Monday, July 30, 2012

MOTO MONDAY

Here's yet another reason I'm proud to be a United States Marine. My beloved Corps has placed and initial order of over 4,000 M45 Close Quarters Combat Pistols, plus spares with the first issue of this five-year deal with Colt beginning later in the year.




Colt Defense LLC, West Hartford, Connecticut was awarded the $22,500,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract just this past week. After crunching the numbers, it appears we are being hosed with $1,875 per pistol...then again, this isn't news. The government has and always will have to pay a premium for new equipment.


Colt developed a dual recoil system for the CQBP that's based on the recoil system found in their 10mm models. The modification was made to reduce stresses on the frame and slide and enable the pistol to complete the Corps' required shooting schedule. The pistol had to survive a 20,000 round shooting schedule. The Colt .45 also has a series 80 firing pin safety, is entirely Cerakoted tan and has a lanyard loop and night sights. Yes!!!


The civilian 1911 rail gun usually has a stainless or carbon steel finish and rosewood grips, but Colt's prototypes for the Corps have a desert-color Cercoat finish, eliminating glare on the weapon and making it less identifiable at a distance. As the name suggests, this model has a section of 1913 Picatinny rail under the barrel to mount accessories such as a light or laser aiming device. They also have more stainless steel internal components to afford the pistol more corrosion protection since it will be carried in a maritime environment. They're equipped with a tritium night sight made by Novak.












Sunday, July 29, 2012

RANDOM ENGINEER BOOTS

Here's a great pair of late 1940's / early 1950's Penney's Foremost Engineer Boots. These size 8D's sold in Japan (Grace) for an incredibly insane $2,400.00 (¥188,790).

Notice the toe tracks and typical Penney's storm welts. These Vintage Engineer Boots would easily bring in $800-$1,100 here in the States.

www.vintageengineerboots.com






Friday, July 27, 2012

BOOTS WORTH BUYING

From time to time, I'll post active Engineer Boot auctions that catch my eye. These aren't my auctions, nor do I know the sellers. I just think some Vintage Engineer Boots need a little more public attention. This particular pair of Engineer Boots is one of them.

If you're lookin' for a pair of Vintage Engineer Boots worth buying, you may want to consider these. If these can be landed for the right price, you won't be disappointed. As you can see, these are meant for a small feller or for woman who's lookin' to offset their collection of vintage Polly's.

The patina on these are incredible. They'll need new heels, but that's just an excuse to have Cat's Paws put on 'em.

Brand: Chippewa
Circa: 1960's
Color: Black
Size: 6E
Measurements:
Length: 10.5"
Width: 3 1/2"? (3.8")
Soles: Full Composition Neoprene
Leather: Horsehide
Hardware: Nickel

Auction Link

www.vintageengineerboots.com






Monday, July 23, 2012

MOTO MONDAY


It's not uncommon to receive an award well after you've departed a unit. In most cases, if you've been in long enough, the real reward for your efforts is the feeling of accomplishment and knowing the positive impact you've had on the "mission."

I left Marine Air Support Squadron 3 at the end of November 2011 knowing full well that I "earned my pay" by applying my then seventeen years of experience and working with honor and integrity. In return, my units leadership felt it was necessary to reward me with the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

I am proud to say that I had the privilege in playing a small part in the success my unit.

www.vintageengineerboots.com

Sunday, July 22, 2012

1950'S WEARMASTER ENGINEER BOOTS

Brand: Sears Roebuck & Co.
Model: Wearmaster
Circa: 1950's
Color: Black
Size: 10D
Measurements:
Length: 12"
Width: 4"
Soles: Leather
Leather: Oil-Tanned Cowhide
Hardware: Nickel, Double Brass Rivets
Sold for: $1,008.00 / 17 Bids

When these Vintage Engineer Boots were listed (then immediately removed) last month, I mentioned being satisfied with taking them home for four or five bills. After seeing the detailed photos on the re-list; however, I'd definitely be pleased to be the winner at this price.

From the squarish flattened toe box, to the vamp overhanging the welt, to the modest patina and somewhat seamless curve of the heel counter continuing to the heel, this is exactly what a thousand dollar vintage pair of boots should look like.

I've sold Vintage Engineer Boots in the past that I've regretted to this very day. Somehow, I feel the seller is kicking himself for letting these go. This is a pair that I'd hold on to regardless of how long they sat in the closet.

www.vintageengineerboots.com




This photo reminds me of the Mister Freedom® "Road Champs"




Saturday, July 21, 2012

CUSTOM VEB WALLET

Ryota Sakai of the world famous O.C Style and his new venture, Delinquent Bros. shared a photo of his new VEB wallet.


O.C Style Blog            Delinquent Blog


I just returned from a little vacation and received quite a few requests prior my departure, so if you'd like a custom VEB wallet, belt, lanyard, etc. drop me a line at villanuevado@gmail.com.

www.vintageengineerboots.com

Friday, July 20, 2012

1950'S ENGINEER BOOTS


Brand: Unknown
Circa: 1950's
Color: Black
Size: 8D
Measurements:
Length: 11 1/4"
Width: 4"
Soles: ParaCork
Leather: Oil-Tanned Cowhide
Hardware: Brass
Sold For: $787.00 / 14 Bids

Here's a decent looking pair of Vintage Engineer Boots.  They bear all the characteristics found on 1950's boots, but obviously not a high-end pair.  Probably purchased  from a local dry goods store, I think these should have sold for no more than three bills.

www.vintageengineerboots.com