Vintage Dress shoe appreciation, tips, maintenance and advice

[friendlygoz]

My maiden voyage with a pair of LB Sheppard shell LWB I recently picked up. I’ve done only a minimal amount of cleaning and conditioning.

There is a lot of residual polish that I haven’t taken the time to remove. A couple rounds of saddle soap, which was still turning burgundy with excess polish. And a quick round of neatsfoot oil to add some moisture. The shell is in pretty good shape and not showing any signs of dryness.

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Acetone will remove the polish. I use it in shell all the time. The color is quite resilient. Having said that, they look really good.

 

[sam67]

Is wax bad? Working on a variety of shoes and it occurred to me ‘When they’re gone, they’re gone!’ Won’t see these again.
So I’ve read conflicting things on wax. I use polish. Should I use wax or not?
(AE jodhpurs, 1944 plain toe, Florsheim 92604 and spot on carpet from some shoe product spill). Thanks

 

[actionjbone]

Is wax bad? Working on a variety of shoes and it occurred to me ‘When they’re gone, they’re gone!’ Won’t see these again.
So I’ve read conflicting things on wax. I use polish. Should I use wax or not?
(AE jodhpurs, 1944 plain toe, Florsheim 92604 and spot on carpet from some shoe product spill). Thanks
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The problem with wax is that it forms a rigid coating. So in creases and in folds, it'll crack and flake.

Also, over time, wax layers build up and prevent the leather from breathing.

Creams are better for the leather. And many creams include ingredients to help the leather remain softer and more flexible.

Wax is best used sparingly, and on spots that don't flex; e.g., the tips of the toes and the lower back of the heel. You only need very little to make a brilliant shine, and no flex = no cracks.

Also, I do my work over wood floors. Much easier to clean up spills! 🤣

 

[suitforcourt]

Wingtip Wednesday brings out one of my favourite pairs. A cobbler rebuilt these Mason Executive Imperials with house leather soles, toe taps, raptor sole protectors, and cat paw heels.

Matched with a watch I've owned since the 90s.

 

[actionjbone]

Broke out the 93602's today.

Last time wearing them until they get new heels - the factory V-cleat heels are now worn down to the stack.

I just found out that a silver trophy-winning cobbler is super close to my house, so I might go to him for new heels. Just to check out his work.

 

[Vincent George]

J&M Conley II. Gone, but not forgotten.

 

[suitforcourt]

Broke out the 93602's today.

Last time wearing them until they get new heels - the factory V-cleat heels are now worn down to the stack.

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I just found out that a silver trophy-winning cobbler is super close to my house, so I might go to him for new heels. Just to check out his work.

Which cobbler are you close to??? Man, this is getting me excited.

 

[actionjbone]

Which cobbler are you close to??? Man, this is getting me excited.

Master Shoe Repair.

Master Shoe Repair Inc

Master Shoe Repair Inc - 11619 Nebel St, Rockville, MD 20852

master-inc.edan.io

I never seek out places with names like that... But now I know he's an SSIA award winner, so why not try it?

 

[goatamous II]

Alan McAfee for Aquascutum made in England
Alas, not my size
Who's the maker if these? The font looks awfully familiar

 

[actionjbone]

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Alan McAfee for Aquascutum made in England
Alas, not my size
Who's the maker if these? The font looks awfully familiar

Alan McAfee is the maker.

Aquascutum is a luxury clothing retailer.

Edit to add: What did you do with goatamous #1??

 

[friendlygoz]

The problem with wax is that it forms a rigid coating. So in creases and in folds, it'll crack and flake.

Also, over time, wax layers build up and prevent the leather from breathing.

Creams are better for the leather. And many creams include ingredients to help the leather remain softer and more flexible.

Wax is best used sparingly, and on spots that don't flex; e.g., the tips of the toes and the lower back of the heel. You only need very little to make a brilliant shine, and no flex = no cracks.

Also, I do my work over wood floors. Much easier to clean up spills! 🤣

+1 to all of this. I do put a very light coat - and I mean light - of wax on my shell shoes. I apply and buff with my bare fingers. I use wax on the toes of a few pairs. Again, I go light and only on the toes.

 

[Satoman1]

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Alan McAfee for Aquascutum made in England
Alas, not my size
Who's the maker if these? The font looks awfully familiar

Made by Church's i think, in the 73 last.

 

[Satoman1]

Vintage violation.
Picked this pair of Florsheim Duckie Brown today. Fine replacement for 93633 I think.

 

[suitforcourt]

Master Shoe Repair.

Master Shoe Repair Inc

Master Shoe Repair Inc - 11619 Nebel St, Rockville, MD 20852

master-inc.edan.io

I never seek out places with names like that... But now I know he's an SSIA award winner, so why not try it?

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As part of my footwear hobby, I also like to send off my stuff to get rebuilt. I used to strictly use SSIA award winners but have found others who do excellent work as well.

Let us know how it goes! Always happy to add more cobblers to my list for future purposes.

 

[goatamous II]

Made by Church's i think, in the 73 last.

Thanks - the font looked a little too neat for what i'm used to seeing from Church's hahah
I do know that McAfee was bought by them, but before that there was a connection to Crockett & Jones

Alan McAfee is the maker.

Aquascutum is a luxury clothing retailer.

Edit to add: What did you do with goatamous #1??

McAfee was the store front, but I wasn't sure if they made any of their own shoes vs. them being made by another established shoemaker with their branding

goatamous #1 has a forgotten password and is unable to recover it from Styleforum