How to tell if a Brand New shoe is Shell Cordovan

[rebel222]

I purchased a pair of shoes on eBay hoping they were shell. They have arrived, and I cannot tell if they are shell. I know how to tell if used shoes are shell, but I can't seem to tell if these are. They are NOS Florsheim Imperial Bluchers in Burgundy. Here is the link to the auctions pics:
Link

If more detailed pictures would help, let me know.

 

[grimslade]

Post pics. Flex them and see how they crease.

 

[DocHolliday]

Post pics. In general, the finish on bad CG will look flat and shiny, like paint, while non-black shell will have warmth and depth, plus variations in the grain. Also, look for any signs of white film, and, if the shoes lack metal eyelets, slight bumps around the hole, like on ostrich leather.

 

[rnoldh]

Unfortuneatley, the side scratches shown in the 4th picture of your linked Ebay listing, look like leather, ( IE CG ) to me. But I'm far from an exert.

They might certainly be SC.

Let us know what you find out.

In any event, they are nice shoes. I have some NOS Florsheims and I like all of them. I think Florsheim, back in the day, especially the Imperials were great shoes.

 

[manouche]

If they look like cheap shiny plastic while they smell like leather, it may be cordovan

 

[rebel222]

Here are some additional pics to supplement the autiva pics. They are definitely not CG. I can tell CG. They are also not calf skin because no creasing. DId imperials ever come in some kind of man made material. I have come to the conclusion that is the only other option. BTW, it is very difficult to flex triple stacked soles with one hand while trying to hold still and take a picture.

 

[AlanC]

I think shell.

 

[rebel222]

Originally Posted by AlanC

I think shell.

That's what I was hoping. Anyone need a pair of 12A's?

 

[Tarmac]

Look like shell to me. They are so untouched it is hard to tell. The most apparent pic is where you can see the backing of the tongue.

I don't know of any cheap-leather versions which would both be in that color as well as from that era. That's because their burgundy shoes were shell at the time.

12As are a hard sell. I had an almost identical 11A and it went for about $130.00

 

[grimslade]

The tiny pitting around the toe box is characteristic of shell, but the way it's bending seems suspiciously uniform.

 

[rebel222]

Originally Posted by grimslade

The tiny pitting around the toe box is characteristic of shell, but the way it's bending seems suspiciously uniform.

I am not trying to change your opinion in any way. I want people's honest opinions, but I think they bend uniform because of the very sitff soles. This is my first hands on experience with NOS Florsheim, and these soles are stiff.

 

[grimslade]

Can you take a picture of the back of the tongue?

 

[rebel222]

 

[AnGeLiCbOrIs]

I'm no pro but I'd say shell.

 

[grimslade]

Those incline me more toward the shell camp.