Vintage Heywood Wakefield Credenza / Dresser
$250.00
Vintage genie and panther chalkware set. Panther is attached to genie by a chain leash.
$50.00
For the Birds
13 years ago
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
READER MAIL
The boots you are referring to are the Work America "Wellington," which are different from the ones I own. The Wellington's have a more modern look with steel toes and a Good Year welt that goes around the entire boot. The examples below are the ones that I feel are more desirable and are identical to Red Wing 2268's, but without steel toes.
Surprisingly, they still sell for a decently low price at auction. Get 'em while you can.
This is my pair that haven't aged much from this old photo since I don't get to wear my boot as often as I'd like being in uniform most of the time.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
READER MAIL
This e-mail comes from one of my Japanese readers. Thanks buddy!!
Hello, I am a fan of engineer's boots. This e-mail is sent from Japan. I cannot speak English and the translation software that I used is strange. Here is some news of WHITE'S "NOMAD" ENGINEER BOOTS. These have also reached Japan. I am, however, dissatisfied with two things.
- The rivet which stops the upper belt
- The instep buckle is too large
A black rivet is used so that it may not be conspicuous. The buckle should be made 10% smaller. I continue to look forward to your site.
Hello, I am a fan of engineer's boots. This e-mail is sent from Japan. I cannot speak English and the translation software that I used is strange. Here is some news of WHITE'S "NOMAD" ENGINEER BOOTS. These have also reached Japan. I am, however, dissatisfied with two things.
- The rivet which stops the upper belt
- The instep buckle is too large
A black rivet is used so that it may not be conspicuous. The buckle should be made 10% smaller. I continue to look forward to your site.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
WHITE'S "NOMAD" ENGINEER BOOTS
There's a new competitor in the world of custom Engineer Boots.
No sooner had I found out about the new Engineer Boots from White's I received this e-mail from a fan:
White's previous offering was the Hawthorn Explorer "Open Road" Engineer Boot. In all honesty, the fit was lousy, and they didn't offer any customization, and you could have any color as long as it was black. I tried a pair on at White's store in Spokane last year, and was unimpressed. Even the guy who worked there urged against them and hinted that they were working on a new, improved Engineer boot.
"The new boots are called the "Nomad" and they sell for $419 through Baker Shoes. They just put them up on their website today. They also sent me some nice pics of the final product, and I have attached them... I think Baker's started this project with White's, so they are the only vendor I am aware of that offers them right now (other than calling White's directly).
The standard boot has a Vibram 100 sole with a single midsole. They are leather lined in the vamp and come standard with a celastic toe. The toe is supposed to be a very similar profile to the WESCO Boss round toe. They also feature the White's "Arch Ease" arch support.
The website allows for some customization, but I think more options will be available if you ask. When I placed my order, I asked about the possibility of getting a double midsole with a Vibram #705 half sole, and they said it was no problem. If I like my first pair (and I'm pretty sure that I will), I will probably order a second pair in Red Dog with 705's and double mids - more of a vintage correct look.
I'm not too sure which are the actual production boots as the above and below photos are different - double or triple stitched heel counters and stitched or riveted upper straps...
I know my description sounds like an advertisement, but I am just really excited about these - I have been planning on ordering a pair of Nick's "Renegade" engineer boots, but I have been hesitant because the price will be over $500 and I have had problems getting a good fit with them in the past. These White's should fit like about the same as a Smoke Jumper, and the base price of $420 is quite reasonable. Hopefully I'll have mine in 8 weeks and then I'll be able to review them properly.
Available Colors: Black, Brown, Red Dog
Leather: Cowhide (Smooth or Rough Out)
Soles: Vibram #100, #430, #700, #705 (half sole)
Midsole: Single or Double
Heel Base: Standard, 90 Degree (blocked), Ranch Packer
Hardware: Roller Buckles
Starting Price: $419.00
White's previous offering was the Hawthorn Explorer "Open Road" Engineer Boot. In all honesty, the fit was lousy, and they didn't offer any customization, and you could have any color as long as it was black. I tried a pair on at White's store in Spokane last year, and was unimpressed. Even the guy who worked there urged against them and hinted that they were working on a new, improved Engineer boot.
"The new boots are called the "Nomad" and they sell for $419 through Baker Shoes. They just put them up on their website today. They also sent me some nice pics of the final product, and I have attached them... I think Baker's started this project with White's, so they are the only vendor I am aware of that offers them right now (other than calling White's directly).
The standard boot has a Vibram 100 sole with a single midsole. They are leather lined in the vamp and come standard with a celastic toe. The toe is supposed to be a very similar profile to the WESCO Boss round toe. They also feature the White's "Arch Ease" arch support.
