This fine pair of fine leather gaiters were worn by a Canadian child in the 1940’s when going outside as leg protectors for extra warmth. 

It is made of fine soft supple medium brown leather.  The leather spats fit over the shoes and fasten under the foot with a leather strap and metal buckle on one side and snap buttons on the other side. Snap fasteners are marked RAU CO. PROV. R.I. Rau Fasteners, established in 1912, was a leading distributor of metal snap fasteners in Rhode Island. A metal zipper marked Lightning Canada runs up along the leg with four leather straps at the top fastened with gold finish metal buckles.

The concept of the zipper originated with an American, but there were problems with the early design. The idea was improved by Gideon Sundback in the early 1900’s, who started the Lightning Fastener Company in St
Catharines, Ontario.

Dimensions :
Top of the leg around the inner edge measures approx. 15 inches; length from top to back of heel approx. 17 inches; foot section from front to back approx. 6 ½ inches; width around the ankle approx. 4 ¼ inches.
État/Condition :
Good vintage condition. Well used and well maintained: some buckles fixed with thread to replace the original metal strips. A few holes in inside felt lining near the bottom. Zipper working fine. Complete and usable items.