Help me date these shell cordovan Florsheim Imperial longwings

[larrywright]

I picked up a pair of "vintage" Florsheim Imperial longwings in burgundy shell cordovan off of eBay last week. I love the shoes, but I'm curious how old they are. I've done a little searching, but I can't find anything of use. The soles appear to be original, and they're in (I think) very good condition, so it doesn't seem like they're *that* old. Does anyone know how to tell?

 

[MyOtherLife]

Early 1990's would be my guess. Welcome to Styleforum Larry, and congratulations on your purchase. Enjoy them in good health.

 

[WhateverYouLike]

This is what happens when you pass gay marriage. People start dating shoes.

 

[MyOtherLife]



This is what happens when you pass gay marriage. People start dating shoes.

What does this mean and who was it intended for?

 

[SpiffEngineer]

What does this mean and who was it intended for?

I believe it was an extension of the slippery slope argument used against gay marriage, used in a reducio ad absurdum fashion for comedic effect. I am not sure the comment was intended to increase the value of the discourse here.

Ironically, I think that other (non-gay marriage related) federal laws are at play here. The government's restrictions on horse slaughter probably drive up the price of cordovan, thereby inducing many to purchase "vintage" cordovan footwear.

 

[MyOtherLife]

I have so much to learn about the corelation between the dating of old Florsheims-Gay marriage, but I can assure you there is no real shortage of shell cordo. The horses are simply shipped to Canada for slaughter, then the hides are shipped back as product although I am uncertain as to where the meat is shipped.

 

[larrywright]



The horses are simply shipped to Canada for slaughter, then the hides are shipped back as product although I am uncertain as to where the meat is shipped.

Sweden, apparently. IKEA sells a lot of those meatballs...

In all seriousness though, thanks for the help. That was my guess as well, since I knew they moved manufacturing offshore in the early 90s.

 

[MyOtherLife]



That was my guess as well, since I knew they moved manufacturing offshore in the early 90s.

They moved production to India in 1996. The first year or two (1996-1998) in India maintained quality but after 1998 it started to slide.
This is not including the 'Duckie Brown' line, which is (arguably) as high in quality as Florsheim shoes ever were. I myself do not own any Duckie Brown Florsheims but many on here do. There are a few threads on that if you want to search for them.

 

[ter1413]



This is what happens when you pass gay marriage. People start dating shoes.

Don't quit ur day job!

 

[mjd]

I hate to hijack this thread a bit but any idea if these might be shell cordovan? Thanks very much.

 

[MyOtherLife]

Mjd, not shell.

 

[mjd]



Mjd, not shell.

Okay thanks for the heads up, they will make good beater loafers around the house.

 

[Win545]

Just picked up the florsheim shell longwing from ebay too.
How could you polish the shoes until they shine beautifully like that?

 

[KMPO]

Just wondering, how much were you able to pick up your shell florsheims for?

And congratulations, those shoes are in extremely well condition!