Marks on brand new shoes: scuffs or grain?

[TimelesStyle]

I ordered a pair of these:

http://www.barneys.com/crockett-&-j...efn1=brand&prefv1=Crockett+%26+Jones&start=37

They are a very high polished calf from C&J and the vamp of the left shoe appeared to have a number of scuff marks on it (couldn't get a good photo because of the polish) but the shoes appeared never to have been worn. That suggests that this is how they left the factory, which is either poor QC or that's the grain of the leather and that's just what happens with whole grain shoes. There's no texture to the marks (like there would be if I scratched them).

 

[Joenobody0]

A light fingernail rub can do exactly what you describe. It seems that all my bench grade shoes (Alden, C&J, etc) have them from being handled or put into the box.

 

[TimelesStyle]



A light fingernail rub can do exactly what you describe. It seems that all my bench grade shoes (Alden, C&J, etc) have them from being handled or put into the box.

Yea, there are a few marks like that on the rear of the shoe. There appear to be more of them than would happen from just that but what do I know. I got the last pair in a 9 online but will have to see whether another pair can be located in a store to compare to. Otherwise perhaps I can get a discount on this pair (then see if a good shoemaker can buff them out).

 

[TimelesStyle]

Ok, I think I got into the right light to get a decent picture. Marks are just to the left of that long line of reflected light: