This footwear saw Marie Antoinette's demise.

A pair destined for history

The Queen of France, an inspiration for the French Revolution and many counter-revolutionary conspiracies, was executed on October 16, 1793. Her head was severed by the guillotine.

It's unknown whether she prepared herself for this event or was held in anticipation. Nevertheless, at her execution, she wore leather shoes with a blue trim, a tapered toe, and pleated decorative elements. The pair was crafted with a sturdy, low heel, characteristic of the era.

Interestingly, a similar pair with a named heel was sold at auction in 2020 for over $43,000.