Hello. I had a few readers request a list of Florsheim Shell Cordovan models. And do what I am told. Sometimes. So here it is. It should be useful for vintage shoe enthusiasts.
Uncommon: 1 to 5 pairs listed on eBay in a given month
Rare: 1 to 5 pairs listed on eBay in a year
For custom, MTO, or special order models, I labelled the model number as “Limited“.
Where do you find the shoe model number? Unless it is worn off, its on the inside of the shoe. Read the post on Florsheim model numbers.
Have a pair of Florsheim shoes that you believe are shell cordovan but they are not on the list? Most likely they are not shell but again, this isn’t 100% accurate so feel free to leave a comment or send me an email through the “Contact” link. At some point, I will publish a list of non-shell models sometime so this “not shell” categorization can be explicit rather than implicit.
According to this Ashland Leather post, Florsheim used Horween color #4 for their brown models.
Wow. Those shoes are 50 years old. Amazing. He got a good deal on them. A lot of vintage collectors are looking for that model. Its super rare.
I’m trying to find out what model my Florsheim Cordovin leather shoes are. The model number does not match anything on the website that I have seen. It is stamped on the bottom Genuine Cordovin and most of the label on the inside of the shoe is rubbed off, but I can see that it says Taylor Made with the gold oval. They are long wings burgundy color. The numbers inside are 90 5311016 7 then on the second line is B/D 6295. That’s all there is. Any knowledge on the model ? Thank you.
Hi. I have a Imperial tassel long wing loafer 93245. This is not on your list but has a close #, appears to be shell, and I can’t find a similar long wing comparison. How can I tell otherwise? Thanks.
Thanks for your excellent post .I do have a model number for an item you have pictured and named but no model number is given and the item is not discussed- it is the” Black wing-tip Balmoral “. This is a short wing Royal Imperial . The pair which I have is marked 23957 AA (which I take to be January 2000?)
Hi, thanks for the post. I found your site because I have a non-Imperial 30834 and realized my shoe dream has dried out. It was a pair I bought for my graduation and only wear for very important events like wedding etc.
I’m looking to buy either shoe cream or polish but since Florsheim only sell the “Cordovan” shoe cream in US I need to find an alternative. Can you recommend any? Thanks again.
Heel is leather..V Cleat flush, Pre 73, not inset. 14 nails in heel (may be replacement), No 5 Nail on main sole, but sole could have been replaced. Cannot detect leather micro wrinkles on vamp. Pebble grain everywhere..again all Black.
If it says Corfam, then it is not a Florsheim shoe. Florsheim never made a Corfam model. My email is on the contact page if you want to send a picture to look at.
Hi David, Is a 93605; NOS, possibly display unworn pair for $375 a great deal? Thanks much
ok. thanks. the shoe looks very nice. So I was wondering.
Hi David,
I obtained a pair of Florsheim from my Dad. Which he bought in the late 90’s. They have model number 76402 and are made in India. Furthermore the shoebox says: Stratford WG BAL Cordo II
Just thrifted a pair of Oct 1956 Model S-1725 Florsheim Viking Norwegian Split toe Blucher in Brown Shell Size 8C. Unfortunately resoled with vibram heel. Didn’t see on the list of Cordovan model numbers.
Nice find. I have only included the 1957 to 2000 models with the five digit model numbers. Florsheim had Shell Cordovan models before and after that period.
Hi David, I’ve been researching my pair of shell cordovan penny loafers. The model/date code is 97158 EB. Would these be considered rare? The closest I’ve come is 97168, which seem to be highly sought after.
I’ve compared mine to pictures of shell cordovans, and you’re absolutely correct. Mine do exhibit some creasing. Oh well, I love them anyway. At least they fall into the rare category.
Check out these:
https://www.reddit.com/r/goodyearwelt/comments/54ok5d/restored_vintage_60s80s_shell_cordovan_florsheims/
Forgot to mention they are rare shortwings that look amazing.
Wow. Those shoes are 50 years old. Amazing. He got a good deal on them. A lot of vintage collectors are looking for that model. Its super rare.
I’m trying to find out what model my Florsheim Cordovin leather shoes are. The model number does not match anything on the website that I have seen. It is stamped on the bottom Genuine Cordovin and most of the label on the inside of the shoe is rubbed off, but I can see that it says Taylor Made with the gold oval. They are long wings burgundy color. The numbers inside are 90 5311016 7 then on the second line is B/D 6295. That’s all there is. Any knowledge on the model ? Thank you.
What about 30831. Shell?
No, the 30831 uses corrected leather
What year are those shoes thé nimber are 77123
Made in the 1990s
Hi. I have a Imperial tassel long wing loafer 93245. This is not on your list but has a close #, appears to be shell, and I can’t find a similar long wing comparison. How can I tell otherwise? Thanks.
The 93245 is not shell. I am 100% on that. I have seen worn versions and you can see creases in the upper leather. Shell will have rolls, not creases.
Hey David, What about the Florsheim Royal imperial shoes without a serial number? Where can I find pictures about those?
Thanks!
Can you tell me if model 608555 8 on the first line and 31714 AC on the second line is shell cordovan?
31714 is not shell cordovan.
Thanks for your excellent post .I do have a model number for an item you have pictured and named but no model number is given and the item is not discussed- it is the” Black wing-tip Balmoral “. This is a short wing Royal Imperial . The pair which I have is marked 23957 AA (which I take to be January 2000?)
