Old Foster and Son - Can anyone tell me more about these?

[nate10184]

Wow thanks for all the compliments. I took a closer look at these they definitely had channeled soles, you can clearly see where it has worn away over time. I found the before pics as well, even these don't show how worn out the leather was when I got them (they smelled like they hadn't seen the light of day in years too).

I was just going to have these around as antiques a la the riding boots you see in the RL store. I had no idea the leather would come back to life the way it did. Unfortunately these are not my size so I'm not sure what I'm going to do with them now. I think they are too nice to keep as a display piece.

 

[tlmusic]

The more I see of these shoes, the more I like them. Great job on the restoration!

 

[meister]

Originally Posted by bengal-stripe

Assuming the soles are sound when you press the centre, just finish the waist.

Take a piece of glass and use as a scraper (see Vass book, page 169). Then apply generous portion of polish and let it sink into the leather.
The next day you buff it, using a few drops of water and a round wooden stick, held with both hands.

Next week, I might be in a position to give the definite answer, whether these shoes are bespoke or RTW.

A cobbler can also do a mild grind and buff but maybe some pecards on the sole might be a precursor to a grind and buff and kick start the sole without need to necessarily resole the shoes.

I think what is grabbing us is also the colour.... sought of an unusual summery olive green....what size are they by chance?

 

[nate10184]

There is no size on them. The woodlores in them are size Large and are a pretty tight fit. I'd guess 10 maybe 10.5. I hoped I could give them to my friend who is an 11 but I'm pretty sure they are smaller than that. I'm going to measure them when I get home from work tonight.

 

[AlanC]

It's amazing how the creases came out. You can get rid of that magic marker on the sole with a cotton swab and some lighter fluid.

 

[fritzl]

Originally Posted by AlanC

It's amazing how the creases came out. You can get rid of that magic marker on the sole with a cotton swab and some lighter fluid.

I liked them better in the before pictures, no kidding.

Alan, i will not doubt your expertise on the magic marker, but would like to see a closeup.

Btw, they are my size.

 

[AlanC]

^It depends on how it responds, but you will at least obscure the writing. You might be left with a darkened spot where it is, but it's better than the writing, IMO.

Lighter fluid is an excellent cleaner, though. Bookmen use it regularly to clean off dust jackets on books. Another good cleaner for that is a baby wet wipe. This is for modern 'slick' dust jackets.

 

[the.chikor]

Excellent find. Nice job on the restore. However, I find it interesting that there is no tell tale way to of determining the question of bespoke origin upon sight of the shoe? I guess, you could send the shoes to Foster and Son and have them tell you (or show it to any bespoke artisan for that matter).

 

[bengal-stripe]

Originally Posted by bengal-stripe

Next week, I might be in a position to give the definite answer, whether these shoes are bespoke or RTW.

Today, I showed the pictures to someone who knows and he confirmed
these shoes as bespoke (from the 1970s probably).

 

[tlmusic]

Originally Posted by bengal-stripe

Today, I showed the pictures to someone who knows and he confirmed
these shoes as bespoke (from the 1970s probably).

So they are bespoke! They are reminiscent of bespoke shoes that makers have shown me. I like the design of these Foster semi-brougues a lot.

bengal-stripe, thank you for your suggestion of Paul Davies--I'm due for a second fitting with him in October or so...

 

[RJman]

They look a bit like my old bespoke Maxwells -- classic and not very streamlined.

 

[luk-cha]

Originally Posted by RJman

They look a bit like my old bespoke Maxwells -- classic and not very streamlined.

i like this design alot also your Maxwells too RJ - this seems quite a popular design that comes from F&S even Wills own F&S are this design too

 

[RJman]

Originally Posted by luk-cha

i like this design alot also your Maxwells too RJ - this seems quite a popular design that comes from F&S even Wills own F&S are this design too

Well, it's a very traditional design, nothing off the wall. Quite pleasing, though.

 

[luk-cha]

Originally Posted by RJman

Well, it's a very traditional design, nothing off the wall. Quite pleasing, though.

i agree - it is perhaps one of the few F&S designs i like the best i think it is the medalion that does it for me

 

[fritzl]

Originally Posted by RJman

They look a bit like my old bespoke Maxwells -- classic and not very streamlined.

Can't find them. Would you mind posting them or at least a link? Thanks.