History's Best Selling Products of 1860

Revisiting 1860 presents a grand parade of items history, marked by swell Yankee ingenuity and home-front craftsmanship and enduring fan favorites. Unrivaled hits including Spectator shoe, The Conduct of Life, and The Game of Life took top honors in living rooms and storefronts alike. Master craftsmen from industry leaders like John Lobb and Ralph Waldo Emerson led the vanguard, engineering high-caliber releases that swept main street from coast to coast as genuine top-flight hits. Dive into the full historical rankings below to see which standout creations won the day.

1. Spectator shoe

   Released in 1860 by John Lobb

   First appearing in the 1860s, the spectator shoe quickly carved out a niche for its bold and distinctive aesthetic, though its true heyday arrived with the roaring twenties and the glamorous thirties. This iconic footwear, characterized by its striking two-tone design, offered a vibrant contrast to the more somber single-color shoes of the era. It wasn't just a shoe; it was a statement, signaling a wearer's embrace of leisure, sport, and a certain playful elegance. Its immediate appeal lay in its ability to stand out, making it a cultural success that transcended mere utility to become a defining fashion accessory of the interwar period, deeply associated with high society and the burgeoning jazz culture.

2. The Conduct of Life

   Released in 1860 by Ralph Waldo Emerson, Ticknor and Fields

   Published in 1860, "The Conduct of Life" is historically significant as it represents the zenith of Ralph Waldo Emerson's philosophical development, offering a more nuanced and pragmatic worldview than his earlier, more purely optimistic Transcendentalist writings. Appearing on the very eve of the American Civil War, the essays reflect the anxieties and moral dilemmas gripping the nation, as Emerson grappled with themes of fate, power, and the limits of individual will against formidable external forces. Its publication provided intellectual and ethical guidance during a profoundly tumultuous period, challenging readers to find equilibrium between idealism and the harsh realities of life. The book’s timing made it particularly potent, as it addressed a society desperately seeking frameworks for understanding its own destiny and the path forward.

3. The Game of Life

   Released in 1860 by Milton Bradley, Milton Bradley

   The year 1860 marked a pivotal moment in American board game history with the introduction of "The Checkered Game of Life" by Milton Bradley. Launched during a period of national unrest leading up to the Civil War, this innovative game offered players a novel experience that blended entertainment with moral instruction. Unlike many games of its era that focused on abstract strategy or war, Bradley's creation allowed players to navigate a life path, making choices that led to virtuous outcomes or consequences. Its immediate popularity stemmed from its relatable theme of personal journey and its accessible gameplay, establishing Milton Bradley as a prominent figure in the nascent American toy industry and laying the groundwork for what would become one of the most enduring board game franchises globally.