Like my guides for Florsheim and Hanover Shell Cordovan models, I have wanted to put together a guide for Nettleton models. The Florsheim and Hanover guides were put together by tracking ebay sales over a two year period and augmented by model information listed in vintage Florsheim and Hanover shoe catalogs.
Below is the Nettleton guide but it is fairly limited because its very rare to find any Nettleton Shell Cordovan for sale during the past four years. The list encompasses all the Nettleton Shell models that have appeared on ebay during that period. I am certain there are other Nettleton Shell Cordovan models since Nettleton was in business for 100+ years but I have been limited to what has appeared ebay (not much) and hindered by my lack of any vintage Nettleton shoe catalogs. Poor me. And poor you because it is nearly impossible to find a pair now a days.
Nettleton was a maker of premium shoes and based in Syracuse, New York. The firm was founded in 1878 and went through a number of owners between 1968 and 1990 when it closed. The company made great shoes and I have written a number of posts on various pairs.
The model number for Nettleton shoes is located on the second line of the shoe model information on the inside of the shoes. In this case, it is model “0208”
This is model “4063”. Newer Nettleton shoes have a month-year code (“C3” below) and a “HEEL” prefix before the heel width. I don’t know what year this labeling was introduced but I have assumed it was in the 1970s
The 4062 saddles pictures appear to be different models as one has brogueing down the side of where the eyelet tab would be on a blucher
Tim and I worked this out. We armed wrestled over it. He won but has let me continue to use the photo in question.
Models 304/0304 and 305/0305 are NOT Shell Cordovan. The upper is a correct grain leather