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Tap shoes used by Sammy Davis Jr. 1938. Creator: Windsor Shoe Company
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Tap shoes used by Sammy Davis Jr. 1938. Creator: Windsor Shoe Company
This pair of childs tap shoes were used by African-American singer, dancer, actor and comedian Sammy Davis Jr. (1925-1990) when he travelled the vaudeville circuit as part of the Will Mastin Trio. The shoes have black leather uppers and close across the center front over a split vamp with a tongue using black cotton shoelaces tipped with plastic or leather aglets. The leather outsoles are machine stitched to the midsole and the uppers as in a welted shoe. Rubber heels are adhered to the soles. Stamped onto the bottom of the heels is a " W" inside of a shield with the word " WINDSOR" below the shield. Metal toe taps are nailed to the outsole and metal heel taps are nailed to the rubber heel. The heel taps have an open area in the middle so that the manufacturers mark can be seen on the rubber heel bottom
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Media ID 23860879
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Black History Cultural Heritage Davis Sammy Jr Heritage Nmaahc Sammy Davis Jr Shoe Shoes Show Business Afro American Child Actor Sammy Davis Tap Dance Tap Dancing
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a pair of tap shoes that were once worn by the legendary Sammy Davis Jr. during his early years in show business. Crafted in 1938 by the esteemed Windsor Shoe Company, these child-sized shoes played an integral role in Davis' performances as part of the renowned Will Mastin Trio on the vaudeville circuit. Exuding timeless elegance, these tap shoes feature black leather uppers with a split vamp and a tongue fastened securely with black cotton shoelaces adorned with plastic or leather aglets. The meticulous craftsmanship is evident through the machine-stitched leather outsoles and welted construction, ensuring durability for countless dance routines. The distinctive "W" inside a shield, accompanied by the word "WINDSOR" beneath it, is stamped onto the bottom of their rubber heels—a testament to their origin and quality. Metal toe taps are meticulously nailed to the outsole while metal heel taps grace the rubber heels, allowing for precise footwork and rhythmic beats during Davis' mesmerizing tap dancing performances. These historic tap shoes not only serve as a reminder of Sammy Davis Jr. 's immense talent but also represent an important piece of African-American cultural heritage within American entertainment history. Now housed at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), this cherished object symbolizes both artistic excellence and resilience in overcoming racial barriers within show business during mid-20th century America.
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