Flying Boots - Bedggood, Black Leather, George Rayner, circa 1938

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Where is it from?

A Maker Melbourne, Australia

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1934
1936

Summary:: Pair of 1936 pattern black leather fleecy-lined flying boots. Used by George Rayner in Antarctica. Made by Bedggood Shoes Pty Ltd, Melbourne.
This is part of Museum Victoria's collection of artefacts from the inter-war era of scientific exploration of Antarctica.
Description:: Boots have opening at front with small strap and buckle, leather loops inside top of boots. Right boot has been re-soled, possibly since 1939.
Statement Of Significance:: This is a significant item of early Antarctic clothing that shows how early Antarctic exploration sourced clothing items as well as representing a signficant Melbourne company.
Bedggood was a significant manufacturer of boots in Melbourne, established by Daniel Bedggood in the 1850s and run by Bedggood's son John from the 1870s until his death in 1911, and from then by John's son Daniel. Amongst Bedgood's contracts were supply of boots for the Boer War, supply of flying boots similar to this one for the RAAF and, later, cricket boots for both Australian and English teams.
Acquisition Information:: Donation from Mrs E. Rayner, 1984

Discipline:	Technology
Dimensions:	36.5 cm (Height), 12.5 cm (Width), 30 cm (Length)

More information

Tagged with:	antarctic exploration, boots, footwear, personal effects
Themes this item is part of:	George Rayner, Biologist & Photographer, Antarctic Clothing, Antarctica Collection, Clothing & Textiles Collection, Science & Measurement Collection
Primary Classification:	EXPLORATION
Secondary Classification:	Antarctic
Tertiary Classification:	footwear
Inscriptions:	Marked 'Made by Bedgood Melbourne, Australia' and '409833 Hodges size 8 fitting 6'.
Maker:	Bedggood, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 01 Jan 1927-31 Dec 1939 Rayner was the Biologist with the Discovery investigations in the waters of the Falkland Islands Dependencies. Research included hydrographic surveying and whale marking. manufacturer of boots was Bedgood, Melbourne.
Date Used:	circa 1930
User:	Mr George Rayner, 01 Jan 1927-31 Dec 1939 Rayner was the Biologist with the Discovery investigations in the waters of the Falkland Islands Dependencies. Research included hydrographic surveying and whale marking. manufacturer of boots was Bedgood, Melbourne.

Comments

Andrew Bock Posted on 29 Apr 2010 12:57 PM

Great pair of boots and a very interesting connection to Antarctica.
The actual name for this type of boot is "1936 Pattern Flying Boot" and this is the Australian made version of the RAF version (22C/80). This should help narrow the date to somewhere between 1936 and 1939.

allan Mason Posted on 14 Aug 2010 1:40 AM

I have a pair of old fashioned "flying boots" not as wonderfull as the ones pictured I just want to buy a version that I had in the 70's it seems that they have disapeared from the market.. Why?.