Vintage Dress shoe appreciation, tips, maintenance and advice

[Nealjpage]

Good if you got to use the sandwedge off someone's toe, Happy Gillmore style.

 

[VintageZealot]

Here are better pictures of the black Florsheim #20311 cap toes I found in a thrift store awhile ago.

They turned out to be Canadian Florsheims, likely made at/by McHale. A very similar shoe with the same model number appeared in the 1969 Florsheim catalog, I assume the differences in design are a result of these being the Canadian version. These seem to be from around the same era as well.

There are a few rough creases in them but those aren't very noticeable when wearing them and the shoes fit me excellently. Overall I'm pleased with them, especially at the bargain thrift store price they were.

Here's their American sibling in the middle of this page from the fall 1969 catalog.

 

[suitforcourt]

Here are better pictures of the black Florsheim #20311 cap toes I found in a thrift store awhile ago.

They turned out to be Canadian Florsheims, likely made at/by McHale. A very similar shoe with the same model number appeared in the 1969 Florsheim catalog, I assume the differences in design are a result of these being the Canadian version. These seem to be from around the same era as well.

There are a few rough creases in them but those aren't very noticeable when wearing them and the shoes fit me excellently. Overall I'm pleased with them, especially at the bargain thrift store price they were.
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Here's their American sibling in the middle of this page from the fall 1969 catalog.
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Definitely made by McHale. I love this pair.

 

[sam67]

What is the best way to clean the oxidation off these eyelets? I don’t want to stain the canvas. Thanks

 

[smfdoc]

What is the best way to clean the oxidation off these eyelets? I don’t want to stain the canvas. Thanks

I would initially start without any water or chemicals and just use a Scotch brite pad or steel wool.

 

[eTrojan]

Headed to the jazz club on Thursday to see an old friend’s new project (Generation Gap Jazz Orchestra). They’re nominated for a Grammy, so we’re rooting for a win on Sunday. I paid homage to Jelly Roll Morton by choosing my Edwin Clapp alligator split toes. He once made the comment that he knew he had arrived when he could afford a Stetson hat and Edwin Clapp shoes.

 

[sam67]

Sorry not shoe related but I trust this group. Just got this Saddleback briefcase. Do I treat the rough side that is on the inside? You can see it as the bottom of the bag. I've done the rest of it in Bick 4.

edit- From Chamberlains Leather Milk- "Aside from the physical differences, unfinished leather also requires a different cleaning technique to ensure its longevity. Wipe unfinished leather with a soft cloth or dry soft- brush only." I also wrote Saddleback. I'll report back if interested.

 

[sam67]

I would initially start without any water or chemicals and just use a Scotch brite pad or steel wool.

I got some off but then got a little nervous. decided to let the next guy take care of it.

 

[kilowatts]

Sorry not shoe related but I trust this group. Just got this Saddleback briefcase. Do I treat the rough side that is on the inside? You can see it as the bottom of the bag. I've done the rest of it in Bick 4.

edit- From Chamberlains Leather Milk- "Aside from the physical differences, unfinished leather also requires a different cleaning technique to ensure its longevity. Wipe unfinished leather with a soft cloth or dry soft- brush only." I also wrote Saddleback. I'll report back if interested.

Hi Sam:
I have several vintage Gladstone bags. After cleaning, I treat the exterior with a leather conditioner and then some leather balm I made up. Works well.
Never touched the inside as all my bags are lined either with leather or fabric. I don’t think you need to touch the inside though.
Saddleback are great bags but a tad heavy for me. Also his website is entirely self important and that really puts me off. I want a bag, not a life story!

Kilowatts.

 

[mormonopoly]

I've been wearing some spectators this week. These are 1950s Johnston & Murphy, originally sold at the Andrade Shop in Hawaii.

 

[mormonopoly]

These are 1940s Winthrop Spectators.

 

[sam67]

These are 1940s Winthrop Spectators.
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I'm still looking for my cap toe spectator!

 

[JFWR]

These are 1940s Winthrop Spectators.
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Look like the mobster's shoes in Some Like it Hot.

 

[Oshare]

I've been wearing some spectators this week. These are 1950s Johnston & Murphy, originally sold at the Andrade Shop in Hawaii.
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"Andrade" Now that is a name I have not heard in a very, very long time!

 

[Nealjpage]

Standard issue black Florsheim Imperial longwings. Probably late '60s vintage.

Recently finished up this Bulova Royal Clipper from 1960. It is on the original expando bracelet. While servicing I observed that no one had ever worked on the movement, something that is exceptionally rare. Hopefully I didn't add too many scratches to the works while working.