Brown Side Lacing Boots, Civil War Era, ca. 1860-1865

These antique American lace-up boots, dating to the Civil War era (circa 1860–1865), are a rare and evocative example of mid-19th-century women’s footwear, crafted from brown silk with side closures and original laces. The boots feature a flat leather sole and retain the name of the wearer—Miss Miller—written on the inside, adding a personal and historical touch to this museum-held artifact.

Though moderately well preserved, the boots show flaws in the silk, particularly at the back and near the sole, consistent with age and use. Their delicate construction and choice of materials reflect the refined fashion sensibilities of wartime America, where elegance persisted even in times of hardship.

This rare pair of Civil War-era silk boots is ideal for collectors of antique shoes, American fashion history, or museum-quality textile artifacts, offering a tangible link to the personal stories and craftsmanship of 1860s America.