Objects Database

Tin of Segs

Accession Number

946.2011.1

Object Name

Tin of Segs

Created

17/11/2011

Creator

Hermione Cooper

Accession Date

17/11/2011

Brief Description

Rusty tin containing segs.

Materials

metal

Dimensions

8(h) x 26(circum) cms

Number Of Objects

1

Inscription Description

"SEGS" on tin

Colour

cream

Provenance

We just love this little tin of segs, which are a form of nail used on the soles of walking shoes or boots in days gone by, though they can still be acquired (2011) from a firm called Blakeys - quite who uses them these days we are not sure. This little tin was given to us by Rhoda Chalmers who, along with her husband, Dave, had a business called The Clan Tent Company in Greenock.
There's a lovely little item about segs on the Retro Dundee website which we hope they don't mind us using.
"In 1969 when I was aged 11, I got to buy a pair of shoes called Springers. What made them different to the shoes I had worn up to that point was the fact they had leather soles. There was a mad rush with most boys to get Springers because one of the things that made them popular were the segs that went with them. Segs were metal clips that were hammered into the soles to protect the leather. Adults would usually put in about 4 segs on their brogues, but kids being kids, we ended up buying 2 packets worth and putting the whole lot on, resembling the photo above. You could always tell when someone was wearing Springers because of the clickety-clack racket they made walking along the pavement...again another aspect that made them appealing to kids!
However, one of the dangers of going out in these shoes was when we used to jump off the back of a bus when it was still in motion. I think you can guess the outcome...skitin' all over the pavement out of control, sparks flying and ending up smacking into a lampie..!!"

Acquisition Method

Donated by Rhoda Chalmers

Acquisition Date

17/11/2011

Condition Check Date

17/11/2011

Rules

Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007

Modified

17/11/2011

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