Vintage Dress shoe appreciation, tips, maintenance and advice

[MathMan314]

View attachment 2005933

This line caught my eye:

"Never use liquid polish on fine leather shoes."

What the heck is "liquid polish"?

They are bottles of "instant shine" fluid. You just put it on your shoes and they shine, no buffing required. I see it a lot in shoe care sections in stores nowadays. Here is an example of one such product: https://angelusdirect.com/products/...=trafb&utm_campaign=storeya60&utm_term=&gad=1

 

[MathMan314]

Here is a $5 find that I am super happy with: NOS Mason Executive Imperials, made in the USA. I think this style is called an "austerity brogue"--a wingtip design without any broguing holes. I don't see this style too often, but I like it!

My first impressions are positive. The shoes feel heavy with a solid build. As for the uppers, the leather is much more supple than I expected. They fit perfectly even though they are half a size bigger than my usual size.

I look forward to getting these conditioned and polished up.

 

[Vincent George]

View attachment 2005933

This line caught my eye:

"Never use liquid polish on fine leather shoes."

What the heck is "liquid polish"?

"A heritage of excellence since 1850 until around 2017 when we stopped making shoes in the USA..."

 

[friendlygoz]

93602

for WTW.

 

[memoriastoica]

They are bottles of "instant shine" fluid. You just put it on your shoes and they shine, no buffing required. I see it a lot in shoe care sections in stores nowadays. Here is an example of one such product: https://angelusdirect.com/products/...=trafb&utm_campaign=storeya60&utm_term=&gad=1

That looks like garbage.

 

[memoriastoica]

"A heritage of excellence since 1850 until around 2017 when we stopped making shoes in the USA..."

It is really sad how far J&M has fallen.

 

[Nobleprofessor]

I guess this has been rare and unusual Florsheim week for me. It was not intentional. 1981/1991 Florsheim Suede LWB, 1950’s (or older) Florsheim Navy Suede Cap Toe, and for today 1960 Florsheim Shark Skin Split Toe Derby.

 

[vestbash]

Apologies if this seems spammy, just seeing one more time if anyone has any idea about the maker of either of these exotics. Thanks in advance!

Could possibly help with some more photos.

 

[vestbash]

Any help with the makers on either of these? Both vintage exotics, bought em probably six years ago and finally trying to make sense of them: View attachment 1998693 View attachment 1998697

On the first shoe, I have seen vintage Stetson's with markings similar to what is shown. I've only seen older hand made shoes with markings like that, so that leads me to believe they are a quality true vintage pair.

On the second, they are reminiscent of something like a Cole Haan Imperial or similar period shoes from the 1960s or so, however the markings are far more visible than I am used to which is odd.

 

[friendlygoz]

Anyone know anything about Charles Horrell shoes? They look well made and I like the style.

Charles Horrell 9D Chukka Monk Strap Plain Toe Shoes England Made | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Charles Horrell 9D Chukka Monk Strap Plain Toe Shoes England Made at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[MathMan314]

That looks like garbage.

It most certainly is.

 

[suitforcourt]

Here is a $5 find that I am super happy with: NOS Mason Executive Imperials, made in the USA. I think this style is called an "austerity brogue"--a wingtip design without any broguing holes. I don't see this style too often, but I like it! View attachment 2005937

My first impressions are positive. The shoes feel heavy with a solid build. As for the uppers, the leather is much more supple than I expected. They fit perfectly even though they are half a size bigger than my usual size.
View attachment 2005939 View attachment 2005941 View attachment 2005943 View attachment 2005945

I look forward to getting these conditioned and polished up.

I'm a huge fan of B Mason's Executive Imperial line. I have 2 pairs. They are definitely tier 2 because of the cheaper materials. But they're comfortable and fit great.

 

[friendlygoz]

J&M hand Grade Alert. 10A. Amazing price.

Vtg Johnston & Murphy Astrocraft Rare Wingtip Oxford Handmade Mens Shoes Sz 10A | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Vtg Johnston & Murphy Astrocraft Rare Wingtip Oxford Handmade Mens Shoes Sz 10A at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[MathMan314]

I'm a huge fan of B Mason's Executive Imperial line. I have 2 pairs. They are definitely tier 2 because of the cheaper materials. But they're comfortable and fit great.

You speaking well of them on this forum is what put them on my radar. That was also the case with Sibley's Detroit. The Sibley's shoes are one of my best-fitting, most comfortable pairs. I have a feeling these Executive Imperials will be as well.
Your tier 2 recommendations have been great for me!

 

[madeinbogota]

On the first shoe, I have seen vintage Stetson's with markings similar to what is shown. I've only seen older hand made shoes with markings like that, so that leads me to believe they are a quality true vintage pair.

On the second, they are reminiscent of something like a Cole Haan Imperial or similar period shoes from the 1960s or so, however the markings are far more visible than I am used to which is odd.

Stetson was spot on! I think that's definitely it based on a couple other pairs I looked at after you suggested it. I'll get some more pictures of the others, Cole Haan Imperial is close but not quite it I don't think. I really appreciate everyone who's replied to help! I haven't been on SF in years, but this is reminding me how good of a place it is.