The website allows for some customization, but I think more options will be available if you ask. When I placed my order, I asked about the possibility of getting a double midsole with a Vibram #705 half sole, and they said it was no problem. If I like my first pair (and I'm pretty sure that I will), I will probably order a second pair in Red Dog with 705's and double mids - more of a vintage correct look.
I'm not too sure which are the actual production boots as the above and below photos are different - double or triple stitched heel counters and stitched or riveted upper straps...
I know my description sounds like an advertisement, but I am just really excited about these - I have been planning on ordering a pair of Nick's "Renegade" engineer boots, but I have been hesitant because the price will be over $500 and I have had problems getting a good fit with them in the past. These White's should fit like about the same as a Smoke Jumper, and the base price of $420 is quite reasonable. Hopefully I'll have mine in 8 weeks and then I'll be able to review them properly.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
TABLATURE TUESDAY: HOWLIN' WOLF - SMOKESTACK LIGHTNING
Chester " Howlin' Wolf" Burnett was inspired to write this song by watching the smoke come out of trains as they passed at night (i.e, "smokestack lightning"). The song was released in March of 1956 and went into the Top 10 on the R&B charts and is now in the Grammy Hall Of Fame.
Monday, March 26, 2012
HABU TRAIL BUNKER
In preparation for my upcoming Physical Fitness Test, I've decided to curb my long distance runs and keep 'em short. This afternoon's run was more "git outta the office" than anything and I'm glad I did. The Habu Trail on base is a filled with steep hills and, to my amazement, WWII bunkers.
Time: 27:28
Speed: 7.8 mph
Pace: 7:39 min/mi
An old bunker just off the running trail
Sunday, March 25, 2012
WESCO TO RAISE PRICES
Bad news for prospective buyers - WESCO is set to raise their prices on 1 April 2012. All orders placed before this price increase will get current prices, even for orders which are not in stock abnd ship later. Also, custom orders placed before 1 April will get the current price regardless of the ship date.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
WESCO "CHAMPION BOSS"
Brand: WESCO
Circa: Mid-2000
Color: Black
Size: 8E
Soles: Vibram #700 Composition
Heels: Vibram
Leather:
Horeshide Shaft, Straps, Heel Counter and Backstay
Black Nautilus Vamp
Hardware/Markings: Nickel Non-Roller Buckles, 1940's label / Embossed Logo
Sold For: $999.00 / 17 Bids
Limited to a production of 200, these circa mid-2000 WESCO "Champion Boss" Engineer Boots originally sold for approximately $1,300.00 and didn't last too long on the shelves. The auction ended at a decent price, but I would have opted for a less expensive custom pair with the seven week wait.
There is a pair of 8 1/2's currently on Yahoo Japan:
Circa: Mid-2000
Color: Black
Size: 8E
Soles: Vibram #700 Composition
Heels: Vibram
Leather:
Horeshide Shaft, Straps, Heel Counter and Backstay
Black Nautilus Vamp
Hardware/Markings: Nickel Non-Roller Buckles, 1940's label / Embossed Logo
Sold For: $999.00 / 17 Bids
Limited to a production of 200, these circa mid-2000 WESCO "Champion Boss" Engineer Boots originally sold for approximately $1,300.00 and didn't last too long on the shelves. The auction ended at a decent price, but I would have opted for a less expensive custom pair with the seven week wait.
There is a pair of 8 1/2's currently on Yahoo Japan:
Friday, March 23, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
NEW MARINE CORPS RECRUITING VIDEO?
A huge supporter of the military, Katy Perry chose the U.S. Marines and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton as part of her latest music video.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
VEB Q&A
IE: First of all congratulations to your great blog. I have spent hours I guess on it and learned a lot and enjoyed looking at the pics. I'm currently looking to get my first pair of engineers. And there are still some questions. It would be great if you could help me out. I'm looking for a dark brown pair that will develop nice patina. I'll use them for everyday stuff, not particularly for driving a motorbike, though I might do that once in a while. I'd like the boots to have a rather understated silhoutte, i.e. with a flat toe.
My questions are:
1. Type of leather: Which one do you recommend? Can this be generalized? It seems that a number of reputable manufacturers use Horween Excel. But then I also read that HTC uses Latigo leather for their Santa Rosas. Do you know which Wesco use if I just order brown in their shop? Viberg I've seen that they have to Chromexcel (one of them icy mocha). I'm not sure what leather the others would be like Mocha Smooth or Mocha Rio for example.
