Equestrian Chic in a Lamp With Boots by Henry Maxwell of London

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Why special? Oh, the pair of boots and their trees, of course. This unique, custom-made lamp was undoubtedly hand-crafted as … Read more Why special? Oh, the pair of boots and their trees, of course. This unique, custom-made lamp was undoubtedly hand-crafted as a loving gift for someone who was retiring from the field. The pair of antique leather riding boots and matching wooden boot trees came from the historic British bootmaker, Henry Maxwell of London. The owner would have been very serious.
Founded in 1750, Henry Maxwell is the oldest remaining bespoke bootmaker in London. The firm originally specialized as an elite spur-maker. It eventually grew into making fine military, polo, and hunting boots, ultimately receiving numerous Royal Warrants starting with King George IV.
The ivory/brass plaques on top of the wooden boot forms read "Maxwell, Dover Street, London". Maxwell moved to its historic 8 & 9 Dover Street location in the early 20th century (circa 1920s) and operated there until moving in the post-WWII era. This dates the boots and trees specifically to between the 1920s and 1940s.
The black tall dress riding boots exhibit an authentic, heavily worn patina with natural creasing, scuffing, and minor cracking around the lower heel and ankle. The pair of three-piece, hand-carved mahogany or beechwood boot trees fill out the boot calves. They feature their original heavy brass pull rings, which were traditionally used to hoist the tight wooden forms out of the custom-fit boots.
Popularized in mid-century American and British interior design, creating lamps out of retired custom-made riding boots was a common way to repurpose beloved, expensive footwear into masculine "equestrian chic" study or library decor.
The boots are permanently mounted onto a stained, rustic slab of wood fitted with a threaded brass lamp rod ascending between the shafts, extending up into a standard harp and brass finial. Rubber feet are attached to the underside to protect tabletop surfaces.
Incidentally, buying a brand new, identical pair of bespoke tall leather riding boots from ⁠Henry Maxwell of London today will cost approximately $6,200 to $12,000 USD (£5,000 to £10,000 GBP). The pair of trees adds another £1,000 ($1,200 USD) to the total bill. And, of course, you’ll have to wait eight months. Meanwhile, you can light up your world with this pair now.
Maker’s mark: Lamp, nonexistent. Boots: top of the boot trees (photo #9) See less