are these 1940's era?

[green papaya]

I just received these by a friendly ebayer that included it with my purchase as a gift

are they men's or ladies? what are they called?

they appear to be made of a some type of mole cloth? with leather straps with a metal buckle

 

[Sweet Leilani]

They're spats, made for men. They were more popular in the 20s and 30s, less so in the 40s. That's about all I can tell you!

 

[Miss 1929]

Spats!

They were much more commonly worn in the teens and earlier, although older conservative gentlemen wore them through the 20s. Definitely out of fashion in the 40s.
But they sure are cool!

 

[Baron Kurtz]

Likely to be earlier than 40s (we weren't exporting much in that decade for some reason).

bk

 

[green papaya]

thanks for the info

thats nice tio hear that they are probably pre 1940 , because I collect turn of the century WW1 era items, they probably also wore these back around 1917 as well

 

[Baron Kurtz]

Yeah, spats seemed to be one of the commonest items in antique/junk stores in the midwest. Usually in fine shape, too.

bk

 

[Vintage Betty]

I could be wrong, but those spats look 1910-1920 era to me.

And, for the record, women also wore spats. However, it wasn't common.

VB

 

[Baron Kurtz]

I don't think i've seen a pair of spats that didn't look exactly like that. And i must have seen hundreds of 'em. The things didn't vary very much through the years. Except for those super cool goatskin numbers (with the fur still on) that sold on eBay a while back. There was a thread on them.

bk

 

[thunderw21]

Yeah, spats seemed to be one of the commonest items in antique/junk stores in the midwest. Usually in fine shape, too.

bk

Indeed they are. I see at least 3 pairs of various size in each antique shop. I'm looking to pick up a pair that will fit my size 12 feet.

I find it interesting that Mr. Depp has picked up on spats recently.

Papaya, those spats are neat.

 

[reetpleat]

While probably really vintage, I would point out that things made in England differ from american in that tags did not change as often or quickly, and there has always been a demand for certain items, not as costume but as an ongoing tradition. I do not know if there are still people who buy spats that are made in this way for certain events or whatever. I know there are for hats and such amonghts the horse crowd.

That said, they are more likely old and the fact that they are made by a certain shop for sel in Canada might indicate older as if there is a shop that does them now, they are probably just sold outright or ordered custom.

Perhaps our Anglo members can enlighten me as to weather upper class genst still wear spats for anything. Perhaps to attend a polo match with the queen mum.

 

[green papaya]

victorian era painting of gent wearing spats

here's how a victorian era gent would dress while wearing spats

 

[Dinerman]

What is spat sizing based upon? Shoe size? Circumference of the top?

 

[GwenLake]

And, for the record, women also wore spats. However, it wasn't common.

VB

Spats are sometimes confused with gaiters. I believe women only wore gaiters, but I could be wrong.

From Eyewitness Books "Costume":

"Gaiters have been worn since the late 18th century to protect the lower leg against the cold and rain or snow. These women's fabric gaiters from the 1920s button up on the outside leg to just below the knee."