IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF LEGGINGS AND IN MEANS FOR ATTACHING SPURS THERETO, AND ALSO IN BOOTS TO BE USED WITH SUCH LEGGINGS " PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION
Year: 1882

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Frederick Wilson Hemming of the Army and Navy
Club, Pall Mall in the City of Westminster, Major 5th Dragoon Guards
for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF LEGGINGS
AND IN MEANS FOR ATTACHING SPURS THERETO, AND ALSO IN BOOTS TO BE
USED WITH SUCH LEGGINGS
"
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Frederick Wilson Hemming
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 20th December 1882.
FREDERICK WILSON HEMMING of the Army and Navy Club, Pall Mall, in
the City of Westminster, Major, 5th Dragoon Guards "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
MANUFACTURE OF LEGGINGS AND IN MEANS FOR ATTACHING SPURS THERETO, AND
ALSO IN BOOTS TO BE USED WITH SUCH LEGGINGS."
The object of this invention is to provide a covering for the leg which will have
the appearance and advantages of the Jack or Hessian boot now in use as part of a
cavalry soldier's outfit, without the disadvantages such as the difficulty of getting
the boot on and off at any time, but more especially when wet; and the stiffness
about the ankle which prevents free play of the foot in walking or running; and
thus to give the dragoon a boot equally serviceable for mounted or dis-mounted
duties.
In carrying out my invention I form the legging of a shape similar to that of the
leg of a Jack boot with the bulge behind. The seam at the back of the legging is
covered by a strip of leather the lower end of which is tightly rolled up to form a
support on which the spur will rest, or a motal support firmly secured to the back
of the legging may be used.
The rear portion of the lower edge of the legging is cut on either side with a
slight curve so as to fit nicely over the enlargement of the boot at the heel, and to
coincide with the position of the prongs of the spur. The front portion of the
legging is also, on either side cut with a curve upwards so as to fit over the
instep; and at the point where the heel and instep curves meet, a stud or button
is placed
•

page_text: The lower portion of the legging for from 1 inch to 2 inches up, may be pared
down to render the leather pliable at the ankle.
The legging is kept down in its place by a strap or chain attached to the studs
or buttons and passing under the waist of the boot and a broad instep strap, similar
to that now used to hold the spur in position, is employed to cover the join between
the boot and legging at the instep.
The stud heads or buttons may be of any desired shape, such as round, egg-shaped,
or any other suitable shape.
The spur prongs will be formed with egg-shaped or other suitably shaped holes,
formed lengthways of the spur which are intended to fit over the studs or buttons.
The smaller diameter of the holes in the spur must be less than the diameter of the
stud head, if round; and if the stud heads are egg-shaped or of other suitable form,
the studs should be secured so that the longer diameter of the heads shall be at
right angles or nearly so to that of the holes when the spur is fixed in position. If
the stud heads are of an elongated form the spur, when first applied to the legging,
will hang down and it is then turned up until the back of the fork rests on tho
support formed at the back of the legging. If round studs be used, the spurs are
buttoned on by bending back the leather and putting the stud in sideways. The
position of the support with regard to the studs is such that when in position the
spur will hide the join between the legging and the boot.
The spur is usually applied before the legging is put on and the legging must be
put on before the boot.
The form of boot which I prefer is a modification of that known as the "highlow
which is the present regulation boot.
"
In making these boots I cut the uppers so that the side seams shall be further
back than usual which will allow of their being covered and hidden by the strap of
the legging. I also cut the quarter so that the front edges may set back, and that
the lowest point of the instep edge of the two flaps of the quarter, shall not come
below the legging when in place. By thus cutting the quarters they will be almost
hidden when the legging is being worn.
"
By the use of my improved leggings and boots, two pairs of the boots forming
part of a cavalry soldiers kit may be dispensed with, namely the Jack boots and
the Wellington Boots and the improved "highlow may not only be used for
fatigue purposes but for any dismounted duty with trowsers, and in combination
with the leggings and with pantaloons for full dress either for mounted or
dismounted work.
Further, the ease and comfort to the soldier by reason of the freedom of move-
ment to the foot and ankle will be very great, and the facility in removing the
legging and boot should alone warrant the adoption of my invention.
