Vintage Dress shoe appreciation, tips, maintenance and advice

[CWOyaji]

The mystery late 50’s LWBs I got last week, the little white flecks are Bick 4 I haven't brushed off yet. This is the grocery store beer run to test for fit.

Showing some steel like a good vcleat should. YOLO.

There’s a lot more metal in the heels.

These are 13 C, so I had to go a little medieval on them to fit my 13 D feet. Now they feel great.

Still don’t know the maker though.

Spoiler: Anybody know?

 

[PSU John]

The mystery late 50’s LWBs I got last week, the little white flecks are Bick 4 I haven't brushed off yet. This is the grocery store beer run to test for fit.
View attachment 1436746
Showing some steel like a good vcleat should. YOLO.
View attachment 1436747
There’s a lot more metal in the heels.
View attachment 1436748
These are 13 C, so I had to go a little medieval on them to fit my 13 D feet. Now they feel great.
View attachment 1436749
Still don’t know the maker though.

Spoiler: Anybody know?

View attachment 1436751

I'm guessing Plymouth Shoe Co.which was out of business by the early 70's. They were a quality shoe.

 

[vestbash]

The mystery late 50’s LWBs I got last week, the little white flecks are Bick 4 I haven't brushed off yet. This is the grocery store beer run to test for fit.
View attachment 1436746
Showing some steel like a good vcleat should. YOLO.
View attachment 1436747
There’s a lot more metal in the heels.
View attachment 1436748
These are 13 C, so I had to go a little medieval on them to fit my 13 D feet. Now they feel great.
View attachment 1436749
Still don’t know the maker though.

Spoiler: Anybody know?

View attachment 1436751

I believe they are executive imperial by mason. The pattern is a match.

 

[Thomas Crown]

I have rid my personal collection of CG shoes due to my general dislike. However,I know that they have a place as a rain or foul weather shoe among many here. Today I experienced first hand the benefits of the acrylic finish. Recently a friend of mine was displaced by an apartment fire and lost most things. Among the salvaged items were a pair of made in India Florsheim SWBs damaged with water/mold and what-have-you. Seeing a shoe-,a-hem,person,in need,I offered to restore them. Aside from the hazmat aspect it was very easy. Dust/Wipe/Brush/Repeat. Before and after pics

 

[friendlygoz]

I have rid my personal collection of CG shoes due to my general dislike. However,I know that they have a place as a rain or foul weather shoe among many here. Today I experienced first hand the benefits of the acrylic finish. Recently a friend of mine was displaced by an apartment fire and lost most things. Among the salvaged items were a pair of made in India Florsheim SWBs damaged with water/mold and what-have-you. Seeing a shoe-,a-hem,person,in need,I offered to restore them. Aside from the hazmat aspect it was very easy. Dust/Wipe/Brush/Repeat. Before and after pics View attachment 1436769 View attachment 1436768

That’s amazing work with an assist by CG. Wow. You are a good friend.

 

[suitforcourt]

I believe they are executive imperial by mason. The pattern is a match.

I don't have an eye for the pattern or brogue matching. But the lettering style is not B Mason EI. I just wore my pair yesterday. I will take pics later .

 

[vestbash]

I don't have an eye for the pattern or brogue matching. But the lettering style is not B Mason EI. I just wore my pair yesterday. I will take pics later .

you're right. just pulled out a some vintage pairs of executive imperials. I have a few older vintage pairs that much higher grade. The pattern is very similar and they have a matching v cleat and nail pattern to the pair above.

 

[jpm1]

Vintage 1986 Allen Edmonds Berwick Longwing Tassel Loafers in Polished Cobbler Leather

 

[suitforcourt]

Out and about with my recently rebuilt Florsheim spectators, courtesy of my man @Shoonoob . These have a new midsole, JR soles, and toe taps.

And also sun tanning a pair of 93605s.

 

[Nealjpage]

Not to brag but. . .

Unfortunately for me, I bought these before I had my own eBay sale account, so I had Mrs. Nealjpage proxy sell them for me. That means I can't launder the proceeds into more shoes for myself. Win some, lose some, right?

Edit: Hey, @suitforcourt, do I have any legal options here?

 

[CWOyaji]

Go ahead and brag, you're among friends.

And, if any of those friends are a size 11, have a look at these before someone buys them at $79.95 BIN with free shipping. Aberdeen last so TTS.

Sorry for the spuzz on the photo, my MacBook Pro battery conked and I'm on my work laptop. The photo snip does this.

 

[JFWR]

So, I have a question for you gentlemen: How do you date vintage shoes? Specifically, how would I go about finding out how old my Hanover LB Sheppherd cordovans are? I know they must predate 1995, as that is when the company went out of business, but how can I be sure when they were made besides that? Where would I find out if they are 80s, 70s, 60s, etc?

 

[sam67]

Out and about with my recently rebuilt Florsheim spectators, courtesy of my man @Shoonoob . These have a new midsole, JR soles, and toe taps.

And also sun tanning a pair of 93605s. View attachment 1436953 View attachment 1436954 View attachment 1436955 View attachment 1436956 View attachment 1436957

Just saw some of those 'cat paw' heels yesterday. Saw a few interesting pairs but too beat up. How do you wear/rub your shoes like the below?

 

[smfdoc]

Just saw some of those 'cat paw' heels yesterday. Saw a few interesting pairs but too beat up. How do you wear/rub your shoes like the below?
View attachment 1437351 View attachment 1437352

That is a bizarre wear pattern on the pipeing. I almost think it was done on purpose, but I can’t imagine why someone would do that.

 

[suitforcourt]

A custom made pair of Golden Harvest in 9eee. But they fit more like 9ee or 8.5eee. This is my 3rd pair. How many more do I need?

A cobbler rebuilt with JR soles, toe taps, and cat paw heels. Wishing you all a great weekend ahead.