Clothing
Jewelry +
Home +
Pottery 
Art +
Paper +
Music +
Toys +
Sports +
Ads +
Eras +
PREV
NEXT
Posted 4 months, 26 days ago
GusRatShack
(2 items)
I believe these to be old military boots from World War II. I don't know what branch of service or with what outfit these would be used, but I will tell you what I do know. First, these appear to have never been worn. There are no signs of wear on the soles or the inside. The brown upper part is leather and the laces are leather also. The black part is all rubber. There is a 12N on the bottom I assume marking the size of the boots. On the inside of each boot near the top is the following:
ENDICOTT JOHNSON CORP.
CONT. W19 074 OM3367
FEB.28 1945 N SIZE
BOSTON QM DEPOT 12
I am not a World War II Military Collector per say, however I would like to know more about these boots. I did do a search on the internet and found some info on other styles of boots, but not these. I think these may have been worn by sailors because of the rubber bottoms.
Any info is much appreciated and thanks for your time.
Happy Collecting,
GusRatShack
These appear to be US Model 1944 Snowpacs. I have photos of an example in a reference book "Field Equipment of the Infantry, 1914-1945" by Robert Fish. Black Rubber bottoms sewed to greased brown leather uppers (smooth side out). They had thick felt removable soles.
Chrisnp:
Thanks for the reply. I did forget to mention the thick felt lining inserts. Yes, they do have them and that makes sense that they would be used for snow. I have a few pairs of these boots that were in storage for ever. You may have noticed the spider webs and dust on them.
Do you have any suggestions as to what to use to clean the leather and rubber....or is that a no no and it would be better to just leave them the way they are?
Thanks again for your insight.
GusRatShack
I don't think most collectors would consider attempts to preserve the leather and rubber from hardening, cracking or further deteriorating would be a no-no.
I certainly would not use a product like Armor-all on the rubber because it would also give the rubber an unnatural shine. There are rubber conditioners on the market, which are made to reduce drying and cracking in things like rubber boots. You might do a bit of research on which would work the best. I don't have any experience with rubber care products on collectables.
As for leather, I've used Lexol leather conditioner and preservative for years on a saddle, and also on belts, holsters, rifle slings, etc. and it seems to work. Since the leather was originally greased, I might consider using Huberd's Shoe Grease, since this was probably very similar to what was on the leather in the first place.
Chrisnp:
Thanks for the info on the cleaning products...its funny you mention shoe grease. I think I came across a vintage can of military issue grease for these boots.