help with dating and spot removal on Walkwell mens corespondents

[laurenm]

Hi All,
I remember somewhere in the forums seeing something about using the inside stamp to help date shoes, or was that a dream?
Anyway, not sure where to put these time wise.
Also, there are two small spots on the fabric part and am wondering what the best way to clean that would be.
Also, I've never seen part laces like these....I suppose they are meant to be slip ons?
Thanks in advance for any help,
Lauren

 

[Jonathan]

The factory number codes may have a date imbedded but they are coded so unless you know how it reads its not useful. For example, the Bata shoe company code imbedded size, colour, factory number as well as the date of creation through numbers that represented the day, week, and the last digit from the year, so you have to guess the decade. '2.14.3' meant Tuesday, the 14th week of the year (last week of March), 1953, 63, or 73... That's because the code was for the company's use and if they had a complaint about a shoe they could trace when it was made and who was working at that time according to employee records. Similar codes are used by all the companies but every code is different and unless you know what it breaks down to, you can't read it.

As for the spots - start with a dry, stiff brush, like a toothbrush, and a vacuum, that may lighten it considerably. DO NOT use water because you will likely just make it worse. If the brush and vacuum don't work then try a bit of vodka on the toothbrush but don't soak it.

 

[laurenm]

thanks jonathan.