I don’t have any information on that model.
What is 75847? It’s a wingtip, burgandy with white numbers 75847.
Model 75847 is a corrected leather pair. Not shell cordovan.
thank you! almost bought them.
That’s a shame. I just scored a pair in great condition. It wasn’t advertised as shell but I was hoping it would be
Wow. thanks for letting me know. Almost bought them. The seller almost tricked me (whether intentional or not).
Good day. Would like to ask regarding model number 13017. Burgundy imperials. Looks like shell but I am not sure. Thanks
I have a 20616 LA says union made. Am curious about any information on them. Thanks!
I believe they were made in 1970. The model name is the Lucerne
What about the 30217 model?
The 30217 is not Shell Cordovan
Hello David
Is the 76400 a shell cordovan model?
thanks for the guidance
bests, vincent
The 76400 is not Shell Cordovan
Hi David,
Wondering if 72022 is shell cordovan? It’s a black longwing.
Thanks
Yes, it is Shell Cordovan. I need to add it to my list.
Are you talking about the black shell on Ebay?
93331? Thank you!
Not Shell Cordovan. Its a polished cobbler pair.
Thank you – Robert
Hi David. Do you know the material type for 75980?
I don’t have info on that model but its not Shell Cordovan based on the model number sequence
David, what about 93224?
That model is not Shell Cordovan. I am 100% on that.
Thanks for your reply David. What about the 97166?
The 97166 looks like Shell Cordovan but it is not Shell Cordovan
Hi David. I’m looking at a 97626 that appears to have only 1 wear. Just wondering what you think about a price of $360.
Seems like a reasonable price to me. Prices have gone up in the past few years on classic Florsheim pairs.
Thanks. I’m thinking about making a foray into shell territory and this seems like a good place to start.
Hi, thanks for the post. I found your site because I have a non-Imperial 30834 and realized my shoe dream has dried out. It was a pair I bought for my graduation and only wear for very important events like wedding etc.
I’m looking to buy either shoe cream or polish but since Florsheim only sell the “Cordovan” shoe cream in US I need to find an alternative. Can you recommend any? Thanks again.
How about 42609??
I know 42609 also was also available as a black and white spectator model. Pair Im researching are just black.
This is pretty much the only thing I can find on 42609’s
https://nard-shopping.com/items/5a61c709ed05e6627a0001f6
Apologies for multi post. Thought this could help. Interesting stuff on this pair.
Inside sole says Imperial..Corfam Upper. Lettering is white on the inside sides. 3 tiers of lettering. “Mid Sole Material Man Made” At Top
Tier 1: 26 0
Tier 2: 04100 42609 12
Tier 3: 2921 1021 COMB LAST 90 6W
Heel is leather..V Cleat flush, Pre 73, not inset. 14 nails in heel (may be replacement), No 5 Nail on main sole, but sole could have been replaced. Cannot detect leather micro wrinkles on vamp. Pebble grain everywhere..again all Black.
Thank you!
Hi David..any thoughts here?
If it says Corfam, then it is not a Florsheim shoe. Florsheim never made a Corfam model. My email is on the contact page if you want to send a picture to look at.
Hi David,
Is a 93605; NOS, possibly display unworn pair for $375 a great deal? Thanks much
That’s a good price.
Hi David:
Is the 93021 a shell cordovan model?
If not, how much should it fetch on eBay if the top is in very good condition?
Thanks.
I don’t have any info on that model. If you send me some photos I will take a look. My email is on the contact page.
That do you think the saddle looks just like the Dover 30358-2 she’ll or cg I just can’t tell thank you Ray
I am not familiar with that model
I’m very interested in:
Florsheim 32604 – Mocc Toe Blucher – Brown
Frequency: Rare
Note: The ROYCE. 1960s model
Would you have any more pictures?
thanks
I don’t have any more photos of that model online.
ok. thanks. the shoe looks very nice. So I was wondering.
Hi David,
I obtained a pair of Florsheim from my Dad. Which he bought in the late 90’s. They have model number 76402 and are made in India.
Furthermore the shoebox says:
Stratford WG BAL
Cordo II
I was wondering if these are shell cordovan?
Thanks
No, that model is not Shell Cordovan.
Thank you for your reponse
Hello
75913, Corrected leather or Shell, So hard to tell on these?
thanks in advance
75913 is not Shell
Just thrifted a pair of Oct 1956 Model S-1725 Florsheim Viking Norwegian Split toe Blucher in Brown Shell Size 8C. Unfortunately resoled with vibram heel. Didn’t see on the list of Cordovan model numbers.
Nice find. I have only included the 1957 to 2000 models with the five digit model numbers. Florsheim had Shell Cordovan models before and after that period.
Due to the year, stamped ‘model’ number, and size 8C this could be what was a wholesale salesman’s sample he used when calling on his many accounts.
Another possibility is some 8C consumer wanted a pair specially made to order.
Hi David,
I’ve been researching my pair of shell cordovan penny loafers. The model/date code is 97158 EB. Would these be considered rare? The closest I’ve come is 97168, which seem to be highly sought after.
Thank you.
It’s a rare model but I don’t believe the 97158 is Shell Cordovan. I have seen a few pairs and they had creases in the upper leather.
I’ve compared mine to pictures of shell cordovans, and you’re absolutely correct. Mine do exhibit some creasing. Oh well, I love them anyway. At least they fall into the rare category.