40s 50s carved wegde shoes.

[Helen Troy]

I have recently started collecting South Pacific souvenir shoes from the 40s/50s. (If two pairs count as a collection, that is. But this is just the start!) I am talking about the wonderful shoes with carved, wooden wedge heels, that became popular as souvenirs. As I understand, many soldiers bought these for their sweethearts when stationed in the South Pacific during and after WW2.

I was wondering if some of you wise ladies can tell me a little more about this shoes: Their history, what to look for, what price is reasonable e.t.c. As a Norwegian, these shoes are nowhere to be found in local shops, so ebay have been my only marketplace, and my only place two learn about this shoes. I have not found info about them anywhere else. Ebay sellers varies a lot in their asking price, so I would like some help when trying to figure out when I get a bargain and when I`m getting ripped off.

To my judgment, three factors should determine the price:
1)The condition of the shoes, of course!
2)The quality of the craftsmanship.
3)The rareness/uniqueness of the shoes.

As far as i can judge, the most common style is the one where a little hut ore pagoda is carved into the wedge heel. There are many of these being offered at ebay. But I have also seen some more unique styles, featuring birds, sailboats, fishermen and who knows what carved into the shoes heel.

What Is a reasonable price to pay for a pair in good condition, good craftsmanship and with the usual hut-design? What is a reasonable price for a pair with the same qualities, but with a more rare heel design? Is there anything else I should know? Have I embarrassed myself with my lack of knowledge?

Any advice or comments will be appreciated!

 

[katiepickle]

I bought mine on Ebay for $20. A local vintage shop sells them for upwards of $75. However, the toes on mine were in poor condition and I had them replaced by plain red leather at a cobbler. I also had a very thin rubber sole put on them so that i could actually wear them without sliding down wooden stairs. Had they been in better condition, I probably would not have put the rubber sole on them, but I was already destroying any value they may have held and I wanted to wear them. Repros are somewhere around $80-$100 a pair. I would be hesitant to pay anything over $40 on Ebay.

 

[Helen Troy]

Thank you! Then I have so far paid reasonable prices. But then again, when I think of the craftsmanship, quality and style, almost any price is a steal...

Anybody else collecting these shoes?