A considerable saving of expense to the Government and also to the soldier
himself will be effected by the use of my invention, and the weight of the soldiers
kit will be reduced.
Although I have hitherto referred to my improved legging solely for military
purposes, 1 do not wish to confine it to such, as it will be evident that it may be
used as a substitute for riding boots generally, and the advantages arising from its
use in respect to running or walking, in combination with its utility for riding and
its neat appearance should make it acceptable to all sportsmen.
It may here be mentioned that an ordinary lace-up boot or a side-spring with
the front in one piece, may if preferred be used instead of the “ highlow."

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Frederick Wilson Hemming in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 20th June 1883.
FREDERICK WILSON HEMMING of the Army and Navy Club, Pall Mall in
the City of Westminster Major 5th Dragoon Guards "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
MANUFACTURE OF LEGGINGS AND IN MEANS FOR ATTACHING SPURS THERETO, AND
ALSO IN BOOTS TO BE USED WITH SUCH LEGGINGS
"
The object of this Invention is to provide a covering for the leg and foot of the
cavalry soldier which will have the appearance and advantages of the Jack or
Hessian Boot now in use, without the disadvantages, among which may be mentioned
the difficulty of getting the boot on and off at any time, but more especially when
wet, and the stiffness about the ankle which prevents free play of the foot in walking
or running, and thus to give the cavalry soldier a Boot equally serviceable both for
mounted or dismounted duties.
In carrying out my Invention I form the legging of a shape similar to that of
the leg of a Jack Boot, with the bulge behind. The seam at the back of the
legging is covered by a strip of leather, the lower end of which is tightly rolled up
to form a support on which the spur will rest; or a metal support firmly secured to
the back of the legging may be used.
The rear portion of the lower edge of the legging is cut on either side with a
slight curve, so as to fit nicely over the enlargement of the boot at the heel, and to
coincide with the position of the prongs of the spur. The front portion of the
legging is also, on either side, cut with a curve upwards, so as to fit over the
instep, and at the point where the heel and instep curves meet, a stud or button, or
other means for securing the spur in position, is placed.
The legging is kept down in its place by a strap or chain passing under the
waist of the boot, and a broad instep strap similar to that now used to hold the
spur in position is employed to cover the join between the boot and legging at the
instep.
The stud heads or buttons may be of any desired shape such as round, egg-shaped
or any other suitable shape.
The spur prongs will be formed with egg-shaped or other suitably shaped holes,
which are intended to fit over the studs or buttons, or they may be made with
flattened projections to fit into sockets secured to the legging.
If studs be used, the spurs are buttoned on by bending back the leather, and
putting the stud in sideways. The position of the support with regard to the
studs or sockets must be such, that when the spur is in position it will cover and
hide the join between the legging and the boot.
The spur may be applied before the legging is put on, but the legging must be
put on before the boot.
The form of boot which I prefer is a modification of that known as the
"highlow"
In making these boots, I cut the uppers, so that the side seams shall be further
back than usual, which will allow of their being covered and hidden by the waist
strap of the legging. I also cut the quarters so that the front edges may bo set
back and that the lowest point of the instep edge of the two flaps of the quarters
shall not come below the legging when in place. By thus cutting the quarters
they will be almost hidden when the legging is being worn.
By the use of my improved leggings and boots, two pairs of the boots forming
part of a cavalry soldiers kit may be dispensed with, namely, the Jack Boots and

page_text: the Wellington Boots, and the improved "highlow" may not only be used for
fatigue purposes, but for any dismounted duty, or ordinary use with trousers, and
in combination with the leggings and pantaloons, for full dress, either for mounted
or dismounted work.
Further, the ease and comfort to the soldier by reason of the freedom of movement
to the foot and ankle will be very great, and the facility in removing the legging
and boot should alone warrant the adoption of my Invention.
A considerable saving of expense to the Government, and also to the soldier
himself, will be effected by the use of my Invention, and the weight of the soldiers
kit will be reduced the heavy and expensive Jack boots and Wellingtons being
dispensed with.
Although I have hitherto referred to my improved legging solely for military
purposes I do not wish to confine it to such, as it will be evident that it may be
used as a substitute for riding boots generally, and the advantages arising from its
use in respect to running or walking, in combination with its utility for riding and
its neat appearance, should make it acceptable to all sportsmen.
