consistent with substantial age and previous use. The wooden forms show an attractive naturally aged finish with surface scratches, marks, variations in coloration and general wear.

The metal adjustment components show oxidation, finish loss and age-related discoloration. The original fasteners likewise show oxidation. Both adjustable mechanisms were tested and operate: the spring-loaded locking tabs release from their slots when depressed, allowing the rods to slide before locking back into position.

No attempt has been made to refinish the wood or remove the aged character of the pair. Please see all close-up photographs for the construction, hardware, patina and individual areas of wear.

Please review all photographs carefully, as they are considered part of the description and provide the best representation of this item's condition.

Thank you for visiting dougfinds! Alyse and I encourage you to browse our dougfinds Store, where you'll find all of our carefully curated collection of fashion, accessories, collectibles, antiques, and unique gifts. Please feel free to message us at any time with your comments or questions.

Collector Search Terms

vintage shoe trees • antique shoe trees • wooden shoe stretchers • ladies shoe trees • women's shoe trees • split toe shoe tree • adjustable shoe trees • spring shoe tree • vintage shoe care • shoemaker tools • cobbler tools • 1930s shoe accessories • vintage footwear accessories • industrial decor • haberdashery display