Shoe Stretcher

This item at Smith’s Tavern is a cobbler’s shoe stretcher, made of wood with a metal shaft and a metal “T” shaped handle.  This piece was donated by L.J. Mains, Sr.  This device was used to widen and lengthen a shoe overnight.  

The stretchers worked best on natural materials like leather and suede.  Manmade materials like polyurethane and vinyl don’t have as much give, and tend to revert back to their original shape over time.   By turning the handle, the device would expand to widen the shoes.  The enlargement process must be done slowly that the shoe would not be damaged.

Reference:  https://cobblersbest.com/shoe-and-boot-stretchers/shoe-stretchers/

Catalog Items:

Item T136

Location:	Right Shelves - 2nd
Length:	41 cm
Width:	6 cm
Height:	11 cm
Weight:	733 g