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Posted 7 years ago
Lazycactus
(2 items)
I’ve had this boot jack for years - found it at a flea market. I think the paint is original. The number 24 is engraved underneath. Can someone tell me more about it? Age? Thanks!
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Fascinating colorful bug design - any idea what type, centipede, beetle, grasshopper? Unusual & eyecatching!
I love it but I question the paint being original. This is hollow without a means of anchoring it to a floor. Therefore we stepped on its back with one foot while removing the other boot then changed position. Any paint on them where you stepped to stabilize them soon was gone.
Here's a link to the one I posted a few weeks ago, with some dishes, it's in the 2nd photo, on the left side :
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/241934-vintage-gaetano-pottery-california-west
I think color on yours is about the same as mine is, just newly painted. On mine, it only has green eyes, and red jaws, and at the top of the wings. I think it is supposed to be a Wood Beatle Boot Jack, the legs on mine are solid, not hallow like yours! :^)
Here's one like mine, on ebay with more detailed photos, but no good description, of age, or maker! :^)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Cast-Iron-Beetle-Bug-Boot-Jack-Shoe-Horn-Cowboy-Western-Boot-Remover-/173092421069?rmvSB=true
billretirecoll the wear on yours in the dish picture looks like it should look. It has certainly earned it's keep at some point.
Ok mine is marked J.W. for I think, John Wright, Inc., Wrightsville, PA., but a lot of manufactures made these from 1890's t0 present, so hard to give an exact date! I hope this helps! :^)
Thanks fhrjr2, I've used it several times myself! :^D I've had it for about 30yrs, but it was old when I got it, it could have just been used as a door stop, before that! :^)
I am skeptical on the age of this one. I often see the surface rusting as artificial aging to a modern made piece. Why would the underside rust over the years? The bottom shouldn't have much contact with water-- why would it be rusty and the top more pristine?
To me the multitude of red flags (bottom rust, funky paint, number engraved) all lead me to this being modern.
scott
Yes you're right Scott, I've seen this kind with the gold paper tags CHINA, that look a lot like this, and the sizes are all over the place too, mine is 9 1/2", but have seen 11"-6", so no telling! :^)
I agree scottvez, but the reason they rust up the bottom is because in snow country this is kept out on the porch where it is constantly subject to the elements. Wearing your boots inside wasn't a good idea unless you wanted to clean all the floors. Boot jacks are pretty easy to tell real or repro.