Vintage Dress shoe appreciation, tips, maintenance and advice

[mormonopoly]

Well, this is what happens when you get all worked up over getting a shell PTB. Won a pair of Banisters on eBay and I'm sure I overpaid, but what the hell, it's shell.
What can I expect in the quality of vintage Banisters? The shoes look like they need a good bit of work (plenty of rolls, etc.), I'm ok with that. I just got tired of not finding a PTB in my size that wasn't going for $200.
Once I get them and do some Reno work on them, I'll post some pics.

Banister was part of the Stetson shoe company. I have only personally handled one pair, but in general, they seem to be excellent quality.

 

[PSU John]

I assume the Banister in question is the company described in:
http://www.npl.org/Pages/Collections/CFCNJIC/FAids/BanisterShoe_FA.pdf
Looks like they could be 1970s at the latest - hope that your up-close inspection proves encouraging!

 

[Lmrjfud]

This one puzzles me.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Florsheim-...186689?hash=item5b40bd8741:g:NYEAAOSwJtdaDjuY

Anyone familiar with this style number?

 

[smfdoc]

This one puzzles me.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Florsheim-...186689?hash=item5b40bd8741:g:NYEAAOSwJtdaDjuY

Anyone familiar with this style number?

Not me. But they are certainly a higher end shoe. Shell, double row stitching used on both sides of the brogue, wheeling on the welt, high stitch per inch. They were designed and made for Florsheim, which is not typical. Clearly made by someone other than Florsheim. Yes, the price is high but not out of line in comparison to new shell. I would certainly offer less given the dark line around the throat and the top of the heel looks a little ratty like they did not use a shoe horn the very few times they were worn.

 

[mormonopoly]

This one puzzles me.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Florsheim-...186689?hash=item5b40bd8741:g:NYEAAOSwJtdaDjuY

Anyone familiar with this style number?

Not familiar with the style number, but looks like a pretty sweet pair of 1950's shell shortwings, probably made just before Florsheim finalized the style number system that we are familiar with. What puzzles you about them?

 

[Lmrjfud]

Not familiar with the style number, but looks like a pretty sweet pair of 1950's shell shortwings, probably made just before Florsheim finalized the style number system that we are familiar with. What puzzles you about them?

Mostly, who made them. The style number doesn't correlate to anything I can find.

 

[greekgeek]

I keep looking at this pair of AE MacNeils. I am not planning on buying them. The build is much different than the MacNeils of today. Check out the shape of the sole in the photo below.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/222718504237?rmvSB=true

View attachment 876569

Wow, those went cheap. Total steal.

 

[smfdoc]

There are some NOS Florsheims, made in USA in late 1990s up for auction with 2 hours remaining. Size 11 D. Includes box and shoe bags. Currently $74. Not my shoe.

See them here.

 

[suitforcourt]

Picked up a pair of Hanover LB Sheperds tonight! Black LWB. Can't wait!!!

 

[cc808314]

I hope one of you picked these up. They sure didn’t last long.

https://m.ebay.com/itm/SHELL-CORDOV...162995?hash=item3626248ab3:g:LwkAAOSwk1haEhee

 

[smfdoc]

I hope one of you picked these up. They sure didn’t last long.

https://m.ebay.com/itm/SHELL-CORDOV...162995?hash=item3626248ab3:g:LwkAAOSwk1haEhee

So glad they were not my size. It kills me when I miss shoes like that in my size.

 

[aero25]

Some NOS Hanover here. Not mine, or my size.

 

[cc808314]

So glad they were not my size. It kills me when I miss shoes like that in my size.

I hear you. I probably would not have the willpower to resist had they been my size.

 

[aero25]

So much chaff to wade through when searching for Florsheim's. I'm impressed you guys find anything worthwhile!

 

[smfdoc]

Some NOS Hanover here. Not mine, or my size.

Those have a corrected grain vibe. I would check them out carefully.