Other rank's ankle boots, universal pattern, 1856 circa (leather)

Other rank's ankle boots, universal pattern, 1856 circa. Worn boots, polished fairly dark brown, marked inside to the Coldstream Guards, 1856. The British Infantry adopted half boots instead of shoes, in 1823. These boots were expected to be worn on alternate feet to give ‘even’ wear so there was no ‘left’ and ‘right’ shoe. There were also no eyelet holes and these had to be made individually by the wearer for comfort. In 1838 the half boot was replaced by the Cossack boot, which was similar in design. It was not until 1850 that the boots were constructed on individual lasts for each foot.