Vintage Dress shoe appreciation, tips, maintenance and advice

[wasmisterfu]

Anyone recognize the maker on these boots? No insole or interior markings. Vintage vibes and sole seems too dressy with taps for a modern boot, right? View attachment 1015236
View attachment 1015237

With approximately 150 nails in that sole and heel stack, five nail metal taps, and what appears to be some heavy duty effort, I’m going to say the sole and heel stack is the work of a master cobbler. The actual boots look like a fine quality vintage pair, but my gut says those soles were post-factory.

 

[PSU John]

With approximately 150 nails in that sole and heel stack, five nail metal taps, and what appears to be some heavy duty effort, I’m going to say the sole and heel stack is the work of a master cobbler. The actual boots look like a fine quality vintage pair, but my gut says those soles were post-factory.

Looks to me like the sole is attached using multiple wooden pegs, which I believe is a lost art these days

 

[suitforcourt]

With approximately 150 nails in that sole and heel stack, five nail metal taps, and what appears to be some heavy duty effort, I’m going to say the sole and heel stack is the work of a master cobbler. The actual boots look like a fine quality vintage pair, but my gut says those soles were post-factory.

I was going to post that as my gut feeling. But didn't want to speak out of turn, and look like a fool.

And now, I support this expert deduction.

 

[MJMcRibb]

With approximately 150 nails in that sole and heel stack, five nail metal taps, and what appears to be some heavy duty effort, I’m going to say the sole and heel stack is the work of a master cobbler. The actual boots look like a fine quality vintage pair, but my gut says those soles were post-factory.

I was going to post that as my gut feeling. But didn't want to speak out of turn, and look like a fool.

And now, I support this expert deduction.

I'm gonna say they're original. The wear to the uppers is pretty minimal and looks like it could mostly be from storage. You've got 3 crowns stamped on the sole and 3 crowns on the upper top of the right boot. Someone noted on the thrift thread that this is a symbol used for the Swedish military.

 

[suitforcourt]

I'm gonna say they're original. The wear to the uppers is pretty minimal and looks like it could mostly be from storage. The 3 crowns stamp on the sole matches the 3 crown that can be seen at the upper top of the right boot.

I'm no expert, but also throw this in for consideration: The nails in the heel are not evenly matched or set up. I doubt a manufacturer would've let this slip out, especially back in the day.

But I'd love to know what others think. The boots definitely look like they are lightly, if worn at all.

 

[suitforcourt]

Here's what they did to my Bradleys.... View attachment 1015235

I can't believe quality control let those leave the factory. Somebody in QC saw these, and said, good to go!

 

[meister]

Anyone recognize the maker on these boots? No insole or interior markings. Vintage vibes and sole seems too dressy with taps for a modern boot, right? View attachment 1015236
View attachment 1015237

Very fine manufacture. Holzgenagelt or wood pegged.

 

[ORLThrifter]

Thank you, all. Based on all this great information, and some light searching, I'm leaning towards mid-1940's Swedish military boots. It'll take some more digging, but you all have pointed out great information that I wouldn't have known! Much obliged.

 

[wasmisterfu]

I was going to post that as my gut feeling. But didn't want to speak out of turn, and look like a fool.

And now, I support this expert deduction.

I’m not sure I’m exactly an expert. In fact, I’m pretty sure I’m just guessing (and I’ll have you know, I don’t just look like a fool). That said, I’ve only ever seen that level of sole work done by a really good (OCD) cobbler. That’s a lot of carefully spaced nails. The quality of the uppers, while good, seems incongruent with the sole and heel stack.

However, this in no way constitutes an expert opinion.

 

[MJMcRibb]

I'm no expert, but also throw this in for consideration: The nails in the heel are not evenly matched or set up. I doubt a manufacturer would've let this slip out, especially back in the day.

But I'd love to know what others think. The boots definitely look like they are lightly, if worn at all.

These have the same wood peg attachment, but, as you can see, not the cleanest work: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-m...g_cvip=true&nordt=true&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
Could be that the military got factory rejects on the cheap.

 

[AEShoeMan]

PSA - if I was a 12 A i would be all over these NOS florsheim shell on ebay. Item #192620332469 - $129 BIN

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/192620332469

 

[suitforcourt]

These have the same wood peg attachment, but, as you can see, not the cleanest work: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-military-leather-boots-size-46A-295-from-Swedish-Army-unused-6-/222504975407?hash=item33ce547c2f:g:63YAAOSwX61ZEX8a&_nkw=swedish+military+boots&_sacat=0&_from=R40&LH_Complete=1&rt=nc&LH_Sold=1&LH_TitleDesc=0|0&nma=true&si=JgTz4tvdQei4x5UsPrznD3S6iME%3D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
Could be that the military got factory rejects on the cheap.

All good points. Wish they were my size!

 

[wasmisterfu]

Very fine manufacture. Holzgenagelt or wood pegged.

How about that, they do indeed look like wood pegs. I had lookup Holzgenagelt, but once I did, I see exactly what you’re talking about regarding the wood peg method of sole work. Really interesting.

You learn something new everyday.

 

[suitforcourt]

PSA - if I was a 12 A i would be all over these NOS florsheim shell on ebay. Item #192620332469 - $129 BIN

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/192620332469

If I had a time machine, I would go back to a shoe store that is closing down, and then grab all of their remaining Florsheim v-cleat stock. And then share with the members here.

 

[Thrift Couture]

Just missed out on a decent pair of Florsheim 92612. I hope someone here acquired them, and will wear them in good health! The search continues for the ever elusive black shell cordovan Florsheim LWB, size 10D.