Early 9 West shoe - ?s

themerchantsofvintage

themerchantsofvintage

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Here's an early NOS 9 West lea (suede) wedgie a la late 40s. At least I think it's early - 77, 78ish - but today it's Nine West so I'd like confirmation if they are one in the same. And does anyone recognize that eagle-like emblem? South American?

Your help is greatly appreciated. THANKS!

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The company Nine West wasn't officially known by that name until 1993, although they had been in business since 1977 under the name Jervin. However, they sold their shoes with the Nine West label (after the address of where their headquarters were located in New York) earlier than their official company name change. They built their business on Brazilian imports. I think you are right and these shoes are early. Wedge heels were certainly popular 1977 - 1980ish, so they date in there somewhere.
 
Thanks, Jonathan. Do you know if Jervin's shoes were marked "Jervin"? I just find the 9 West and Nine West quite a coincidence. That and the Brazilian connection. If I put 9 West in the title, at least eBay can't pull it!

Harriet, I'm still racking my brain too. I know I know it, but...
 
Thunderbird History

this is another site which goes into more detail...I doubt this will make much of a difference in selling the shoes for you, but we may as well learn about it, so when we run across it next time we will know. It comes up in southwestern Native American Jewelry designs quite often.
 
Thanks so much Mary Jane and Harriet! I drove through Colarado, Arizona etc last year and I must of seen the Thunderbird numerous times thru Navajo, Hopi and other Indian territories, but I just completely drew a blank.

Mary Jane, I bookmarked the symbols page - a great resource to have - and I will definately read up on the Thunderbird. Thanks again!
 
Deborah, I think I see that these are my size!!! Will you be listing them? If so, I'll definitely keep my eyes open for them; I really like the style, and wedges or platforms are the only sort of shoe with a heel higher than a couple of inches that I can wear these days....
 
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