Pair of Old Folk Art Crate Wood Shoes, Presumed Trade Signs

I have to think these shoes were made, and hung, as trade signs for a cobbler, though I don't know for complete certain. Clearly they were made of crate wood that was lying around, with the red printed label of an old fruit crate visible on the back of one. The fronts feature recessed carving for the gold painted soles as well as pinprick decoration running across the toes, sides and fronts, subtle against the black but clearly visible. The black paint of the shoes was topped with varnish, which has bubbled over time making for nice crusty surfaces. Wonderfully graphic as well as tactile and excellent arranged all sorts of ways in all sorts of contexts, from marching toward the front door to hanging next to the (shoe) closet!

Each 10 1/2" to 11" long, 4 1/2" tall x 5/8" thick. Both in very good condition, earlyish 20th c. I would guess. Wired on the back for hanging. Sold as a pair.