Could these be the real thing?

[Antny]

I've had these moccasins (love that spell check) around the house for years. If I remember correctly, they were purchased at an estate sale along with some other old stuff. Just re-discovered them and was wondering if they were the real thing.
Thanks again,
Anthony

 

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[MiddenMonster]

I've had these moccasins (love that spell check) around the house for years. If I remember correctly, they were purchased at an estate sale along with some other old stuff. Just re-discovered them and was wondering if they were the real thing.

What defines "the real thing"? If it means made by Indians, I'd say the chances are good that they are authentic. Vacations in the Southwest frequently included a stop on an Indian reservation, where moccasins and other Indian crafts and goods were sold.

 

[Illinois Jeff]

I am no pro, but they are consistent with the real thing. Simple design, practical, very colorful and lots of what appears to be hand stitching. Also in very good condition i may add. Not sure of the age though as i am used to seeing these with some kind of beads or decorative shells etc. They are worth an appraisal just to be sure.

 

[Noodle]

They look to me to be 1960's, early 70's style. I say that because of the slightly pointed toe. The stitching appears to be machine made, with the exception of the sole. That part looks hand-stitched. The reason I go with machine stitching is because it is uniform. Each stitch is identical length, though the pattern of the stitching is somewhat "free style." This would point to someone sewing the pieces together on a hand-operated (i.e., "home") sewing machine or even in a small shop, not a mass-production style of manufacturing (programmed) as we think of today. Maybe they were "reservation made" for tourists.

Also, they look like house slippers. We have the "heel-less" shoes today everywhere, but 30-40 years ago they didn't exist except in the slipper realm and sandals, and even most of those had heel straps. Just my memory and 2 cents worth.

Let us know what you find out. Interesting.

 

[chong2]

i found this awhile back, actually dug up, it looks like mine also has small thread holes, no thread is left, it is very brittle. you can see on the bottom the heavy usage too

 

[MiddenMonster]

The stitching appears to be machine made, with the exception of the sole. That part looks hand-stitched. The reason I go with machine stitching is because it is uniform. Each stitch is identical length, though the pattern of the stitching is somewhat "free style."

Keep in mind that uniformity can also be achieved by using a template to punch out the holes. I do a fair amount of woodworking, and if I need to perform the same operation over and over I will use a jig or a template to speed up the process. If the person who made these moccasins did this every day, they might have created a template to lay out the holes. Of course, if they made moccasins every day that's also an argument in favor of using a machine.

 

[Noodle]

Now that's an old style of shoe! That's an authentic pattern. Puckered. Go here for more info: http://www.nativetech.org/clothing/moccasin/mocmap.html

Can you tell what the sole is made of? Is it hard or soft or even leather? Was hard for me to tell.

-Noodle