Vtg Ede & Ravenscroft Bespoke Black Rods Dress Shoes/Slip Ons RRP£2200 UK10.5

The item I have for sale is this beautiful pair of Black Patent'Black Rod' Loafers/ Slip Ons. These black leather buckled slippers are identical to the ones worn by the black rods in the Houses of Parliament. They were made for Ede & Ravenscroft bespoke by Henry Maxwell. The shoes are a beautiful rich black with a silver metal buckle.

He is responsible for controlling access to and maintaining order within the House and its precincts. The Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, generally shortened to Black Rod, is an official in the parliaments of several Commonwealth countries. The position originates in the House of Lords of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. In the United Kingdom, Black Rod is responsible for maintaining the buildings, services, and security of the Palace of Westminster. Ede & Ravenscroft are the oldest tailors in London, established in 1689.

They have three London premises, in Gracechurch Street, Chancery Lane and Burlington Gardens, very close to the famous Savile Row. They make, sell and hire out legal gowns and wigs, clerical dress, civic and municipal robes, academic dress and other ceremonial and formal dress, and have shops in Oxford, Cambridge and Edinburgh. The main (and historic) outlet and offices are at 93 Chancery Lane which, due to its proximity to the Inns of Court and the country's main civil and criminal law courts, is also the company's main outlet for legal dress. Henry Maxwell was founded in 1750.

Originally a famous spur-maker (we keep Maxwells spur collection at 83 Jermyn Street), Maxwell thrived on the use of the horse for battle, ceremony, hunting, sport and personal transport, and ultimately supplied boots for cavalry regiments, hunting, polo etc. By the early 19th century the firm was prospering internationally, exhibited at the 1851 Great Exhibition and was awarded the first of its many Royal Warrants by King George IV. By the early 20th century, Henry Maxwell had grown dramatically, supplying boots, shoes and a wide range of riding and hunting accessories across the British Empire from shops in London and Paris. Early in the 20th century the firm absorbed the Royal military bootmakers Faulkner & Son and traded successfully from 8&9 Dover Street, off Piccadilly, then from Savile Row and 177 New Bond Street in the ownership of Savile Row tailors Huntsman. In 1999, the business moved to Vigo Street before settling in 83 Jermyn Street, the home of its sister company Foster & Son, where it continues to prosper in the same private ownership.

The shoes really are a stunning fine example and are extremely scarce. Length from toe to heel of sole is approximately: 30cm. Width at widest point of sole is approximately: 11.1cm. The shoes are made for Ede & Ravenscroft by Henry Maxwell.

The size, style and last numbers that are handwritten inside confirm this. As with all great handmade shoes & boots they are finished with the size, style and last number handwritten inside by the master craftsmen. Here is a chance to grab yourself a great bargain and a pair of shoes that will last you a lifetime. Any questions please feel free to ask. Please check out my other items for more great handmade shoes & boots by the likes of other great British shoe and boot makers.

This item can be shipped to North, South, or Latin America, to all countries in Europe, to all countries in continental Asia, to Australia, to New Zealand.

• Lining: 100% Leather
• Shoe Size: UK 10.5
• Upper Material: 100% Leather
• Style: Slip Ons
• Main Colour: Black
• Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom
• Toe: Round
• Sole: 100% Leather
• Brand: Ede & Ravenscroft By Henry Maxwell