2. Leather colour: As written I'd like my boots to have a brown colour. Now I've read that some leathers will turn from black to brown. But how long will that take? And which leathers will do so? The awesome Road Champs are described as black, however to my eye they seem to be brown from the start. I like the brown of these: http://vibergboot.wo...er-no-hard-toe/ And what about harness (is it always oil tanned?) leather? How would that develop in comparison with the others?
3. And for the welt would you prefer stitch down or nail down construction?
Currently I'm thinking of ordering with Wesco or Viberg.
VEB: I personally prefer double tanned Horsehide like my Toy’s McCoy Beck’s (below) as they have developed the most desirable patina of all the modern Engineer Boots I’ve owned; however, the good patina didn’t begin until at least two years worth of casual wear (it's hard to develop good wear when your trying to juggle over a dozen pair). This patina is equal to a lot of my Vintage Engineer Boots with over half a century of wear.
A lot of companies use expensive Horween because it is in high demand in today’s boot market and is responsible for a large portion of their profits.
WESCO typically uses heavy 7 ounce Full Grain, Oil-Tanned Cowhide leather, but “Black Fire” Silicone-Tanned leather with the same weight is a popular option. “Black Tie” is their lighter weight leather (5 ounces) typically used on their MP boots. If you ordered “brown,” you’d get the heavy Oil-Tanned leather.
The color, patina development, profile and colors similar to Viberg's Mocha you are looking for can all be found in one single pair of boots – the Mister Freedom® Road Champ’s. I think the first-run (or advertised prototype?) Road Champ’s appeared black, but the current inventory is actually more of a mocha brown. With normal wear in a short period of time, the color begins to lighten and develop a highly desired “patina” that can only be found in vintage boots with decades of wear. After natural lightening they can be made dark again with your choice of quality boot conditioner/grease – that’s the glory of these unique collectibles.
I always prefer white stitched down construction on a natural welt because it’s just more visually pleasing to me.
WESCO and Viberg are definitely well constructed. Whereas Viberg has a bit more style, WESCO uses the traditional approach; however, one can build a pretty sweet pair of WESCO boots using their endless custom options.
My questions are:
1. Type of leather: Which one do you recommend? Can this be generalized? It seems that a number of reputable manufacturers use Horween Excel. But then I also read that HTC uses Latigo leather for their Santa Rosas. Do you know which Wesco use if I just order brown in their shop? Viberg I've seen that they have to Chromexcel (one of them icy mocha). I'm not sure what leather the others would be like Mocha Smooth or Mocha Rio for example.
2. Leather colour: As written I'd like my boots to have a brown colour. Now I've read that some leathers will turn from black to brown. But how long will that take? And which leathers will do so? The awesome Road Champs are described as black, however to my eye they seem to be brown from the start. I like the brown of these: http://vibergboot.wo...er-no-hard-toe/ And what about harness (is it always oil tanned?) leather? How would that develop in comparison with the others?
3. And for the welt would you prefer stitch down or nail down construction?
Currently I'm thinking of ordering with Wesco or Viberg.
VEB: I personally prefer double tanned Horsehide like my Toy’s McCoy Beck’s (below) as they have developed the most desirable patina of all the modern Engineer Boots I’ve owned; however, the good patina didn’t begin until at least two years worth of casual wear (it's hard to develop good wear when your trying to juggle over a dozen pair). This patina is equal to a lot of my Vintage Engineer Boots with over half a century of wear.
The below photos are about a year old, so the patina is a bit more prominent today.
A lot of companies use expensive Horween because it is in high demand in today’s boot market and is responsible for a large portion of their profits.
WESCO typically uses heavy 7 ounce Full Grain, Oil-Tanned Cowhide leather, but “Black Fire” Silicone-Tanned leather with the same weight is a popular option. “Black Tie” is their lighter weight leather (5 ounces) typically used on their MP boots. If you ordered “brown,” you’d get the heavy Oil-Tanned leather.
The color, patina development, profile and colors similar to Viberg's Mocha you are looking for can all be found in one single pair of boots – the Mister Freedom® Road Champ’s. I think the first-run (or advertised prototype?) Road Champ’s appeared black, but the current inventory is actually more of a mocha brown. With normal wear in a short period of time, the color begins to lighten and develop a highly desired “patina” that can only be found in vintage boots with decades of wear. After natural lightening they can be made dark again with your choice of quality boot conditioner/grease – that’s the glory of these unique collectibles.
