Circa: "1940's - 1950's"
Color: Black
Size: 11D
Sole: Biltrite Double Half Sole
Leather: Elk
Hardware: Brass
Condition: Deadstock
Sold For: $1,800
Thanks to Mr. Victor Zola for bringing these gems to my attention and providing all the photographs. Victor is, himself, a vintage engineer boot connoisseur and has provided a lot of his insight into the boots I archive on this blog.
What an extraordinary pair of Vintage Engineer Boots. These are awfully rare! All original Buco's I've ever come upon over the years always sported full leather soles, but these are the first I've seen with double half soles.
Unfortunately, there are many sellers out there abusing the use of "horsehide" as a means to sell their Vintage Engineer Boots to unsuspecting buyers at a higher price. These boots are clearly made of horsehide.
I would say they are more circa (early) 1950's rather than 1940's. At this price, I still think the new owner walked away a winner. If they were my size, I'd absolutely pay up to $2,500 for them (I've always wanted a pair of deadstock Buco's) and I'm sure other collectors would pay just as much.
Enjoy!
Hi, Thank you for a great Blog!
ReplyDeleteI have a question that you might be the right person to answer. I'm going to New York in the end of February and I'm planning to by myself a pair of engineer boots. Do you know any great shops for engineer boots in NY? I'm looking for new ones (to find the right size in vintage when just staying a couple of days seems not a good idea). I like the Herman Engineer Boot but I don't think they make them anymore but what boot do you think look similar to the Herman. And while I'm asking, do you know any good shops for Rockabilly clothing in NY?
Best regards from a snowy Stockholm
Pierre
Hello Pierre,
ReplyDeleteIf I'm not mistaken, I think Rivet Head is familiar with the New York Area. He may be able to better answer your question.
Matt, am I speaking out of school here?
I'm a big fan of the Chippewa 97863 (non-steel toe) or the 27863 (steel toe).
Cheers!
Hey John, I was just going to bring these up to you! I saw these on the Yahoo! auction and they were already up to 2G's. I've never seen a vintage pair, let alone a dead stock pair. I always thought they were a mythical company, because all I ever saw were repros.
ReplyDeleteNew York City does not have great places for engineer boots, but there are a lot of vintage stores and used goods stores so you might just get lucky. However, I feel that a lot of dealers jack up their prices, and you will most definitely find a better deal in other states.
The better choice would be to visit Japan, where in every large city they have, there's always a place to find great engineer boots.