Finds and Deals for Leather Shoes/Boots

[Oil Tanned]

Popcorn : )

The seller has two active offers right now. I believe I can smell some serious loot off in the distance. I already wear BFD's sunglasses and for my next trick I'll be reaching directly into his wallet. Almost feel bad.

 

[Polypeptide]

If it was my size i would be bidding for it

 

[Oil Tanned]

Disagree. Basic wesco boss boots. At the time new they probably cost $450. Their height limits the interested audience, and its unclear if they were sized custom or stock. I’d say they are $100 over priced.

Whoa… looks like I’m a buck ahead already! They’re gone, gentlemen.

 

[Edward]

Not sure if this is really a deal or not, but here's a quite unique pair of engineer boots, with a nearly hidden zip-up feature. Size US 11-E - Interesting details on these vintage boots.

View attachment 802527

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2677350115...WY9E2H&hash=item3e564010f9:g:9-sAAeSw75ZqYDp9

View attachment 802528

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They're very much in the British style. That flash of red you can just see in the top on the zip-puller boot is very reminiscent of Lewis' boots, but from other photos it looks like that may be just in the zipper flap, not all the way around as it was at least by the 60s in Lewis boots. Can't know without seeing the labelling, of course - which would be "Aviakit", not Lewis. The general style (and use of Lightning zippers (if original) would be consistent with Lewis. I have a suspicion it's possible they are a pair of these: https://www.blightymilitaria.com/en...aviakit-motorcycle-boots---size-11/prod_52037 If so, something has happened to the top buckle; it's not impossible it was removed; I have a hunch if it is a pair of these, that the boots have been cut down by maybe an inch at some point and those Lightning zippers shortened (and possibly restitched in some places). Would explain what looks like a more pronounced angle to the scallop at the top, and a


Blighty Militaria doesn't list a price. The 50s boots don't come up much. 60s Lewis boots sell for anywhere between £100 and £200 in good condition (back in 2010 I picked up a pair of late 60s / early 70s Motorways in well used but still serviceable condition for £20, but you don't see that now. Prices for a good, used pair are climbing somewhat as the price of new boots has risen; I don't think Lewis do any boots priced south of £500 now.

If these are indeed a pair of 50s Aviakit then they'll be rare. 60s boots don't seem to have a massive value used, certainly not over second hand examples of Lewis boots made in the last ten years, but it's so rare to see a 50s pair come up, who knows what a collector might want to pay. The lack of any mention of branding in the auction I would think makes the seller's asking price very optimistic, though. If they aren't Lewis / Aviakit but a close copy, then the value would be much lower again. The odd bit of vintage Mascot or GoldTop stuff floats around (mostly 60s), but generally not as popular as anything Lewis.