Vintage Dress shoe appreciation, tips, maintenance and advice

[Seamster]

Photos and update on Banister Shoe refurbishment:
After cleaning and double round of Lexol neatsfoot.

Glycerine treatment. Pre and post photos show grain and color change with absorption .

After an overnight swaddling!

Markings on inside lining. Does anyone here have knowledge of the brand to share?

Have a great day y'all!

 

[suitforcourt]

I’ve always understood that cracks cannot be fixed. They can perhaps be sanded and smoothed a bit or covered with polish, but once the leather cracks, it cannot actually be fixed.

Fair enough. I'm not a cobbler. But Steve Doudalkian from Bedos always says he can fix anything.

But I believe we're all in agreement these shoes are NOT worth fixing.

 

[madhat]

Photos and update on Banister Shoe refurbishment:
After cleaning and double round of Lexol neatsfoot.
View attachment 928626

Glycerine treatment. Pre and post photos show grain and color change with absorption . View attachment 928627
After an overnight swaddling!
View attachment 928628

Markings on inside lining. Does anyone here have knowledge of the brand to share?
View attachment 928629

Have a great day y'all!

Very cool. Can you show a profile shot? Those have very inserting broguing

 

[Seamster]

Very cool. Can you show a profile shot? Those have very inserting broguing

I agree. You wouldn't believe how much Bick 4 disappeared into those holes. Haha!
I'll make sure to have better profile when everything is fixed up and they are in use .

 

[M635Guy]

Newly acquired vintage Florsheim, made in Canada.

I had topy and cat paw heels installed. I recommend them to everyone - tested them in a downpour today, and they were great on slippery surfaces.

View attachment 928623

View attachment 928625

Until I saw the second pic, I thought you were posting B&W (i.e. vintage-style) pix.

 

[suitforcourt]

Until I saw the second pic, I thought you were posting B&W (i.e. vintage-style) pix.

LOL. True.

Black slacks, black shoes, and black socks. Then a grey carpet.

I normally jazz things up with coloured socks, but they're in the wash.

 

[madhat]

View attachment 928736

I agree. You wouldn't believe how much Bick 4 disappeared into those holes. Haha!
I'll make sure to have better profile when everything is fixed up and they are in use .

Sooo cool. Yeah, and interesting not inserting.

 

[LLEE]

Maybe a little off topic, but have any of you had to deal with special insurance/loss recovery for your shoe collections? The newer shoes my insurance agent says is easy, just ensure I have appropriate documentation and coverage for the amounts. It's the valuation of the vintage stuff my agent takes issue with, and in the event of a loss (one mild house fire really makes you think about this kind of thing) I don't have a good feeling they'd see my side.

 

[M635Guy]

Maybe a little off topic, but have any of you had to deal with special insurance/loss recovery for your shoe collections? The newer shoes my insurance agent says is easy, just ensure I have appropriate documentation and coverage for the amounts. It's the valuation of the vintage stuff my agent takes issue with, and in the event of a loss (one mild house fire really makes you think about this kind of thing) I don't have a good feeling they'd see my side.

It would seem like completed eBay auctions and specialty website should be enough to provide comps. Or maybe an "agreed value" policy?

 

[actionjbone]

Maybe a little off topic, but have any of you had to deal with special insurance/loss recovery for your shoe collections? The newer shoes my insurance agent says is easy, just ensure I have appropriate documentation and coverage for the amounts. It's the valuation of the vintage stuff my agent takes issue with, and in the event of a loss (one mild house fire really makes you think about this kind of thing) I don't have a good feeling they'd see my side.

Ask your insurance agent if they'll honor appraisals for each pair from an antiquarian who specializes in clothing.

If your agent says no and can't give you any other options, it's time to find a new agent!

 

[instigateur]

Maybe a little off topic, but have any of you had to deal with special insurance/loss recovery for your shoe collections? The newer shoes my insurance agent says is easy, just ensure I have appropriate documentation and coverage for the amounts. It's the valuation of the vintage stuff my agent takes issue with, and in the event of a loss (one mild house fire really makes you think about this kind of thing) I don't have a good feeling they'd see my side.

You could go the way of collectible insurance. This outfit will ensure most any collection.

https://collectinsure.com/what-we-i...6m_qgyJur18sG77mXNOLKTEjd-5Y9ZTEaAkGeEALw_wcB

 

[suitforcourt]

Maybe a little off topic, but have any of you had to deal with special insurance/loss recovery for your shoe collections? The newer shoes my insurance agent says is easy, just ensure I have appropriate documentation and coverage for the amounts. It's the valuation of the vintage stuff my agent takes issue with, and in the event of a loss (one mild house fire really makes you think about this kind of thing) I don't have a good feeling they'd see my side.

For your shoes, refer them to classic shoes for men.com

Those prices are clearly fair, properly appraised, and within parameters.

 

[madhat]

The gators have landed. Conditioning them back to a more supple feel.

 

[cc808314]

I thrifted these a few years ago and never got around to wearing them. These Thom McAns are from around 1960. I actually found two identical unworn pairs (and a third that was worn to death) at the thrift store. As soon as the weather cooperates, if ever, I'm finally going to un-deadstock them.
View attachment 928426 View attachment 928427 View attachment 928428

I like these a lot. Are they made of museum calf?

 

[flipstah]

Did a full reconditioning of a pair of Canadian made long wingtips I thrifted.

You can see I got it heavily soiled so I did the following:
- Disinfection with vinegar/hot water on the inside
- Spot cleaning with Jason Markk cleaner
- Leather conditioner application and a buff after drying
- Leather lotion and buffing after drying
- Sole edge polishing
- Singed loose threading
- Replace with new shoelaces
- Take photos for Likes