I recently purchased a pair of vintage boots online thinking they were 1940's - 50's velvet fur trimmed winter boots. I could see they needed new rubber heels, half-soles and laces and was quite happy to do that to give them some new life. However having received and researched them I believe they're a pair of Daniel Green fur trimmed carriage boots, probably from the late 1910's - 20's (will post some photos later). They're overshoes - they still bear the imprint of the previous' owners dainty heels. They don't fit with my 30's - 40's collection so I will sell them (I don't have room to keep everything!). My dilemma is; do I repair them as I originally intended (I believe they're otherwise in wearable condition) or do I leave that option to whoever gives them a new loving home? Advice much appreciated - I've not dealt with anything this old before! Thank you!
Personally I would remove the stick on rubber, it's not period and the original leather is still present beneath. If it won't fall off with gentle persuasion as it looks like its cracking off by itself, I would try a low heat setting hairdryer to heat the glue behind it and then peel/break them off. No one is going to wear them with the rubber as is, and to replace it they would need to be removed anyway. You could sell as is but only a collector would leave as is, and even then they would probably prefer them minus the rubber.
Thank you Pincoke, that's brilliant! I'll do that. I was just worried it might be the original rubber - it looks like they were just starting to use rubber soles in the 20's.
Hi Vintage Vendeuse, thank you! Aren't they divine? I gulped when I realised how old they were. I'd keep them but if I kept every gorgeous vintage thing the house would burst!
Fabulous boots! I have just discovered Daniel Green. Seems to be a slipper specialist. So, would these be like a pair of slippers that one pulled on inside a carriage/car over one's shoes for warmth?
Essentially yes, they weren't outdoor shoes as such, which is why someone wanted to add more durable soles to turn them into boots.