Antique hunting boots

[Steeleydan]

I have won a pair of brown antique ladies leather boots on ebay an absolute bargin, they fit me perfect just as tho they were made for me, they are very good condition for there age no cracks in leather etc, but they have leather soles which really could do with replacing (was stated on ebay)now do I just send them to high street cobbler or do I need to send them to a hunting boot restorer or some one that specialises in hunt boots. I dont just want a rubber sole slapping on I want to try to keep them looking as traditional as they already do. Any suggestions where to send them, greatly appreciated.
Iam made up with them. Was just looking at them today trying to wonder what the lady looked like they were made for, and who she hunted with, I bet the boots could tell a story.
God I sound sad, but I love very traditional stuff for hunting not into modern stuff.

 

[Maesfen]

Not sad at all, I'm just the same! Got some lovely old bowlers here, they could tell some tales but I really ought to sell them as they're wasted here.

Back to boots, either a proper cobbler, the old fashioned sort not the ones who make keys as well or perhaps a good saddler would be able to recommend someone.

Hope you enjoy them.

 

[rosie fronfelen]

I still have a pair of my mothers brown boots, too small for me, still in their wooden stays and laces at the ankle- in beautiful condition still-

 

[Fiagai]

I have won a pair of brown antique ladies leather boots on ebay an absolute bargin, they fit me perfect just as tho they were made for me....

Ya git! I was bidding on those! They really are a lovely pair of boots. I would find a traditional shoe maker - take a look at business listings in your area.

Perfect for ratcatcher...roll on autumn hunting

 

[rosie fronfelen]

Ya git! I was bidding on those! They really are a lovely pair of boots. I would find a traditional shoe maker - take a look at business listings in your area.

Perfect for ratcatcher...roll on autumn hunting

Cubbing dear- cubbing.

 

[Fiagai]

Cubbing dear- cubbing.

Ah yes...but I'm new school!

Autumn Hunting refers to the period formerly known as "cubbing".

*Runs away very quickly*

 

[Herne]

I have won a pair of brown antique ladies leather boots on ebay an absolute bargin, they fit me perfect just as tho they were made for me, they are very good condition for there age no cracks in leather etc, but they have leather soles which really could do with replacing (was stated on ebay)now do I just send them to high street cobbler or do I need to send them to a hunting boot restorer or some one that specialises in hunt boots.

You didn't "win" them - you bought them in an auction. Do you go into a supermarket, pick up a loaf of bread, pay the cashier and then run out into the street shouting "Hurray! I've won this loaf of bread!"

It was pure marketing genius on behalf of eBay, the way they have educated us all to think that we have "won" something when actually all we have done is agreed to pay more of our money than anyone else was prepared to pay to buy an item.

/Rant over.

Anyway, if, as your post indicates, you have managed to purchase an item at a bargain price, then well done - and I hope they continue to give you joy. Ignore my curmudgeonly comments above.

The answer to your question is that most cobblers could re-sole your boot if they had the right equipment.

There is a metal thing that cobblers put inside a boot or shoe called a "last", which gives them the hard surface to work on, for hammering nails etc.

Most cobblers only have shoe-sized lasts, and therefore can't re-sole boots.

Finding a cobbler that has boot-sized lasts is pretty much a matter of trial and error. Some so, some don't.

Possibly the best way to find a cobbler who can deal with them is to contact your local Hunt Kennels. Because the Hunt Staff use their boots so much more then most people, they will need re-soling more often and thus the Hunt Staff have probably already gone through the dull process of contacting cobblers to find out who has the right kit and will be able to put you onto the right people straight away.

Enjoy your boots.

 

[irish_only]

Not sad at all, I'm just the same! Got some lovely old bowlers here, they could tell some tales but I really ought to sell them as they're wasted here.

Hey Maesfen, have you got a bowler that would fit my OH? He wears a lovely old Herbert Johnson for showing but he does look rather uncomfortable when it comes off and he has a bright red ring across his forehead. He keeps insisting that it is fine, but it really isn't! lol

 

[tootsietoo]

soooooo jealous! well done!

can't help with the cobbler - probably a good independent local one like the man I use on our high street would do the job you want.

 

[Maesfen]

Hey Maesfen, have you got a bowler that would fit my OH? He wears a lovely old Herbert Johnson for showing but he does look rather uncomfortable when it comes off and he has a bright red ring across his forehead. He keeps insisting that it is fine, but it really isn't! lol

What size is he? I know they're all about the same size, well they belonged to the same person and a couple come from the makers in a proper box and one has the invoice with it so will go and check for you.

 

[Maesfen]

OP! Do you know who made them as if they're still in business they might know who is good with boot repairs or could sort something out for you?

 

[sybil]

I have a pair of made to measure riding boots (best investment ever- cheers Davies )and they have leather soles and heels too- I thought it might be a nightmare to get them re-soled but my high street cobbler did a brilliant job on them. Your best bet is to probably take them into wherever you were thinking of and ask them if they can do it. Most cobblers should be able to do it but if you are worried about the finish get them to show you the soles they will use.

 

[irish_only]

What size is he? I know they're all about the same size, well they belonged to the same person and a couple come from the makers in a proper box and one has the invoice with it so will go and check for you.

Oops, sorry, forgot to check this post. The two we have are a 7 and are too tight, not sure how much bigger he needs.

 

[irish_only]

Steeleydan - sorry I didn't get back to you. As above we have a size 7 and it's too tight.

 

[Maesfen]

Oops, sorry, forgot to check this post. The two we have are a 7 and are too tight, not sure how much bigger he needs.

I had forgotten too! Just been out to look and the invoice say 7 1/4, I presume both are the same and they're from Locks. Another one is a bit tighter but I can't read the maker name but the design/brand is Vellum if that means anything. I'll pm pics to you a bit later if they're any good.

 

[irish_only]

I had forgotten too! Just been out to look and the invoice say 7 1/4, I presume both are the same and they're from Locks. Another one is a bit tighter but I can't read the maker name but the design/brand is Vellum if that means anything. I'll pm pics to you a bit later if they're any good.

Oooh yes please, pics would be great. Not heard of Vellum but will go and google now.

http://cgi.ebay.com.sg/VINTAGE-BOWLER-HAT-VELLUM-/190506222237?