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Wooden Florsheim Shoe Forms

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    Posted 13 years ago

    thinklisa
    (11 items)

    These don't seem to be very old because they are in great shape...do they still make them like this? They are stamped with 10A on the bottom.

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    Comments

    1. Pencil-necked-geek Pencil-necked-geek, 13 years ago
      Speaking as an old fart whose father used these in his shoe store windows, I would opine that they are from the 50's and were used only in store displays. That is why they don't show much wear.
    2. thinklisa thinklisa, 13 years ago
      Thank you, old fart. Very much appreciated!
    3. Manikin Manikin, 13 years ago
      Nice pair of shoe stretchers and to keep shoes shapes . I worked in a shoe store while in HS Kinney's Shoes no longer in existence . We used to stretch shoes but many men and women used to keep shoes shape. These are much nice quality than we used so it was a expensive shoe store that had these or a wealthy person . What is logo on them ?
      Thanks for sharing brings back memories of my 1st job :-)
    4. Manikin Manikin, 13 years ago
      Oh and yes they still make them today usually not this nice but I have seen them like this new . I would not guess at age hard to tell .
    5. thinklisa thinklisa, 13 years ago
      They have a Florsheim label on them.
    6. Manikin Manikin, 13 years ago
      That was an expensive shoe store ! Not sure they are still in business . They had a store across from our cheaper one in 60-70's !
    7. Manikin Manikin, 13 years ago
      yes they are still open just not in my city
      http://www.florsheim.com/shop/styles/shoes/page0.html
    8. Pencil-necked-geek Pencil-necked-geek, 13 years ago
      I'm standing by what I said originally about these only being for in-store display purposes. Otherwise, they would be adjustable to allow for more size/use options. While Florsheim was one of the few companies to make men's shoes in an A width, I'm not sure that those forms are actually that size ~ they look more like C or D width. And while Florsheim made a good shoe (and still does for the most part) they weren't so good that they gave away a set of shoe forms with every pair. Basically they were a top-shelf option for better-quality footwear at family owned stores like my parents owned. Kind of like Bass in today's market, but more conservative in style (as was everything in those days).
    9. Pencil-necked-geek Pencil-necked-geek, 13 years ago
      Oh, and manikin... there is a big difference between a shoe 'form' and a shoe 'stretcher'. The latter is adjustable to spread out and (ahem) STRETCH the leather. The former just kept the shoe straight and also served to fill the interior of the shoe for a cleaner appearance while on display. That is why it bears the "Florsheim" label.

      (I can't believe anyone really cares about all this esoterica, but it's been fun pontificating :^)
    10. Manikin Manikin, 13 years ago
      I do know difference and the question is date of the shoe forms . Sorry we have caused any confusion thinklisa it got off track from your question .
    11. Manikin Manikin, 13 years ago
      I do know difference and the question is date of the shoe forms . Sorry we have caused any confusion thinklisa it got off track from your question .
      here is a link that if you scroll down you will see similar form to yours but a little difference with Letter F on them which is not a shoe width The A has to be the style letter of form
    12. Manikin Manikin, 13 years ago
      http://www.american-vintage.net/misc.html
    13. vanskyock24 vanskyock24, 13 years ago
      who farted thats what i want to know
    14. Manikin Manikin, 13 years ago
      beats me LOL Vansky
    15. Pencil-necked-geek Pencil-necked-geek, 13 years ago
      Manikin wrote:
      "I do know difference and the question is date of the shoe forms . Sorry we have caused any confusion thinklisa it got off track from your question . "

      With all due respect, Manikin, I believe I am the only person who has actually provided an answer to that question and a valid reason why they look so minty. My opinion comes as someone who has actually sold this line at several stores over the years. When the parents liquidated the store back in the 70's, we threw away a box full of these display forms and I guarantee you my dad hadn't added any of these for 20 years or more before that. Did Kinney Shoes (which I remember) sell Florsheim?

      Oh, and about that smell... it was the dog. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.


    16. Manikin Manikin, 13 years ago
      Sorry Thinklisa . You can delete all these comments you deserved a good answer with respect . I apologize that you came to CW to solve your mystery and have to see this . Please delete it all and lets start a new page for you :-) so you get the kind of answer CW is used to giving .
    17. thinklisa thinklisa, 13 years ago
      I find it very entertaining as well as interesting.
    18. Manikin Manikin, 13 years ago
      Ok Thinklisa as long as your ok with it . I guess I wish I had never commented I never knew it would be so much drama :-(
      Hope you have found your answer . When you turn knob what does form do ?
    19. Manikin Manikin, 13 years ago
      http://cgi.ebay.com/Pair-of-Vintage-Florsheim-Wooden-Shoe-Stretcher-Lasts-Forms_W0QQitemZ140624732511QQcmdZViewItemQQssPageNameZRSS:B:SRCH:US:101#ht_562wt_1221

      similar that sold
    20. thinklisa thinklisa, 13 years ago
      It is just an emblem. It doesn't turn or do anything.
    21. Manikin Manikin, 13 years ago
      Oh ok :-)
    22. Pencil-necked-geek Pencil-necked-geek, 13 years ago
      My dear Manikin... please take a deep breath, would'ja please? No drama here, just an honest difference of opinion on what specific terms mean ~ I tend to prefer mine a bit more precise than you appear to. No sin, no problem.

      Changing the subject ~ I see you have an interest in dolls. I listed a Santa doll here I'm trying to ID as to manufacturer and would appreciate your input if any.

      Happy holidays to all.

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