"Balmorals"

[markj]

Greetings,

I am currently working on an article and have come across the term "Balmoral shoes." I've already figured out what the term means in relation to footwear (these were a style of shoe popularized by Prince Albert in the 1850's and were nicknamed after the English royal residence at Balmoral Castle, Ediburgh, Scotland).

However, I would greatly appreciate your collective assistance when it comes to identifying the type of shoe shown in the attachment below. This is extracted from a c.1863 scene depicting a noncommissioned officer's mess of the 93rd New York Volunteer Infantry. I believe the shoes shown are of the "Balmoral" style but I'd like to get additional input.

I would also be interested in getting a handle on the term "quadruple soles" in regards to footwear. I believe this practice resulted in the 19th Century version of "stacked soles and heels" (whoa, I'm already starting to get 1970's flashbacks!).

Can anyone help?

Thanks in advance,

Mark Jaeger

[Greg Renault]

Mark,

I do not have the answer to your question, but can point you to a great resource, the Bata shoe museum in Toronto. Here is the link to their website: http://www.batashoemuseum.ca/non.html

No email contact listed on the site, but the phone is: (416) 979–7799

Hope this is helpful.

Greg Renault