Wax Feet
£975
From William Bonardos wax collection sale, which was auctioned through Christie’s, London in 2001.
The sale brought to market many 19thc/early 20thc wax medical displays.
This display dates from the early 1900s, showing 5 feet:
1. A normal foot (no deformities).
2. A deformed foot.
3. The ill feeling shoe that caused the deformity.
4. A military boot as it should be worn.
5. A foot wearing a sandal in a relaxed position.
Housed in a glass, ebonised display cabinet, with the original label, Christie’s lot number and auction sale date.
Former carnival freak show owners Lily Binda and William Bonardo inherited the huge 19thc wax collection in the 1950s/60s.
The collection then took on another role when they were toured around European fairgrounds, but whether exhibited for education or as part as a freak show their convincing deception of illnesses and ailments has certainly made them a talking point.
Origin: English
Period: c1890/1900