It may here be mentioned that an ordinary lace-up boot, or a "side spring" or
any kind of boot with the front in one piece, may if preferred, be used instead of
the "highlow
"
In the accompanying drawings Fig: 1 is a front view, Fig: 2 a side view, and
Fig: 3 a back view, of my improved legging. Fig: 4 is a side view and Fig: 4 a
front view of my improved boot, Fig: 5 is a side view of a spur constructed in
accordance with my invention and Fig: 6 is a side elevation showing the boot,
legging and spur combined.
A is the legging which is of a shape similar to the leg of what is known as a
"Jack" boot. The back seam of the legging is covered by a strip of leather a.
which at the bottom is formed into a roll b. and serves as a support for the
spur B.
The lower edge c of the legging is slightly curved, as shown in the drawing so
that it will fit snugly over the enlargement of the heel, and the front part c'. of the
lower edge of the legging is, on either side of the instep, curved upwards as
shown, so that it shall lie flat over the instep. At or about the point where the
two curves c. c. meet, and on either side of the legging, I place a stud d. and to
these studs I attach a strap e. or a chain which is passed under the waist of the
boot, and serves to hold the legging securely in position. The top of the legging
may be cut square or in any other desired shape.
The heads of the studs d. may be round as shown in the drawing, or they may
be oval square, oblong, or any other desired shape, and when they have a longer
diameter or axis, I prefer to set them with the longer diameter or axis in a vertical
position.
-
At the back of the ruil b, I secure a piece of leather b'. which acts as a protecting
picce to the roll, and receives the rubbing or friction of the boot, caused by the
movements of the foot of the wearer.
Instead of the roll of leather, I may use a block of wood covered with leather, or
a metal support for the spur, as shown in the detached sectional view Fig: 2".
The spur B which may be of any desired pattern, I form with eyes or holes fat
the ends of the prongs in lieu of the usual studs.-These eyes may be of any shape
to fit over the stud heads d.
The spur, when attached to the legging will cover the join between the part c. of
the legging and the boot, as seen at Fig: 6.
sr
The boot which I prefer to use with my improved legging, is known as the
"highlow" or "Blucher," and in order to adapt it for my purpose. I modify the cut
of the boot in the following manner. First, I cut the front or upper C so that the
side seams g. will be further back than in the ordinary form of boot, thus the side
seams will be hidden by the strap or chain e. as seen in Fig: 6. The tongue or
instep portion of the upper is cut out with the upper, and all in one piece.
The front edges g. of the "quarters," C¹, are cut with a considerable curve to
the rear as shown in the drawing, so that when the quarters are drawn together by

page_text: the laces, as much as possible of the instep portion of the upper C shall remain
uncovered by the flaps.
By thus cutting the boot, it may be made to serve either for use with the legging
as a riding boot, or with trousers as a walking boot, and will have, in the latter
case, all the appearance of a Wellington Boot.
To better ensure the resemblance to a "Jack" boot for riding I employ an instep
strap h which is buttoned across the instep, and onto the studs d. and will cover
the join between the legging and the boot, as indicated at Fig: 6, so that when the
spur is in position, only the points g². of the "quarters," C', will be exposed to view,
and the resemblance to the "Jack" boot will be almost perfect.
In Sheets II and III I have shewn various modifications in the mode of securing
the spurs in position.-The modifications shewn in Sheet II are all intended for use
'with studs or buttons on the leggings.
The form shown in Fig: 7 speaks for itself, and further description is unnecessary.
Both the spur prongs may be made as shown, or one only, the other having a round
or oval hole to button onto the stud as before explained.
Fig: 8 shews one spur prong made with a swivelling loop, the other prong boing
provided with a round or oval hole as before explained, or both prongs may have a
swivelling loop as seen at Figs 10.
Fig: 9 shews another form of fastening; the ends of tho prongs are tapered off,
and rings are inserted through holes made vertically therein
Figures 10 show a spur with two swivelling loops and the instep strap secured
to one of them by means of a short leather loop and an eyelet. Each end of the
instep strap is provided with a button hole to button onto the stud when the spur
is in position.
