v.v.rare 1920s philips silver wing ladies rubber swimming shoes
A simply stunning extremely rare if not unique pair of ladies rubber swimming shoes which date from the 'Roaring 20s'.
They are called Philips Silver Wing Shoes.
"The 1920s saw increasing numbers of women participating and excelling at sports. The sporting accomplishments of women, such as Suzanne Lenglen’s stunning tennis game and Gertrude Ederle’s record breaking swim across the English Channel were celebrated and inspired many women to take up a sport. Each sport required its own specialized footwear including swimming. This pair of red rubber, “silver wing” bathing shoes would have been worn by a swimmer in pursuit of both fashion and fun at the end of the 20s." ( from the BATA museum)
After extensive research , we can only find a record of 2 pairs in existance both of which are red with a cream edging.
One is on display in the BATA Shoe Museum in Toronto , Canada ( see above) and 1 ( which maybe the same pair?) were sold at Christies in 1994 for £1250 + their hefty commission.
This pair are cream with a red edging and could possibly be the ONLY pair in existance.
As the sole is white and still clean, i would guess that they have never been worn.
Although many 1000,s were made in the 1920's, because they were rubber, they didnt last long if worn and the rubber would deteriorate quickly.
They are quite small ( about size 4to 5 i think)and other than a bit or wear to the red on the toes are still in a superb condition for their age.
These really should be in a museum.
Shipping Costs:
UK Recorded: £5.00
Europe: £14.50
World: £22.75