Vintage Dress shoe appreciation, tips, maintenance and advice

[JFWR]

Dare I say I will be trying my hand at some edging this evening.

On the shoe stand are (top) a pair of NOS black "Escort" oxfords built by Scott-McHale in 1941 for sale by Eatons ; (middle) a pair of mid 1950's Tyrol spectators made in Montreal (hand welted Norwegian); and below a pair of NOS ventilated spectators made by Scott-McHale in 1936/37 at their Tillsonburg factory.

The Escort Oxfords were made 81 years ago today. Happy birthday my darlings!!

View attachment 1742650 View attachment 1742651

...Edging, huh? Man, you don't need to share that much personal info with us. That's really a private matter!

 

[_cameosis_]

You're asking a vintage shoe addict if he has room for another pair of black LWBs? Come on man, you've been out of the loop for too long.

he's seasoning you, dude ... until you start salivating and scream this:

 

[_cameosis_]

...Edging, huh? Man, you don't need to share that much personal info with us. That's really a private matter!

living on the edge ...

 

[_cameosis_]

The John Ritchie Co. dates back to 1875 and was located in Quebec City. They were one of Canada's premier shoe-makers right up until the 1950's. They continued production into the early 70's but their quality declined rapidly through the 60's. Your pair dates to the last of the glory years in the mid 50's. The attached advert is from 1955. The 305 model was advertised in 1955 and 1956, and the $20 price point puts them on par with the Dack's Custom Grade shoes from the 50's.

View attachment 1742432 .

nice advertisement pamphlet from the 1940s for collector hounds:

 

[friendlygoz]

AE black shell Dundee today.

 

[VintageZealot]

Oh, before I forget: I was looking at a pair on eBay and the size was listed as 13R. What is "R"? Narrow? Wide?

Late response as I haven't had much internet access lately, but most of the shoes I've seen labelled as R width are usually an A width that has been smudged or written in a square font and misread. Without seeing the marking myself I would guess that pair is a 13A.

 

[stook1]

Sharing a couple of new pairs that I am truly thrilled to add to my vintage shoe collection courtesy of my friend & esteemed vintage shoe expert, @Jiqea. Many thanks, sir! I have been searching for these pairs for a VERY long time.

The cap toe model is the John McHale "Viking" on the bomber last. This is a phenomenal pair of shoes that I have enjoyed wearing around town all day today. These are from the early 60s, if my recollection is correct.

The second pair is the Dack's U-Wing. Much like the McHale pair, I have been searching high and low for a pair of these for a super long time and am really glad to add these to my rotation as well. This pair is from the late 50s or early 60s.

I could not ask for a better start to 2022's shoe shenanigans.

 

[_cameosis_]

pair of tan walk•over custom grade oxfords with cap toes.

1950s-1970s, so if anybody could help date them or even identify the model, i'd be much obliged. bought them sometime before or in early 2018 from a british seller, total with shipping was close to 50 € (good times).

what really hooked me was the slightly chiseled toe, i've never seen anything like it with shoes of such vintage. slight cracking around the vamp area, but nothing lasts forever, they're still in ace condition for their age and the way i rocked them at a wedding, even with original soles.

 

[_cameosis_]

no size indicator from what i can see. there is a 7 stamped on the soles, inside length is 28 cm wall to wall, my feet are 26,5 cm so mostly eu 42 / uk 8 / na 9. awesome fit, snug but comfortable, soft leather. simply admire this pair.

 

[happypebble]

Late response as I haven't had much internet access lately, but most of the shoes I've seen labelled as R width are usually an A width that has been smudged or written in a square font and misread. Without seeing the marking myself I would guess that pair is a 13A.

Here is the pair in question. Photo number...10, I believe. Vtg Military Craddock Terry Oxford Dress Black Shoes 13 R USA 1983 796301A | eBay

 

[happypebble]

Oh, before I forget and the year slips by us: 2022 is the 100th anniversary of the Thom McAn brand. I emailed the folks in charge these days to see what was planned to celebrate, sales, special promotions and whatnot...Crickets.

 

[VintageZealot]

Here is the pair in question. Photo number...10, I believe. Vtg Military Craddock Terry Oxford Dress Black Shoes 13 R USA 1983 796301A | eBay

Strange, that does look like an actual R. I've never seen that before and am not sure what it would mean. Regular maybe?

 

[giangiobomber]

Oh, before I forget and the year slips by us: 2022 is the 100th anniversary of the Thom McAn brand. I emailed the folks in charge these days to see what was planned to celebrate, sales, special promotions and whatnot...Crickets.

incidentally it happens to be the 100th anniversary of AE too

 

[eTrojan]

Late response as I haven't had much internet access lately, but most of the shoes I've seen labelled as R width are usually an A width that has been smudged or written in a square font and misread. Without seeing the marking myself I would guess that pair is a 13A.

And make sure you flag all 13A’s for me. I’m not on eBay as much as I used to be, but am still looking for unicorns.

 

[Thomas Crown]

Continuing with the acquisition of Wisconsin made shoes,NOS Mason Exec Imperials from Chippewa Falls found on David’s watch list. I’m guessing from the 80’s-quality reminds me of Dexter,mid grade but well made and solid.