My Mister Freedom® Road Champ’s fresh out of the box
Just two months of casual wear
After some modification
WESCO and Viberg are definitely well constructed. Whereas Viberg has a bit more style, WESCO uses the traditional approach; however, one can build a pretty sweet pair of WESCO boots using their endless custom options.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
TABLATURE TUESDAY: FORKED DEER
Here's a great old war horse of a tune that's sure to test your left hand dexterity and charm the knickers off someone.
Monday, March 19, 2012
NEW MARILYN PHOTOS
More than 100 never-before-seen photos of Marilyn Monroe are going up for auction on March 31st and April 1st, 2012 in Beverly Hills, California.
1960 - Allan "Whitey" Snyder applying Marilyn Monroe's makeup on the set of "Lets Make Love."
1962 - On the set of "Something's Got to Give."
VEB Q&A
I've received tons of RFI's from Vintage Engineer Boot fans over the years and, while cleaning out my e-mail inbox, ran across a bunch of old ones that may be of some help to prospective first time and returning Engineer Boot buyers.
I'll post the e-mails as I continue to find them in this new "VEB Q&A" segment.
This first one comes from Edwin.
Edwin: "I’ve been admiring your blogs about engineer boots. I’m planning to buy a new red wing 2268, I called a couple of store here in Los Angeles, they said that its possible to get one in 2 weeks. I’m just wondering if it’s identical with the one in Japan and European country. I’m particular about the sole and the leather they used. Thank you so much and a response is greatly appreciated."
VEB: "They are identical in style, however, Japan and UK have different color and height options. I've owned three pair of 2268's in the past and although I really like them, I couldn't get over the fact the soles/heels left black marks on my hardwood floor. Otherwise, they are great boots."
Edwin: "I'm new in buying these boots, i have no idea which boots are more comfortable, and durable. I know its quite expensive that's why im considering the red wing. But what do you think is a better buy a sugar cane lone wolf or a mr. freedom roadchamp."
VEB: "If this is your first time wearing Engineer Boots, here are some things to consider:
RED WING 2268
PRO'S: Clasic 1950's style, stylish, durable
CON'S: Heavier than most Engineer Boots, marking soles/heels
CHARACTERISTICS: Chrome-tanned Cowhide, bulbous toes, large buckles, run 1/2 to full size larger
ROAD CHAMP
PRO'S: Classic 1930's/1940's original design, flat/low toe profile, stylish, durable, collectible, Cat's Paw heels
CON'S: Expensive, although I consider these to be highly collectible
CHARACTERISTICS: Soft Vegetable-tanned Cowhide, typically go down 1/2 size, but contact MF® to be sure, due to dying process, they continually change color making them that much more desirable
LONE WOLF
PRO'S: Classic 1950's style/profile, Cat's Paw half soles
CON'S: Can be expensive if ordering from Japan
CHARACTERISTICS: Vegetable-tanned, Aniline-dyed Cowhide, go down 1/2 size (I've been told)"
Edwin: "I’ve been admiring your blogs about engineer boots. I’m planning to buy a new red wing 2268, I called a couple of store here in Los Angeles, they said that its possible to get one in 2 weeks. I’m just wondering if it’s identical with the one in Japan and European country. I’m particular about the sole and the leather they used. Thank you so much and a response is greatly appreciated."
VEB: "They are identical in style, however, Japan and UK have different color and height options. I've owned three pair of 2268's in the past and although I really like them, I couldn't get over the fact the soles/heels left black marks on my hardwood floor. Otherwise, they are great boots."
Edwin: "I'm new in buying these boots, i have no idea which boots are more comfortable, and durable. I know its quite expensive that's why im considering the red wing. But what do you think is a better buy a sugar cane lone wolf or a mr. freedom roadchamp."
VEB: "If this is your first time wearing Engineer Boots, here are some things to consider:
RED WING 2268
CON'S: Heavier than most Engineer Boots, marking soles/heels
CHARACTERISTICS: Chrome-tanned Cowhide, bulbous toes, large buckles, run 1/2 to full size larger
ROAD CHAMP
CON'S: Expensive, although I consider these to be highly collectible
CHARACTERISTICS: Soft Vegetable-tanned Cowhide, typically go down 1/2 size, but contact MF® to be sure, due to dying process, they continually change color making them that much more desirable
LONE WOLF
CON'S: Can be expensive if ordering from Japan
CHARACTERISTICS: Vegetable-tanned, Aniline-dyed Cowhide, go down 1/2 size (I've been told)"
Saturday, March 17, 2012
"DARK HORSE"
I joined the "Fighting Fifth" Marine Regiment back in late 1999 as the Embarkation Chief and was immediately impressed by their illustrious history as indicated by the Honors and Lineage that adorned the Command Post's hallways. The unit was activated just in time for WWI and have fought in every major conflict since then. They were (and still are) the most decorated Regiment in the Marine Corps and I was now part of that tradition.
