Hotel Cali
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Are there any code markings in the interior, or anything left of the sockliner imprint, or stampings on the waist of the sole? The medallion is similar to the one used by John McHale on their famous Bomber brogues, but the sockliner lacks doubled and stitched edge. That trait began sometime around '55, so perhaps they predate that. The lacing stay flap lacks the "box bar" which was McHale's hallmark post 1950 on Bluchers. If they were Scott-McHales (McHale's 2nd quality line up until 1959) that would be stamped down on the interior waist of the sockliner. I wonder if they are McHales, or perhaps another manufacturer. Marius knows his stuff, so perhaps he is seeing something that I don't. Coding would tell the tale. Nice shoes. Will you resole them?
I will look through the newspaper adds.
Here is a couple photos of the inners. One has the size 575 font.
The waist seems to be similar to your photo below.
McHale was certainly making high quality golf shoes in the 40's and 50's. Attached is the only image I could find of one from 1947. One ad I found suggests that they were being imported and sold in Los Angeles!
Also attached is a shot of your toe medallion on the left vs a Bomber medallion on the right. They share the interesting diamond shape with a large dot right at the toe. My guess is that if your shoes are John McHales that they pre-date 1950. Otherwise I would expect to see a box-bar post 1950 and both the box-bar and a stitched liner post 1955.
View attachment 1453991 View attachment 1453992
Thanks for the research. There are quite a few characters found with McHale shoes.