Wax Feet
£125
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. (Sold)
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.
Price is per foot.
Origin: English
Period: c1890/1900