Vintage Spectator Shoes

[Dinerman]

I haven't a clue. As far as I can see, the Edwardson markings are all they have.

There are a couple references to Edwardson shoes online- not very many, though. This is the only ad I've been able to dig up, from 1964.

 

[Isshinryu101]

Dinerman...I assume Edwardson was the retailer. Do you know who made these?

I believe Edwardson was the maker. There were a zillion shoemakers in the US through the 1950's.

 

[Dinerman]

The number inside is 1930 patent 1772340 for shoe construction.

 

[flyfishark]

The number inside is 1930 patent 1772340 for shoe construction.

Dinerman...if those Thom McAnns are 9D, I think I hear them calling for me

 

[Isshinryu101]

Dinerman, your shoe finds are simply unbelievable.

 

[cookie]

I like those Magnannis and they make a good shoe IMO from personal experience.

Here is a recent purchase from the 1940s:ARNOLD 'GLOVE GRIP' BRAND SPECTATORS

 

[SteveAS]

Thanks, Cookie. Those Arnolds are very nice looking shoes. With a name like glove grip, I half expected to see golf spikes on the soles!

 

[Isshinryu101]

I like those Magnannis and they make a good shoe IMO from personal experience.

Here is a recent purchase from the 1940s:ARNOLD 'GLOVE GRIP' BRAND SPECTATORS

THOSE are AWESOME Specs. Just look at the care the previous owner took to keep 'em nice. Great condition

 

[Ed88]

I agree- v nice; I was looking for a good spectator this spring but didn't find anything quite so charming.

 

[Cicero]

I like those Magnannis and they make a good shoe IMO from personal experience.

Here is a recent purchase from the 1940s:ARNOLD 'GLOVE GRIP' BRAND SPECTATORS

Awesome shoes,.
I know what i want under the christmas tree this year. :eusa_clap

 

[cookie]

Last night summer reappeared so I broke out these tan Sears 1950s ventilated spectators I recently bought:

 

[sproily]

Amazing. I love them.

 

[Cicero]

Amazing. I love them.

+1.

 

[SteveAS]

I got these old Edwin Clapps (my first pair) recently on ebay. I had to apply some elbow grease, but they cleaned up nicely and fit well.


Before:

After:

 

[SteveAS]

Incidentally, to clean up the white buckskin portions of the shoes, I used a stick of plain white chalk. In particular, after sharpening one end to a point by rubbing it on concrete, I rubbed the stick of chalk on the shoes to re-whiten the grubby, stained buckskin. A stick of chalk was much easier to find than a chalk bag (at my local hardware store for 19 cents!) and it let me really rub the chalk in well without getting it all over the leather. If you have need to whiten white buckskin, I suggest you give this method a try.

 

[Lights]

I got these old Edwin Clapps (my first pair) recently on ebay. I had to apply some elbow grease, but they cleaned up nicely and fit well.

Great find!

 

[cookie]

Incidentally, to clean up the white buckskin portions of the shoes, I used a stick of plain white chalk. In particular, after sharpening one end to a point by rubbing it on concrete, I rubbed the stick of chalk on the shoes to re-whiten the grubby, stained buckskin. A stick of chalk was much easier to find than a chalk bag (at my local hardware store for 19 cents!) and it let me really rub the chalk in well without getting it all over the leather. If you have need to whiten white buckskin, I suggest you give this method a try.

Great idea. It's the same stuff BTW.

 

[Tomasso]

Great idea.

:arated:

 

[SteveAS]

Thanks, cookie and AC; I'm glad I was able to contribute the idea.

 

[cookie]

Thanks, cookie and AC; I'm glad I was able to contribute the idea.

Why it's a good technique is that when you use a bag you have to tamp it down and then wipe off the residue from the calf leather part of the shoe. The chalk, of course, is a a mild abrasive on the existing shine. With the sharpened point I suspect you could more easily cut in to the pinking/strapping etc. with little/no 'overspray'. The only thing I could gainsay it would be the pressure you put on the buckskin nap as the buckbag approach does not depress the nap of the buckskin suede leaving a textured finish.