AE Shell Cordovan - Bancroft

[Leaveitothexperts]

Just called AE and got some info in case anyone is interested.

The style has been discontinued and was never made for the US market

They can do a special order for $440 + $100 in make up cost

= $540

They only make it in E width. The shoe is made on the 8 last. Other shoes made on the same last are: Steen, Phayer, Westgate, Mora, in case you want to check sizing and fit; once ordered they are "non-returnable"

This can be ordered from them directly or through an AE owned store; for NYC, there is one on 44th street and one on Madison Ave.

 

[william]

Hmm. Thanks for the info. I'll have to think about this one.

 

[zjpj83]

That's around Alden price, so it's not insane like a C&J special order.

 

[Leaveitothexperts]

Due to a few forumites' concerns about this style I e-mailed AE. Here is my e-mail to them:

"To Whom It May Concern:

Dear Sirs,

I recently discovered that the above brand is not currently available
and was made for and marketed in Europe. Upon inquiry with your customer
service I was made to understand that this could be specifically made
for $440 plus a $100 additional charge.

I personally think that this is one of the better styles that you make
and was curious as to why you wouldn't market this in the US. I would
have thought that amongst the people who cared about Allen-Edmonds as a
brand, this would make a very stylish addition to their shoe rotations.
I assure you this opinion is shared by more individuals than just
myself.

Are there styles that you currently only sell/market in Europe? Is there
any means through which people residing in the US can have access to
these?

Less importantly, I am also not sure I understand why you would charge
an additional $100 to specifically make a discontinued style.

Looking forward to your reply.

Sincerely"

And here is the response:

"Dear Sir:

The European line is not available in the US. We have a similar model
called the Dryden that is available in the US. If you have any other
questions please call toll free 800.235.2348 and speak with one of our
representatives.

Sincerely"

I like (

)the "similar shoe" part and the fact that they haven't answered my questions "Why is it not available in the US", "why the extra charge" and especially passing the buck with "if you have any other questions please call ..".

Here is the "similar model", I am not sure I see a resemblance plus I believe it is made on a different last.

http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline...9&&imageType=1

 

[well-kept]

And here is the response:

"Dear Sir:

The European line is not available in the US. We have a similar model
called the Dryden that is available in the US. If you have any other
questions please call toll free 800.235.2348 and speak with one of our
representatives.QUOTE]

Whoever replied may have been authorized only to transmit facts, not to interpret or explain them (or compare fine points of design). Mr. or Ms. 800# might do so if you call.

Your points are well taken and deserve answers. And I'd like to know too.

 

[Mute]

IOW:

We know shoes better than you can imagine. Bad customer! No shoes for you! Come back one year!

 

[Poshak Man]

These have to be the one of the most attractive AE's that I have seen so far.
So, even though these are not offered to the American market can these still be special ordered at a premium? Or the only way to get these is to buy them some where in Europe?

 

[Leaveitothexperts]

Originally Posted by Poshak Man

These have to be the one of the most attractive AE's that I have seen so far.
So, even though these are not offered to the American market can these still be special ordered at a premium? Or the only way to get these is to buy them some where in Europe?

I had previously spoken to a customer rep and she told me they could be specially ordered from them. See the OP.

 

[AlanC]

I think it's certainly understandable why they would charge a fee for a special order, particularly for a style that is discontinued.

The real question is, if they take special orders, why, oh, why won't they make it in a width other than 'E'?

Bancroft, I hardly knew ye.

 

[NoVaguy]

Originally Posted by AlanC

I think it's certainly understandable why they would charge a fee for a special order, particularly for a style that is discontinued.

The real question is, if they take special orders, why, oh, why won't they make it in a width other than 'E'?

Bancroft, I hardly knew ye.

well, i think that most of the AE's sold in the european market are an E width.

 

[MLR]

These are on serious discount at STP - w/ 20% coupon you're talking under $250 shipped for shell cordovan (verified, ordered mine already)...maybe the nicest AE's I've seen. Black, E widths only though..

 

[NoVaguy]

Originally Posted by AlanC

I think it's certainly understandable why they would charge a fee for a special order, particularly for a style that is discontinued.

The real question is, if they take special orders, why, oh, why won't they make it in a width other than 'E'?

Bancroft, I hardly knew ye.

thought about it some more....

it's probably because the cutting dies are set for E-width shoes.

although that's probably not correct. I think a lot of the uppers are made in width batches - i.e., all of the AA and A's get cut from the same die, all the B's and C's together, all the D's, and E's get cut off the same die, and so on.

So the could easily take the 10E upper, wrap it onto and finish it on a 10D size 8 last (which they have, since its the same last they use for American shoes), and send it off.

 

[grimslade]

Originally Posted by MLR

These are on serious discount at STP - w/ 20% coupon you're talking under $250 shipped for shell cordovan (verified, ordered mine already)...maybe the nicest AE's I've seen. Black, E widths only though..

This place is so dangerous. I knew I shouldn't have stopped by today.

 

[chas]

I think I know the answer to this question but I will ask anyway. Call it wishful thinking.

My Park Avenue's are a size 12D and are a little big on me. Very wearble, but not quite perfect.

Is it even worth the effort for me to take a shot at the Bancrofts in 11E on STP?
The only reason I am considering it is because of their return policy.

Thanks,

 

[aportnoy]

Z...you own these. What are your thoughts?