Vintage Dress shoe appreciation, tips, maintenance and advice

[meister]

Here are the pics of the J&M Shell I got off eBay.

Before:

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I brushed them, and used a tiny amount of Cordovan Cream.

After:

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Glorious patina.

 

[Nobleprofessor]

Glorious patina.

thanks! That’s one thing I love about Shell. Its cool when a pair of #8 has that deep rich dark color. But, when shell develops patina and depth the colors are almost 3D.

 

[nikolau]

One final vintage violation in the name of “Where are they now?” status of USA heritage brand attempts at restoring their tarnished image. As I had noted last week,I was successfully “weaseled”(as they say on the AE thread) by @suitforcourt into buying a pair of new Bostonians made in USA plain toe bluchers. I’m quite impressed at the fit and quality. I’m including a series of pics of the various details. The leather is very nice and they are extremely comfortable with good arch support,They compare favorably with a modern AE Leeds. View attachment 1365439 View attachment 1365440 View attachment 1365441 View attachment 1365442 View attachment 1365443 View attachment 1365444 View attachment 1365445 View attachment 1365446

I also recently bought a new pair of Bostonians, and they were manufactured and finished in a way I could only describe as shameful. The only thing that was presentable about them was the welt- which was reasonably executed and had a somewhat high stitch density. The shoe was otherwise a disgrace. Caveat emptor I guess.

At this price point, I’ve been able to get like-new Church’s on eBay. I’d argue one is probably still better off going used. You can get significantly better leather/uppers- and the kind of QC done by any respectable manufacturer even 20 years ago puts this particular pair to shame. Further- even if the uppers look good- I wonder what’s going on with the cork/midsole/heel stack. What are they using in there if this is considered salable?

It may also be worth mentioning, I bought the black LWBs as well. I got the box, but the shoes enclosed were PTBs.

Of course they were returned for a full refund, so there’s that. I have no complaints about Clark’s customer service. Also the last was dashing, it’s just a shame that Clark’s supplier appears not to do any QC.

 

[suitforcourt]

Given that it's my birthday, I am invoking rule number 1 of the group: post your shoe Appreciation.

I have also started a change.org petition for weekly vcleat articles. Us shut ins need a respite.

Quiet celebrations today. Getting fried chicken and cake for lunch. And then Cantonese take out for dinner.

It will be the maiden voyage of a pair of rebuilt Blundstones today.

Wishing you all a great start to the weekend. With the stay at home order, I hope everyone is staying sane!

 

[nospaceman]

Most likely crockett jones.

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. That looks like it.

 

[suitforcourt]

Blundstones that were recently rebuilt. New soles, mid soles, and shanks added in. Heavier but sturdy and comfortable. Stay healthy and safe, brothers.

 

[Nobleprofessor]

Given that it's my birthday, I am invoking rule number 1 of the group: post your shoe Appreciation.

I have also started a change.org petition for weekly vcleat articles. Us shut ins need a respite.

Quiet celebrations today. Getting fried chicken and cake for lunch. And then Cantonese take out for dinner.

It will be the maiden voyage of a pair of rebuilt Blundstones today.

Wishing you all a great start to the weekend. With the stay at home order, I hope everyone is staying sane!

Ok. Here’s something for you.

With all this extra time, I checked a box in my attic that was still packed from my move. I thought it just had stuff I had bought to sell. But, I forgot I had a pair of my shoes.

They are Brooks Brother Shell Cordovan Tassel loafers. I presume they are Alden.

I decided to clean them up a little. Just a little damp cloth and then LOTS of brushing.

Before:

After

 

[CWOyaji]

Is it somebody's birthday? Chetwynd Calling:

 

[Nobleprofessor]

By the way, HAPPY BIRTHDAY @suitforcourt

 

[Nealjpage]

Well, ****. I am 90% sure that this crack wasn't here when I started. Maybe I shoved a tree in too hard?

 

[smfdoc]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! @suitforcourt. Favorite shoe Appreciation is a worthwhile birthday request, so here are some classic Florsheim shell.

 

[nikolau]

Can anyone tell me if Johnston and Murphy Crown Aristocrats are any good? I’ve never owned J&M but love the classic North American factories. I’d love to know where they stand in comparison to Alden/AE/Footjoy etc.

 

[CWOyaji]

Can anyone tell me if Johnston and Murphy Crown Aristocrats are any good? I’ve never owned J&M but love the classic North American factories. I’d love to know where they stand in comparison to Alden/AE/Footjoy etc.

Yes, I believe the Crown Aristocraft was their top of the line shoe. I have a pair of shell wingtips and they are equal in quality to Alden 975s I've sold. My shoes are 35 years old according to the seller, who included a nice handwritten note telling me he bought them at the start of his career back in the mid 80's. A lot depends on condition too of course.

 

[happypebble]

My pair of Crown Aristocrafts is solid. Heavy. Built like a tank. The other J&M shoes I've handled, while attractive to one degree or another, seem a little flimsy by comparison.

 

[Buckeye20012001]

Can anyone tell me if Johnston and Murphy Crown Aristocrats are any good? I’ve never owned J&M but love the classic North American factories. I’d love to know where they stand in comparison to Alden/AE/Footjoy etc.

I have a few pair of J&A Aristocrats. Very well made. I have a pair of NOS boots.