RANDOM ENGINEER BOOTS

Here's an interestingly attractive pair of Engineer Boots.  It looks as though the folks at Rolling Dub Trio took elements from various early to mid-century Engineer and hunting boots, put it in a grinder and ... voilà!

www.vintageengineerboots.com

THIS JUST IN ...

Made with Horween Chromexcel (Front), Japanese Tannery (Kobe) Wagyū hide (back) 
www.vintageengineerboots.com

LVC 201XX & MATCHING 213 JACKET

While doin' more Spring cleaning, I found this great set of 1920's style LVC 201xx jeans and matching LVC 213 jacket I hardly wear.  They'll be goin' up on my Etsy in separate auctions.  Both items have matching shades of indigo!

Jacket: Size 36 (fits like a vintage 38)

Jeans: 32x34

www.vintageengineerboots.com

BOOTS WORTH BUYING

Here's a decent pair of factory seconds over at WESCO - scratch on the right counter: 
Toe: Motor Patrol
Color: Black
Size: 7 1/2D
Height: 11"
Soles: "#705", Double mid-soles
Hardware: Nickel Roller Buckles
Price: $493
Shipping:  Free factory seconds until 31 March

I'm not a fan of the block heels on these, but at this price (without the ridiculous factory build time) it's worth having resoled later down the road.  They already have roller buckles, so ... free shipping, roller buckles, MP toes ... this is a no-brainer for someone in the market for this style.

The site is quoted as saying these have #705 soles, but the photo shows otherwise.

www.vintageengineerboots.com

THIS JUST IN ...

Just finished up the final details of my version of a vintage Buco belt as found in their 1950's catalogs. I love the way this one turned out.

Leather: 9-10 Ounce Top Grain Oak-Tanned American Cowhide
Color: Dark Brown (hand dyed)
Size: 30 (holes range from 28-32)
Width: Approximately 1 5/8" (just under 1 3/4")
Hardware: Nickel Buckle, Nickel Studs, Red Reflectors with Nickel ring
Condition: Newly Handcrafted, Unused - hand dyed, hand cut, hand studded, hand finished

Check it out on my Etsy page

www.vintageengineerboots.com

TK SMITH - CUSTOMIZED GRETSCH 6130

I received great news from TK Smith's Electronic Guitar Service today. Modifications to my Gretsch include gold plated TK Smith blade pickup and vibrato arm, inlaid pickguard honoring my beautiful Giant Schnauzer and arm rest - All parts finely crafted by Mr. T.K. Smith himself.

Website / Flickr / YouTube / Instagram

www.vintageengineerboots.com

TABLATURE TUESDAY: MICKEY BAKER'S STYLE

www.vintageengineerboots.com

MOTO MONDAY

The would be “Chesty XIV,” the pedigreed English bulldog and future Marine Corps mascot arrived at Marine Barracks in the nation’s capital on Valentine’s Day. The handsome and distinguished young Chesty will enter obedience school and canine “recruit training,” earn the title of Marine and be named the next Marine Corps mascot on March 29, 2013. His official duties include marching in myriad events, including the Friday twilight parades at the facility, looking tough but buff in his own custom dress blues.

www.vintageengineerboots.com

READER MAIL

Hey, first off would like to say awesome blog!!! Second, i have a question regarding the sizing of Mister Freedom Road Champs. I normally wear a US 9 in red wing engineers. I have the 2268 and the 2269 Japan model. The fit is perfect on me. I'm looking into getting a pair of road champs and was wondering what size should i be getting. i was thinking a us 9 in them, but i wanted to ask you first since you have two pairs of them!! thanks in advance.

Best,
Jameson

Hi Jameson,

Thanks for the e-mail!  I wear a size 7 1/2 in Red Wing 2268's and my size 7 1/2 Mister Freedom "Road Champ" Engineer Boots fit exactly the same - a perfect fit with that right amount of comfortable wiggle room.

Based on the information you've provided, a size 9 would probably be the best fit, but I'd definitely get in with Jordan (jordan@misterfreedom.com) or John (john@misterfreedom.com) at the shop.  They're super crazy knowledgeable and super helpful.

