Thursday, May 10, 2012

ENGINEER BOOT LEXICON PART XIII


"TUFGUM" Soles and Heels

Circa: Late 1960's-Late 1970's
Color: Black
Size: 11
Soles: TUFGUM
Heels: Cat's Paw Neoprene
Leather: Cowhide
Hardware: Brass
Sold For: $156.17 / 35 Bids

"TUFGUM" is owned by Interco Incorporated. The trademark was filed on 28  March 1966 and registered on 21 February 1967 under Goods and Services as Soles and Heels.  The name was first used anywhere on 14 January 1966.  It appears that the trademark is still active.

It's important to know this information so auction-goers are aware of what they're spending their hard-earned scratch on.  Your average seller would advertise these boots as 1950's, but it's obvious the soles are no earlier than 1960's.  Some would even go so far as having half-soles applied and advertising them as "1940's."  Product knowledge is a great thing.

Notice the striking resemblance to the chevron design used on #705 Vibram Half Soles.

www.vintageengineerboots.com