YOU will know that I am interested in local memorabilia and I am delighted to have been asked to put an enamel sign in my forthcoming July Fine Art sale. Black Bess Boot Polishes, it proudly proclaims, with a horse in the middle held by a man in period dress.
At first glance it appears reasonably attractive if not a little worn around the edges; but then aren't we all. But a second closer inspection reveals it was manufactured by A Elt and Co, Eltonian Works, The Shambles, Worcester, in a yard behind what is today Pratleys China Emporium.
Albert Elt, widely known as Bert, supplied footwear to a wide spectrum of citizens, most notably, of course, Sir Edward and Lady Elgar; the composer once ordering ankle length kid button boots, whilst Lady Elgar requested Louis heel courts with the finest chamois leather lining.
A real must for the local collector who I reckon will have to part with between £150 and £200 when it comes up for auction.
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