Lobb Cordovan boots?!

[stilmacher]

http://cgi.ebay.fr/JOHN-LOBB-hermes-...QQcmdZViewItem

 

[andrewlef]

Originally Posted by stilmacher

http://cgi.ebay.fr/JOHN-LOBB-hermes-...QQcmdZViewItem

No, those are calf. You can tell by the fine creasing in the photos of the vamp. http://i5.ebayimg.com/02/i/000/c3/5e/4ccc_1.JPG

Cordovan does not crease like that.

What makes you think it's cordovan?

 

[stilmacher]

I just thought the leather had a funny look to it.

 

[bengal-stripe]

They're probably not shell cordovan, then they would be the rather rare "˜Ravello' colour . I think it still stands, what I was told haughtily in the shop: "We do not work with cordovan leather". English companies hate the stuff, although they have to use it, as the international market (Germany, Japan) demands it.

Maybe JL (Paris) could do a little trial-run (just like Edward Green has done). JL (St James's) does offer it.
Judging by the heels, these boots are at least five or six years old.

 

[lute]

They’re probably not shell cordovan, then they would be the rather rare ‘Ravello’ colour . I think it still stands, what I was told haughtily in the shop: “We do not work with cordovan leather”. English companies hate the stuff, although they have to use it, as the international market (Germany, Japan) demands it.


While visiting Lobb's some years ago I inquired about the possibility of ordering a pair of shell cordovan riding boots.
The response to me was anything but haughty; the gentleman was clearly embarrassed. "Well", he said, "We did attempt a pair once".
There was a brief silence. "It, er, did not work out".
When pressed (for my own amusement) he stated that Lobb would need a price well in excess of five thousand dollars (this was in 1994) to hazard a second attempt.

It requires much experience and skill to work with cordovan; it is not like any other leather. It has a nasty propensity to tear without warning in the lasting or sewing.

 

[robin]

Heh, I was just thinking about the possibilities of cordovan riding boots the other day. It would probably need to be a mix of many pieces of shell, or instead a mix a canvas and regular calf leather up past the ankle. I would not want to pay anyone to "hazard" an attempt though.

 

[LabelKing]

Originally Posted by bengal-stripe

They're probably not shell cordovan, then they would be the rather rare "˜Ravello' colour . I think it still stands, what I was told haughtily in the shop: "We do not work with cordovan leather". English companies hate the stuff, although they have to use it, as the international market (Germany, Japan) demands it.

Maybe JL (Paris) could do a little trial-run (just like Edward Green has done). JL (St James's) does offer it.
Judging by the heels, these boots are at least five or six years old.
I'm curious, why do they "hate the stuff"?

Do they find it unrefined?

 

[robin]

Originally Posted by LabelKing

I'm curious, why do they "hate the stuff"?
I'm curious as well, but I'm guessing that it's just a pain ********** to get. Alden probably gets a majority of what goes out to the market.

 

[lute]

Originally Posted by robin

Heh, I was just thinking about the possibilities of cordovan riding boots the other day. It would probably need to be a mix of many pieces of shell, or instead a mix a canvas and regular calf leather up past the ankle. I would not want to pay anyone to "hazard" an attempt though.

No, actually, a pair of tall boots requires two Number 1 sized shells for the shafts of the boots, and an X or number 2 sized shell for the feet.
If you would like to see a photo of a pair in Number 8 color, go here:

http://fagliano.com.ar/fagliano_eng....ectflash=false

then click on "Products" up above.

That is my personal pair, I rode in them for a few months before they were photographed. They fit perfectly, and are the most beautiful pair of tall boots I have ever seen.
Faglianos are an ancient family of bootmakers outside of Buenos Aires who are renowned in equestrian circles.

 

[LabelKing]

Those are a beautiful and elegant pair of boots.

I also like those black Prussian shoes listed.

 

[robin]

Wow

That's for sharing that though, it's good to know that it's an easy possibility to order when I get back into riding eventually.

 

[distinctive]

Your knowledge is impressive lute I guess this was that one pair: http://cgi.ebay.de/John-Lobb-Shell-C...QQcmdZViewItem

 

[lute]

Originally Posted by distinctive

Your knowledge is impressive lute


Thank you. I have visited the tannery a number of times over the last thirty years, back to the days when Arnold M. was the manager.
Wonderful people who are justifiably very proud of the quality of their products.


I guess this was that one pair:
http://cgi.ebay.de/John-Lobb-Shell-C...QQcmdZViewItem


No, the pair that the gentleman at Lobb confessed to bodging was a pair of cordovan riding boots, not shoes.
Apparently a very lovely woman had come in to Lobb and ordered and paid for the boots as a gift for her husband. She insisted that the boots be made of cordovan.
I heard via backchannel that the bootmaker at Lobb went about half-mad trying to make those boots.

 

[bengal-stripe]

O M G !!! Those boots are wonderful. Soon the well-travelled shoe aficionado will have to put the Argentines on his "˜Grand Tour'.

lute - I believe everybody would appreciate it, if you could post links to other shoe/boot makers in the Argentines (or Latin America in general).

 

[Concordia]

Originally Posted by LabelKing

I'm curious, why do they "hate the stuff"?

Do they find it unrefined?


Hermes customers befriend horses, not wear them.