1933 English Riding Boots?

EndlessAlley

EndlessAlley

Alumni
Hello,

I found these boots at the "thrifto". From similar boots I have seen on eBay & Etsy they appear to match those who's sellers are claiming their boots are from the 30s and/or 40s.

Inside each boot someone has written" Merry Xmas Mum 1933. The writing in each boot is a bit different.

Boots are in excellent shape - some scuffs and a bit of dry leather along the top.

There is no maker name in boots only number which you can see in photo.


Question: Do they have a 1930's construction?
Question: Are they English riding boots?
Question: Should I do anything to maintain them before selling? (I do have newspaper rolled inside each)

Thank you for comments. They are always a great help to me.

Best regards,
Alice
 
Alice, they are English riding boots, but although I was a rider, I can't help at all with the dating. Sorry... They look like the pair I still have from the late 60s (except mine are black), right down to the toe shape and the soles. I'm not a student of the history of riding boots (LOL!), but I don't think they've changed much over the more recent decades, and the subtle differences there are escape me for the most part! I hope Jonathan will chime in here with his knowledge.

I would, though, clean them up with saddle soap and condition them (outside, as far as you can get on the inside, and the soles), and give them a coat or two of matching polish. You'll be amazed at how they will perk up and look terrific! The leather conditioner will help prevent further deterioration of the lining (but use it sparingly there, as it can darken the leather unevenly if you use too much).

And, if you have some or can get some readily, it would be better--if you don't have boot trees, to use white paper (like the kind you wrap glass and porcelain ware in) to fashion some out of instead of newspaper. The ink can transfer to the lining.... Or put an outer wrapper of white paper over the newspaper.

Good luck with them--I've had good luck selling even newer riding boots on eBay!
 
Thanks Anne, I never thought about the newspaper transferring to the lining - nice save!

And thank you for information on cleaning up the boots. I'll check and see if I can't find a good match for polish. I have a sight on eBay as well as Etsy, but didn't realize that eBay might also be a good venue to sell vintage boots.

I also hope Jonathan will add his opinion. Just finished reading one of his books and in the bio it states that he was the founding curator of the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto.

Alice
 
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