Cheers!

www.vintageengineerboots.com

My size 7 1/2's (left) and size 8

RANDOM ENGINEER BOOTS

Brand: Unknown
Circa: 1940's/1950's
Color: Brown
Size: 8C
Measurements:
Length: 11 1/4"
Width: 4"
Height: 11 1/2"
Soles: Leather with leather half-sole
Heels: Leather
Leather: Horsehide
Hardware: Brass with nickel studs
Sold For: Ended early (offline offer)

This is a pair of Vintage Engineer Boots worth writing home about.  Described as "30s 40s," I'd say they are more from the late 1940's to mid-1950's.  Everything about 'em - amazing patina, deflated toe box, toe tracks, leather bottoms and overall profile - are worth every bit over eight bills.  With all the nice modern styles to choose from, I wouldn't go a cent over a grand for these

I'm not a fan of the aftermarket stud work and heel plates, but the lucky buyer may want to consider replacing the studs with an antiqued brass version to match the buckles.

www.vintageengineerboots.com

DON VILLE IN THE NEW YORK AREA

One of L.A.'s most talented bespoke shoe makers and Cobbler, Raul Ojeda, is going to be in the NYC area next week surveying property for his Don Ville work shop.  During the visit, Raul will be meeting with clients for fittings and has put aside some time to hold a "meet and greet" with folks.  Whether discussing a custom order or some new tires for your Vintage Engineer Boots, this is sure to be an event worth attending.

www.vintageengineerboots.com

1950'S WESCO ENGINEER BOOTS?

Brand: WESCO?
Circa: Possible 1950's
Color: Black
Size: "9 - 9 1/2"
Measurements:
Length: 11"
Width: 4 1/2"
Height:  11"
Soles: Composition half-sole
Heels: Cat's Paw
Leather: Unknown
Hardware: Nickel
Sold For: $511.01 / 12 Bids
Seller: wellgolf

Every detail on these boots lead me to believe they are vintage WESCO ... possibly from as early as the 1950's.  It's hard to really tell, though, since they are absent of any markings.  From the signature rounded crown and sharp curve of the vamp to the round strap ends and other details to include the dramatic tapered toe box and the stitching on the backstay, this may very well be the model to the original "Narrow" boots made famous in Japan.

These Vintage Engineer Boots bear the characteristics of a top-shelf contender. I would've been happy to pull 'em in for about a grand ... twelve, tops, in this condition.

www.vintageengineerboots.com

Original 1950's catalog ad (left)

Period resole with somewhat modern re-heel

TABLATURE TUESDAY: BRUNO MARS - LOCKED OUT OF HEAVEN

www.vintageengineerboots.com

THIS JUST IN ...

Here's another custom piece I just finished up for a gentleman giving it as a gift.  As usual, my pieces are completely hand crafted without the use of any machines, cutting dies, etc., while using a rudimentary cardboard template and the most basic of tools.

This custom Wristlet has the following features:

• 8 Card slots
• 1 Large miscellaneous slot
• 1 Bill slot
• Rear clutch assist with stud design that doubles as a grip (a feature my wife requested on her valentines gift
• Zippered pouch with 1930's Talon Zipper
• iPhone slot
• Removable wristlet strap with convertable dee ring
• Outer Leather: 2-3 Ounce Japanese Tannery (Kobe) Wagyū hide (Black)
• Inner Leather: 2-3 Ounce Japanese Tannery (Kobe) Wagyū hide (Red)
• Measurements (approximate): 7 9/16" wide x 4" tall

Contact me at villanuevado@gmail.com if interested in custom work

www.vintageengineerboots.com

MOTO MONDAY

If this story isn't motivation enough to strive for my 300-score Physical Fitness Test, then I don't know what is.

www.vintageengineerboots.com

READER MAIL

...one month in. With a little spit and polish added. - John B

Thanks for the photos, John! Great to see evo pics on these amazing boots.  Can't wait to get my hands on a Badalassi pair.

www.vintageengineerboots.com 

Before

speedway-shop  / Lofgren e-mail

NEW LEATHERCRAFTING HARDWARE

I picked up these heavy brass beauties on my way home from work today and am excited to incorporate them into my leather projects.

www.vintageengineerboots.com

ROLLER BUCKLES ARE BACK!

For those on the waiting list, I've got nickel roller buckles back in stock ... don't forget about the antiqued brass roller buckles.

Contact me if you're in the market for an upgrade to your Vintage Engineer Boots.

www.vintageengineerboots.com

RANDOM ENGINEER BOOTS

Brand: Unknown
Circa: Mid-1950's / Early 1960's
Color: Black
Size: 8
Measurements:
Length: 11"
Width: 4"
Soles: Cat's Paw Microlite half-soles
Leather: Unknown
Hardware: Brass
Sold For: $820.00 / 32 Bids
Seller: rayww44

A really great profile on these mid-century Engineer Boots.  They bear a lot of characteristics that I look for in a quality pair of Vintage Engineer Boots - low, soft toe profile, brass hardware, toe tracks, decently stacked heels and quality leather (nice and thick ... Steer?  Horsehide?).  These are worth every bit of $820.00+.

www.vintageengineerboots.com

1951 REGLOR OF CALIFORNIA

It's Spring cleaning time and some great items are surfacing - The first being this pair of mid century lamps from Reglor of California, dated 1951. Lamps include original finials. They have amazing wood grain texture similar to carlo frames and compliment them perfectly.

Check the auction for more information.

www.vintageengineerboots.com