Spats or Gaiters?

[Liz Turner]

Hi there - I'm attaching photos of one of a pair of soft leather spats or gaiters - I'm not sure which. They have all the original buttons and leather strap to go under the shoe/boot. They are made by a company called Jabez Cliff and Son in the UK, which is sadly no longer in existence. They are small - they measure about 9" from 'heel hem' to top hem and 5.5" across (so double) the top when buttoned.

Do you know if they're gaiters or spats? Not sure what the difference is, and any clue as to their age? They have obviously been worn as you can see but I have no idea if they would be for military or horseriding purposes or something completely different. Were they worn by women and children too - only wondering as they're very small and won't do up on me and I don't have mega-calves!. Th anks for any help you can give.

 

[Pinkcoke]

I'm not clear on the difference between spats and gaitors either but I see gaitors as primarily utilitarian and also a more modern term, whereas spats were worn at one point as much for fashion purposes as for protection from mud and dirt. Spats generally lose favour in England in the 1920s and yours certainly look at least this age or earlier to me by the shell buttons and worked button holes.
I can't see the buckle but the shape can sometimes help to date plus these are usually stamped with a name or words.
The colour of yours suggest to me these were working spats, most of the 'dress' examples I usually see are pale grey etc. for wear with morning suits and the like for Ascot type events.

 

[Liz Turner]

Thanks for the information. I've had a really good look at the buckles and can't see any stamping on them - there is a little rust on them so that makes it more difficult to see. I'll attach a photo of the buckle for you to see.

As a matter of interest how can you tell they are shell buttons (to me they look as if they're made from a plastic type material) I've just found a listing on ebay for ones which are just like them - they list them as Edwardian http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141566619171?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT (not sure they'll sell for that amount...!)

Lastly - I've sent you a couple of emails on 5th June to the address you gave me (re collars and Jean Varon dresses with photos). Did you receive them ok?

 

[Pinkcoke]

No stamping to help, but the shape looks good and early.
The way the button you showed is chipped is what tells me it's shell - shell is fragile and is formed in layers, when it is damaged it flakes like flint. The chip on that button is scooped out in several places, a plastic button would likely have broken straight through the holes (the thickness is also an indication of age - they get thinner later on) or have a more defined 'chunk' removed.
Just e-mailed you before reading this

 

[Liz Turner]

Thanks that's really useful info to know about the buttons. So you think they're pretty early - would you say 1920s?

Am sending a couple of emails your way.