What do you think of these Oxfords by Cheaney?

[Whitehall]

That original pair are apparently a sample pair of 'Buckingham'. It is a recently-discontinued Imperial line shoe that has been replaced by the 'York'. The only difference between the new and old is that the York has a contemporary softly squared-off toe whereas the Buckingham had a more traditional rounded toe - the 15216 and 208 lasts are identical otherwise.

If these were a retail pair, they should have been either black, mocha, or burgundy.

Cheaney fairly regularly sends samples made up with undyed leather to their outlet stores/factory store, or distributes them through selected third-party discount retailers. If you end up picking up a pair they're great fun to finish off yourself if you have the desire, but be warned that a) it may not be lasted as carefully and b) it may not be made from the same grade leather as an equivalent retail pair would be, so comfort/creasing/longevity may be a little compromised.

 

[Clifff]

That original pair are apparently a sample pair of 'Buckingham'. It is a recently-discontinued Imperial line shoe that has been replaced by the 'York'. The only difference between the new and old is that the York has a contemporary softly squared-off toe whereas the Buckingham had a more traditional rounded toe - the 15216 and 208 lasts are identical otherwise.

If these were a retail pair, they should have been either black, mocha, or burgundy.

Cheaney fairly regularly sends samples made up with uncoloured leather to their outlet stores/factory store, or distributes them through selected third-party discount retailers. If you end up picking up a pair they're great fun to finish off yourself if you have the desire, but be warned that a) it may not be lasted as carefully and b) it may not be made from the same grade leather as an equivalent retail pair would be, so comfort/creasing/longevity may be a little compromised.

Thanks for this info mate!

The toe was quite round indeed. Based on your info I am now inclined to believe that the Oxfords were dyed by an entity other than Cheaney. Firstly the dye was not applied consistently, specially by the welt area, and secondly, it was a bizarre shade of yellow which I doubt any self-respecting classic shoe maker would want to be associated with. I also was not impressed with the leather quality. Either the shoes had sat in the window of a shop absorbing sun light for years or they lacked quality leather material. The monks I got in exchange exhibit none of these flawed characteristics. They have a consistent finish and the leather feels very soft to the touch.