19th c. Leather Horseshoe Lawn Boots c.1860

ABOUT Sold as a set only.  Set of four leather horse hoof boot protectors for tennis and cricket lawns, circa 1860s. These would be used by horse-drawn early lawn mowers to avoid sharp indentations made by the horse's hooves and shoes in the turf. This a very rare full set made of thick leather with straps, rivets, buckles and thick wool at the ankles. Embossed with "Coles Patent".  CREATOR Coles Patent.  DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1860. MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Leather.  CONDITION Good. Wear consistent with age and use. DIMENSIONS H 7 in. W 8.25 in. D 9 in. HISTORY With the growth of tennis and other lawn sports there was a need for larger lawn mowers. Saddlers came up with the hoof boot to protect the tennis court or other lawns, turf.