Re. vintage Alden bluchers

Hi folks,
Hope your weekend is running smoothly!
I saw these vintage Alden genuine shell cordovans on E-Bay, seller looks fine etc. I'd like to know what you folks think of this shoe, re. style, etc.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...2924&rd=1&rd=1

They look incredibly elegant to me.

I've greatly admired many of the shoes in the Alden website. I like the lasts, I haven't really warmed up to the English or Italian lasts, & I don't own any really high end shoes like these yet. I'm still learning, & I'm just a young'un here in Santa Cruz.
I know "high end" is a relative term, but these would be pretty high end quality shoes for me. I love the cordovan colour as long as it's REAL cordovan, not painted on b.s., etc. I also want black in a smooth shell, & dark brown wing tips.
I have a suspicion this would be a versatile shoe, the seller doesn't take returns, which makes me slightly hesitant. I also want the cedar shoe trees, & have noticed that sellers often don't include them alas.
I appreciate all the previous posts you folks have helped me with. The snarky remarks about Santa Cruz was pretty funny. I've been changing my ways, I've trimmed my dreadlocked & beaded nosehairs, ditched the "tech sandals", & birkenstocks, tie-die shirts are gone too. I'm also bathing much more frequently as well
Best,
Duncan

These are the real thing. Versatile and incredibly durable with minimal care.

Be aware that this particular model, made on Alden's Barrie last, runs large. A 10 D, which these are, will feel longer and substantially wider than that same size number in other American shoes. Try on a similar pair before bidding, my best advice.

If you read the fine print carefully, the E-bay auction you linked also DOES NOT include shoe trees.

This style I would not call vintage as Alden still makes them. I suspect the final price will probably be around $250-$300.

Call Shoemart (www.theshoemart.com), ask them about possible seconds, which goes for $325. You get a brand new pair with negligible defect.