Help dating John Mchale wing tips....1950s?

[laurenm]

Hey there, I have another pair of John McHales here and looking back into the archives I see that someone noted that if they are stamped just John McHale they are pre '54....wondering if they look right for 1950s? Also, there is some wear to the heel pretty evenly on both outer sides...is the 'enlarged' looking nail area simply from wear and not part of the construction? I vaguely remember Jonathan saying something about those uppers numbers relating to dates or was I dreaming?
Thanks all,
Lauren

 

[Jonathan]

The production code numbers may relate to a date, but nobody knows anymore because most production code numbering systems are lost. Bata is the only one I am familiar with, and I used to know the Bally numbering system used before the war. Those McHales look early 50s to me.

 

[Pinkcoke]

The larger nails were something a cobbler would put in for you after some wear to prevent undue wear on those areas, like Blakeys (kidney shaped metal plates), but a more professional job.