Apr 22, 2026
“spat out some atrocious word” [CREE]
One of the curiosities of Victorian and Edwardian life that
doesn't get much attention, at least in Sherlockian conversation,
is that of spats.
This curious piece of attire related to footwear gets a scant
two mentions in all of the Sherlock Holmes stories (do you remember
who is mentioned as wearing them?), but its history and evolution
are even more fascinating. It's just a Trifle.
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Links
- Spats (footwear) (Wikipedia)
- What Are Spats? Footwear History and Fashion Trends (Scotland Kilt Collection)
- 6 Reasons Why Men Don't Wear Spats Anymore (Gentleman's Gazette)
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Music credits
Performers: Uncredited violinist, US Marine Chamber OrchestraPublisher Info.: Washington, DC: United States Marine Band.
Copyright: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0