Cobbler's last

Date Added: 28 April 2009 Year: 1900 Institution Name: dnhhl Cat No: ◀ | 2009_006 | ▶ Picture No: 7473

A pair of cast iron cobbler's last with a supporting stand. The smaller last was probably used for ladies and childrens shoes and the larger for mens. The lasts fitted into a hole in the support stand. They came from the croft of Mrs Mackay's father-in-law David Mackay of Birchwood 248 West Rearquhar. The stand measures 255 x 155 x 47mm

Dimensions: Height 220 mm - Length220 mm - Width 75 mm

9 Comments

I've just inherited 2 similar lasts as well as 20 pairs of ladies' (right and left)with a range of heel heights and 4 pairs of children's. They're marked with the maker's initials (AJK), numbers denoting size and, in the ladies', letters that I assume denote heel height. They're cast iron and, I assume, from the Victorian era, but I can't find anything about the makers. Has anyone got any idea? My mother's maiden name was Shoesmith, so wonder... Comment left on 20 February 2011 at 16:10 by Gill

My grandfather Aaron Josiah Jackson made Gills' lasts in his works in Bristol up until the 1930's. If you can email a photo I may be able to tell you more as I have an original catalogue. Comment left on 29 January 2012 at 15:36 by Tony Bawn ( mother was Jackson)

Tony, I tried to send you an e-mail but it's just bounced. Perhaps you could contact me and I can resend? It would be lovely to have a chat about these lasts. Gill Comment left on 02 February 2012 at 16:05 by Gill

How much is a 1930 cobblers last worth ?

Comment left on 24 August 2014 at 11:45 by Allen Morrison I am sure that you will be able to find out the worth of a 1930 cobbler's last online Administrator

Please can you send me information regarding cobblers last for a history project

Comment left on 19 February 2018 at 17:02 by Grant van Houten I am afraid the only information we have is here on the image library. Sorry we could not be more helpful Administrator

Do you have any information on the initials AJK on a cobblers last I have just cleaned and what age approx. Greatly appreciated.

[Adminstrator - See earlier (first) comment of 20/02/2011] Comment left on 23 September 2020 at 20:20 by Derek McLeod

Hi All, we are researching two cobblers lasts with the AJK mark. Particularly interested in Tony’s mention of a catalogue or if anyone has any further ideas . The images of the lasts can be found at https://locate.international/unidentified-bodies/north-sea-man/ Any help would be appreciated. Dave Comment left on 07 September 2022 at 21:09 by Dave Grimstead

Hi Dave, I contacted Tony several times and never got a reply. I still have my lasts. If you find anything useful, Please let me know. I’d be very grateful. Thanks, Gill Comment left on 20 October 2022 at 16:20 by Gill

Hi. AJK is 'Aaron Jackson of Kingswood'. His full name is Aaron Josiah Jackson (Tony's grandfather??). The Bristol foundry was on Regent Street. I have just gleaned all of this information and (other wonderful associated stories) from a very nice gentleman at Kingswood Museum! He told me that they have a good collection of lasts and other tools as well as a photo of the man himself. Here's a link to their page:

https://www.kingswoodmuseum.org.uk/museum/history/ Comment left on 16 November 2024 at 16:22 by Tina Honeyfield

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