Objects Database

Boots Ski/March

Accession Number

386.2008.1

Object Name

Boots Ski/March

Created

17/11/2008

Creator

Hermione Cooper

Accession Date

17/11/2008

Brief Description

Black ski/march boots with black laces. Leather uppers, black rubber soles.

Materials

leather

Dimensions

Size 40 - 42

Number Of Objects

1 pair

Inscription Description

On sole reads " REGD.DESIGN NO. 869350 N.Z. REGD 6708 40-42 SKEESOL" Also an ellipse with
"ITSHIDE MADE IN ENGLAND" inside it.Inside boot "8 * K8" and "G.T.H. 1983 02841 9900/ 4621 / M CM 8430"

Colour

black

Maker

Itshide

Object Production Place

England

Provenance

These are a pair of military boots that rejoiced in the title 'Boots Ski/March' since you were supposed to be able to do both in them, the squared toes being designed to fit into ski bindings. Either way they gave the wearer blisters and were not very popular as a result. The various numbers on the sole refer to a design code and probably a government contract code with the '1983' bit the most likely date of manufacture.
The 'skeesol' bit refers to the rubber sole which was made by the ITSHIDE Rubber Company down in Petersfield, Hampshire. They had lots of dealings with the Ministry of Defence, having supplied them with thousands of commando soles for the Korean War in the 1950's. It does look like they made the boot as well, but we are not sure about that. The Hampshire County Record Office have a document entitled 'It's Rubber Ltd - 58 years on' which might tell us more.
Mick Tighe bought this pair as part of a job lot from a governmment surplus store.

Acquisition Method

Donated by Mick Tighe

Acquisition Date

17/11/2008

Condition Check Date

28/04/2009

Rules

Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007

Modified

28/04/2009

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