Tell me about my classic J&M shoes please

First post, I love reading this stuff, and I thought someone might be able to lend some knowledge. My grandfather loved shoes, he was always trying to give me his and until he passed away and I had grown up a bit (I'm now 24), I decided to browse the collection, by then unfortunately depleted. I was able to grab two pairs that looked both salvageable and like something I would wear. Two Aristocrafts (I posted better quality thumbs below) Both of the pairs you see were in fairly rough shape, but them being aristocrafts, I took them to the JM store and attempted to have them factory refurbed only to learn (at least this is what they told me) that the models were no longer in the catalogue and could not be refurbed. I did elect to have the local shoe guy the JM store recommended take a crack at them and I was very pleased. I wear the wingtips all the time, the loafers not as much. Now what I don't know: First, does anyone have any idea how old these might be? I am guessing somewhere around 40+ years, back when my grandfather was actually wearing nice shoes. Second, I never see shoes with the texture on the wingtips. Is that what I see referred to as pebble grain? Where can you find shoes like that now? You can see some damage to the leather, is that something a good shoe guy can clean up without much of a trace? Finally, any tips for keeping such old shoes lasting for even longer? I am really amazed at how long a well made pair can last, I have some serious doubts about my new model JMs I got only about year ago, Greenwich wings, made in Mexico...no thanks, I hold off for now until I can buy a real pair of shoes (though I did get them NIB off of ebay for under $50). Sorry if this post is packed, especially for a newbie, but I'd appreciate any info anyone might lend.

Originally Posted by DC_lawstd

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First post, I love reading this stuff, and I thought someone might be able to lend some knowledge. My grandfather loved shoes, he was always trying to give me his and until he passed away and I had grown up a bit (I'm now 24), I decided to browse the collection, by then unfortunately depleted. I was able to grab two pairs that looked both salvageable and like something I would wear.

Two Aristocrafts


Both of the pairs you see were in fairly rough shape, but them being aristocrafts, I took them to the JM store and attempted to have them factory refurbed only to learn (at least this is what they told me) that the models were no longer in the catalogue and could not be refurbed. I did elect to have the local shoe guy the JM store recommended take a crack at them and I was very pleased. I wear the wingtips all the time, the loafers not as much.

Now what I don't know: First, does anyone have any idea how old these might be? I am guessing somewhere around 40+ years, back when my grandfather was actually wearing nice shoes. Second, I never see shoes with the texture on the wingtips. Is that what I see referred to as pebble grain? Where can you find shoes like that now? You can see some damage to the leather, is that something a good shoe guy can clean up without much of a trace? Finally, any tips for keeping such old shoes lasting for even longer? I am really amazed at how long a well made pair can last, I have some serious doubts about my new model JMs I got only about year ago, Greenwich wings, made in Mexico...no thanks, I hold off for now until I can buy a real pair of shoes (though I did get them NIB off of ebay for under $50). Sorry if this post is packed, especially for a newbie, but I'd appreciate any info anyone might lend.

Your grandfather had very good taste. When I was a teenager, I had a pair of the loafers in calf. It was 1966 and I had just finished high school. I paid around $30 and that was in Indianapolis.

Dude - The pix link is not working.

i really want to see these. just upload them to sf

Originally Posted by Tarmac

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i really want to see these. just upload them to sf


Me too...I'm wondering if the top left side is gator or maybe....sea turtle? The pix need a bit of enhancing in the clarity dept IMO because I don't know what is neglect through lack of attention/age and what is patina...

Sorry that link didn't go for some of you, I hope these come out a little bigger and clearer.

Those wingtips are awesome.

The loafers appear to be alligator. The brogues are what they call pebble grain or scotch grain (or many other variations). A good cobbler should be able to clean those up really well.

bump for any other thoughts, comments

Originally Posted by DC_lawstd

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bump for any other thoughts, comments

i agree with distinctive about having a cobbler clean those up. very nice shoes - and if they're american made, the interior construction should be excellent - it's a shame J&M stopped making shoes in the states.

Originally Posted by NoVaguy

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i agree with distinctive about having a cobbler clean those up. very nice shoes - and if they're american made, the interior construction should be excellent - it's a shame J&M stopped making shoes in the states.

I agree its a shame. My father and grandfather both sang the praises of the old J&M. Now they can't even fix up a pair of their own shoes that were actually made with lasting quality.