Figures 11 show another mode of securing the spur. A hole with a slot is
provided for the stud, but one end of the instep strap is secured by sewing in an
inclined slot made in the spur prong in advance of the hole. The other end of the
strap is secured by a buckle conveniently attached in a similar manner to the other
prong. The inclination of the slot must be such as to give the strap the proper
slope to cover the join between the boot and legging, or the button holes may be
made in the instep strap instead of in the spur.
Fig: 12 shows a spur with a triangular-shaped hole. This form corresponds most
nearly to the regulation pattern spur.
The spur may be arranged to fit below the stud as shown in the Figure, a notch
being provided to receive the shank: the object of the stud is in all cases to prevent
the spur "riding up," and thus uncovering the join between the legging and the
boot. In making the triangular-shaped hole, care must be taken that the
inclination of the outer side is such as to give the proper slope to the instep strap
as before explained.
Fig: 13 shows a similarly formed spur, the button holes being provided in the
instep strap. In this form a notch may be formed in the front edge of the spur to
receive the shank of the stud. In Figures 14, instead of a swivelling loop as at
Figures 8 and 10, a swivelling bar, to which the instep strap and the buckle are
conveniently attached, is shewn. These bars are set at the proper inclination to
give the slope to the instep strap. A notch is made in the upper edge of each
prong to receive the shank of the stud, or a button hole may be made in the instep
strap as in Fig: 13.
At Figures 15 Sheet III, a spur similar in form to that shewn at Fig: 13 is
represented. In this modification, however, the stud or button is dispensed with,
and in place thereof an inclined finger, which is rivetted to a plate to be secured to
the legging, is employed. This finger is intended to enter an inclined socket made
on the spur prong to receive it. The inclination of the finger will be downwards
to the rear, so that the act of buckling the instep strap will draw the spur into its
proper position.
In Figures 16. 17. 18 I have shown another modification in the mode of securing
the spur. In this modification I dispense with the use of studs or buttons on the
"

page_text: leggings, and in lieu thereof I employ sockets or boxes, f, which are rivetted or
otherwise firmly secured to the legging, (see Fig: 16). The spur prongs are formed
in the ordinary manner with studs, to which the straps and buckles are attached in
the usual manner but in order to firmly secure the spur in position and prevent it
riding up" so as to uncover the join between the boot and the legging, I form on
the ends of the prongs in front of the studs, flattened projections g. (see Fig: 17)
which are intended to fit into the sockets or boxes f as clearly seen in Fig: 16
Fig: 18 shews this modification with the instep and waist straps secured.
64
It will be evident that other modifications in the mode of securing the spurs may
be readily devised, so long as the principle of the fastening being arranged so that
the spur prongs shall cover the join between the legging and the boot is main-
tained thus the spur may be provided with an inner and outer stud on each prong
the inner stud being intended to enter button holes made either in the legging
itself or in tabs to be secured to the legging, or a double headed stud made to work
through a hole in the spur prong may be used.
:
If desired one end of the waist strap may be attached by sewing or otherwise
to the legging, the other end being buttoned to the stud, and the objection to the
use of loose straps is thus overcome. In the form of spurs. with the triangular-
shaped holes, I prefer to secure the waist strap permanently to the spur.
In general I prefer to use the leggings with the studs secured thereto as more
particularly described with reference to Sheet I; as the studs will allow of the
waist strap being buttoned on, to keep the legging down in place when worn
without the spur. I may here remark that the boot may be made with a
waterproof tongue if desired.
Having now described the nature of my Invention for "Improvements in the
manufacture of leggings, and in means for attaching spurs thereto, and also in boots
to be used with such Leggings "and explained the manner of carrying the same
into effect; I claim.
First The improved manufacture of legging substantially as herein shewn and
described for the purpose setforth.
Second: The improved manufacture of "highlow" boot as herein shewn and
described, and which is specially adapted for the purposes setforth.
Third The means herein shown and described for securing spurs to leggings or
any mere modification thereof.
Fourth The combination of boot, legging, and spur, substantially in the manner
herein shewn and described, and for the purpose setforth.
Fifth The combination of legging and spur substantially as described.
In witness whereof I the said Frederick Wilson Hemming have hereunto
set my hand and seal the 19th day of June in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty three.
W HEMMING
(ra)