Woman's $25 Thrift Store Find Could Be Museum-Worthy: 'I Nearly Fell Over'

A vintage fashion enthusiast in Washington, D.C., has shared a rare discovery that is thought to be over 100 years old.

Mallory was at a local thrift store when she stumbled on a pair of what seemed to be "carriage boots," a fashionable and essential item for women in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Worn to keep feet warm during carriage or automobile rides in cold weather, the boots would typically protect dainty evening slippers and silk stockings. Often fur-lined, they were a practical solution to keeping warm while traveling to events like balls or dinners.

"I paid $25 for them. I don't think the thrift store was aware of what they were or how old they were," Mallory told Newsweek. "I already owned another pair of overshoes from the 1940s, so I could identify them pretty quickly."

Mallory was drawn to the store, Local Thrift, after accompanying friends from a local goth event. Delving into the shoe section, she spotted the boots on a shelf, immediately recognizing them because of her passion for vintage fashion.

The boots are reminiscent of a pair housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Collection. Originating at Alfred J. Cammeyer, an American department store active from 1875 to the 1930s, the boots are crafted from silk and fur, according to records at the New York City museum.

Mallory shared her discovery on TikTok, where she said: "I'm pretty sure these fell out of use in the early 20th century, which is why I nearly fell over when I saw them on the shelf." The video has since been viewed 650,000 times and received hundreds of comments.

One commenter said: "Costume designer here! First off this is an AMAZING find. They are carriage boots! Either authentic or constructed for a historical piece (most likely the former) but either way KEEP THEM!"

Another agreed they were an "insane find."

Another TikToker wrote: "I had a pair of these. When I wore them they fell apart. Wish I just kept them on display."

Despite some TikTokers advising her to not wear the boots, Mallory believes they are valued at less than $200, making selling them less appealing. She intends to keep the boots, although their current state poses a challenge for wear.

"They are overshoes, meant to be worn over another pair of shoes, so the heel is hollow. I'd have to make some kind of insert for the heel if I wanted to wear them," Mallory explained. "It wouldn't be destructive to the shoe, however. Ideally, I'd want a reproduction made as a regular shoe because, at around 100 years old, they may be too fragile to wear. But I think they're very cute."

Only one company, American Duchess, had previously manufactured such a replica, although it was discontinued years ago.

"I shared on TikTok because I regularly share my thrift finds and fashion there, but in this case, I needed help confirming that they were about as old as I thought they were," Mallory said.

Despite some skepticism online, Mallory has received validation from experts, including Toronto's Bata Shoe Museum, that support the authenticity of her vintage find.