Florsheim Imperial....are they shell cordovan?

[Hoofit]

I thrifted a pair of Florsheim Imperials that appear to be shell cordovan. I wanted a little help from you guys. The photos aren't top quality but I will get some better shots over the weekend. Are there any tale-tale signs that I should look for?

 

[forex]

Looks like shell,but what does it matter they are old and beaten.

 

[srivats]

Yes, these are shell shoes.

 

[Hoofit]

Actually they are in very good shape, and are a very serviceable pair of shoes. If they are shell that makes it all the better. As I look closer can see the the white residue that shell can produce.

 

[pkincy]

Florsheim Imperial were available in both calf and shell. These are obviously cordovan.

good find.

Perry

 

[Henry Boogers]

100% certain those are shell. If those shoes are old and beaten I wonder what that makes me...

 

[AJR Journal]

Those shoes need shoe trees! Never get shoes without also having shoe trees for them.

 

[grimslade]

Yes.

 

[JayJay]

Shell cordovan for sure. Even with shoe trees the ripples would be apparent. It's a characteristic of shell. Nice shoes.

 

[Orgetorix]

Definitely shell. Word to the wise: make sure they're well moisturized/conditioned before wearing them. I got a similar pair from Ebay, neglected to condition them, and they cracked something awful:

 

[uhurit]

Damn, that's an awful crack!

 

[grimslade]

Originally Posted by uhurit

Damn, that's an awful crack!

That's what...

oh, never mind.

 

[Style Pontifex]

What exactly is shell? Always been confused by the term.

 

[Jferg4350]

Originally Posted by Style Pontifex

What exactly is shell? Always been confused by the term.

Horse Ass

 

[The Deacon]

Originally Posted by Orgetorix

Definitely shell. Word to the wise: make sure they're well moisturized/conditioned before wearing them. I got a similar pair from Ebay, neglected to condition them, and they cracked something awful:

About a year and a half ago I had a multi email argument with a potential ebay buyer about the need to sometimes condition shell cordovan. He swore that it was never necessary and that the ever effusive font of natural oils never runs dry on a shell cordovan shoe. I told him among other things that he was fortunate to have never had cracked shell.

By the way those are nice shell Florsheims you have original poster and they aren't yet beat to hell. The sole has seen wet, but the uppers look to be in very good used condition to me.