The Scottish Mountain Heritage Collection
1409.2017.1
Boot nails - Clinkers and hobs in tobacco tin
19/10/2017
Hermione Cooper
19/10/2017
Various clinkers and hobs in a tobacco tin
metal
Tin 11(L) x 8(W) x 3(H) cms
numerous
brown
Tackety boots and hobnails are just a couple of the names given to boots with ‘nails’ in the sole. Clinkers, hobs, star muggers and tricounis are just a few of the names used for the actual nails.
Military personnel, shepherds, miners, navvies and mountaineers have all used nailed boots over the centuries, though depending on the specific needs of the wearer, the type of nail and where it was placed on the sole of the boot varied.
As the sport of mountaineering progressed from the early 1800’s, the variety of boots and nails grew too. The invention of the Vibram rubber soled boot in the 1930’s sounded the death knell of nailed boots and whilst they continued to be used right up to the 1970’s. They are now merely collectors items.
The nails are also collectors items so we are delighted to have this old tobacco tin full of clnkers and hobs which were kindly donated by Andy Scott.
Donated by Andy Scott
19/10/2017
19/10/2017
Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007
19/10/2017