Because I was with the smaller Regimental Staff, we attached to our subordinate unit's Marine Corps Ball celebration in November 2000 held at the California/Las Vegas state line. The unit was 3rd Battalion 5th Marines (3/5). This was Jillian's first ever Marine Corps Ball and looked ever so beautiful in her gold gown regardless of the chicken juice splattered on it by a young 3/5 Marine at the buffet line - We joke about to this very day. I remember the "Dark Horse" Marines being a wild bunch who knew how to really party, but they also trained very hard. This was pre-OIF/OEF, so the blood, sweat and tears they shed during garrison training will pay off dividends and carry on their legacy in just a few short years.
Fast forward ten years. I was the Detachment Staff Noncommissioned Officer-in-Charge of the MASS-2 Detachment (R2) and were collocated with 1st Marine Division headquarters, so we received their all-hands e-mail traffic being on the same intranet domain. On two occasions during that deployment, I received the e-mail ensured all my available Marines attended the evening colors ceremony held by 1st MarDiv honoring the fallen Marines.
Standing there in formation and listening to all the names of those 3/5 Marines was surreal. They were mostly young enlisted and junior Marine Officers. All I could think of was how brave those Marines were and how they fought so gallantly for our Country. Then my thoughts jumped to the families and loved ones now left behind. At the end of the ceremony, you could hear a pin drop as all attendees quietly dispersed toward their respective work spaces.
This is a recent e-mail from Suzanne Roach:
"Prayer Request
We are asking everyone to say a prayer for "Darkhorse" 3rd Battalion 5th Marines and their families. They are fighting it out in Afghanistan & they have lost 9 marines in 4 days. IT WOULD BE NICE TO SEE the message spread if more could pass it on. Nothing in the media about these guys because no one seems to care:
Justin Allen, 23
Brett Linley, 29
Matthew Weikert, 29
Justus Bartett, 27
Dave Santos, 21
Chase Stanley, 21
Jesse Reed, 26
Matthew Johnson, 21
Zachary Fisher, 24
Brandon King, 23
Christopher Goeke, 23
Sheldon Tate, 27
All are Marines that gave their lives for YOU this week. Please Honor THEM by forwarding this week."
Because I was with the smaller Regimental Staff, we attached to our subordinate unit's Marine Corps Ball celebration in November 2000 held at the California/Las Vegas state line. The unit was 3rd Battalion 5th Marines (3/5). This was Jillian's first ever Marine Corps Ball and looked ever so beautiful in her gold gown regardless of the chicken juice splattered on it by a young 3/5 Marine at the buffet line - We joke about to this very day. I remember the "Dark Horse" Marines being a wild bunch who knew how to really party, but they also trained very hard. This was pre-OIF/OEF, so the blood, sweat and tears they shed during garrison training will pay off dividends and carry on their legacy in just a few short years.
Fast forward ten years. I was the Detachment Staff Noncommissioned Officer-in-Charge of the MASS-2 Detachment (R2) and were collocated with 1st Marine Division headquarters, so we received their all-hands e-mail traffic being on the same intranet domain. On two occasions during that deployment, I received the e-mail ensured all my available Marines attended the evening colors ceremony held by 1st MarDiv honoring the fallen Marines.
Standing there in formation and listening to all the names of those 3/5 Marines was surreal. They were mostly young enlisted and junior Marine Officers. All I could think of was how brave those Marines were and how they fought so gallantly for our Country. Then my thoughts jumped to the families and loved ones now left behind. At the end of the ceremony, you could hear a pin drop as all attendees quietly dispersed toward their respective work spaces.
This is a recent e-mail from Suzanne Roach:
"Prayer Request
We are asking everyone to say a prayer for "Darkhorse" 3rd Battalion 5th Marines and their families. They are fighting it out in Afghanistan & they have lost 9 marines in 4 days. IT WOULD BE NICE TO SEE the message spread if more could pass it on. Nothing in the media about these guys because no one seems to care:
Justin Allen, 23
Brett Linley, 29
Matthew Weikert, 29
Justus Bartett, 27
Dave Santos, 21
Chase Stanley, 21
Jesse Reed, 26
Matthew Johnson, 21
Zachary Fisher, 24
Brandon King, 23
Christopher Goeke, 23
Sheldon Tate, 27
All are Marines that gave their lives for YOU this week. Please Honor THEM by forwarding this week."
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