A Fred Astaire Pair of Tap Shoes from "You'll Never Get Rich."...

Description

A Fred Astaire Pair of Tap Shoes from "You'll Never Get Rich." Columbia, 1941. Made of brown leather, black leather soles, stacked heels, metal taps on heels and toes, inside right lining stamped "Designed and / Hand-Sewn / Expressly for / I. Magnin & Co.," inside left lining stamped "I. Magnin & Co. / Los Angeles" and "Fred Astaire" (though very faint now), both side linings have a black fountain pen ink handwritten annotation reading "F. Astaire / 41 / 40025," both bottom linings further signed in black felt-tip ink by the star himself "Fred Astaire / 40;" included are two wooden shoe trees and two orange shoe covers from the famous Beverly Hills store, Carroll & Co.; worn by the dancer as he portrayed "Robert Curtis" in the musical that co-starred Rita Hayworth and Robert Benchley. (Please note these shoes are in standard worn condition due to use.)
Men's Size 8N

PROVENANCE:
These shoes were consigned directly to Heritage Auctions by Robyn Astaire [Fred Astaire's widow] and according to her, they were worn by him in this production, though it's hard to see them distinctly as the film is black and white. Nonetheless, they are clearly Fred Astaire's tap shoes, one of the greatest dancers the world has known. A Letter of Provenance signed by Mrs. Astaire is included with this lot.

Heritage Auctions provides as much information as possible but strongly encourages in-person inspection. Condition statements are offered as general guidance only, not as complete representations of fact, and do not constitute a warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted but may be visible in the photos, which are considered part of the condition report. Lots estimated at $1,000 or less are not de-framed for inspection, and we may be unable to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and is not liable for damage to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or artwork that has shifted in the frame. All lots are sold "AS IS" under our Terms & Conditions of Auction.