Jacqueline Kennedy’s personally-owned and -worn pair of cream-colored low-heeled designer shoes with finely textured linen uppers and leather soles, printed with the brand name in gold script on the insoles, “Delman, New York-Paris.” Manufacturer’s notations are written inside the heel of each shoe, reading: “C18288 / P70980 / 913 / Marquise.” In well-worn condition with expected wear. These shoes originate from the estate of Officer James H. Boyer, Sr., who served on the US Capitol police force beginning in 1949. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from a descendent of Boyer, in part: “While continuing to serve on the Capitol police force, Boyer became a personal driver for the Kennedy family, often being called on at late hours, and was employed by Jackie Kennedy as a handyman at the Kennedy’s Georgetown home. Once, while she was clearing her closet, Jackie offered Boyer some of her worn shoes and handbags to give to his wife. This pair of off-white linen-type fabric shoes…is one of those gifts.” Jackie was quite self-conscious about the size of her feet, with each of these measuring 10″ long. A premier shoemaker, Delman offered a custom-made service and worked with some of the era’s most notable women, with clientele including the likes of Marlene Dietrich and Audrey Hepburn. With superior provenance, these high-fashion heels represent a fabulous pairing of American cultural history.
