DC_lawstd
Active Member
- Joined
- Oct 23, 2007
- Messages
- 34
- Reaction score
- 1
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.