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Boots
Sept 10, 2009 16:01:02 GMT
Post by LeicesterTiger on Sept 10, 2009 16:01:02 GMT
William Lennon Boots make a perfect reproduction (actually made using the same tools that made them in the First World War, so not so much reproductions as the real thing) of the B5 boots, which are extremely hard wearing and comfortable, as well as looking great too www.williamlennon.co.uk/footwear/world-war-1-replica-boot.html
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Boots
Sept 10, 2009 18:57:36 GMT
Post by arkwright on Sept 10, 2009 18:57:36 GMT
I know discussion on these boots will be repeating itself, but this is a subject close to my heart. As those who have got them will know, Lennon boots are surely the best you’ll ever get. I know Pete has visited the factory, but for anyone who hasn’t you need to imagine something out of a period drama; it’s actually much brighter & airier than it seemed to be when I first discovered them 25yrs ago. They kept me in boots for pounding my beat for most of those years, and it was only when I started to look into the reproduction uniform situation a couple of years ago that I realized you chaps had a crying need in respect of boots. In the back of my mind I felt sure that I’d been told that this family business used to make boots during the actual 14-18 war, and sure enough when I approached them on the subject they still had the original cutters and machinery to enable them to remake the very same boots – what are the chances of that? Actually it’s about one in a million, because I believe there is only one other person out there who has ever got close to being able to produce to this standard, and I think you’ll find Lennon’s were actually involved in that effort? The hardest part is getting the right grade leather, as today the only source of supply is (I believe) Switzerland of all places. I’m currently waiting for a pair to be made at the moment; turn-around is something like 2-3 weeks at present. The pictures are of some now very rare machinery used to make the boots and associated views in the workshop.
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Boots
Sept 10, 2009 19:04:34 GMT
Post by LeicesterTiger on Sept 10, 2009 19:04:34 GMT
Superb photographs and information Dave - I think the whole WW1 living history community is in debt to you! I don't know if you knew or had anything to do with it if so, but they're also doing the Second World War British ammo boots, although they're not advertised on their website - certainly beats getting old knackered boots or poor reproductions from the USA, i'll be getting a pair of the WW2 boots and they're fitting rubber soles for me (hobnails and armour plating don't mix!)
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Boots
Sept 10, 2009 19:13:31 GMT
Post by arkwright on Sept 10, 2009 19:13:31 GMT
The WW2 boots are not down to me, but they are coming on the back of the success of the B5's. Dan was a little skeptical when I first approached him, concerning the level of demand, but you chaps soon reassured him on that one. DU
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Boots
Sept 15, 2009 8:25:58 GMT
Post by arkwright on Sept 15, 2009 8:25:58 GMT
As stated above I've been waiting for a new pair of these boots for a week or so. Dan contacted me yesterday to say they were ready and I will go collect them later today. I noticed the tremendous praise poured on their boots on the OC web site page concerning Recommended Dealers of Reproduction Kit. I felt this was just about the highest accolade the company could get and know how much of a tonic it would be to Dan and the rest of the staff. I've very slightly reformatted the web page so that it can fit on an A4, and given it a suitable frame I happened to have; proposing to give this to Dan when I collect my boots. I hope this independent act meets with the approval of the rest of the group? Dave Upton
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Boots
Sept 15, 2009 15:00:21 GMT
Post by oldcontemptible on Sept 15, 2009 15:00:21 GMT
Absolutley Dave,
We are all incredibly indebted to you and Dan and Lennons please pass on our gratitude and thanks to Dan and the team.
Regard
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Boots
Sept 15, 2009 18:02:46 GMT
Post by PeterZed on Sept 15, 2009 18:02:46 GMT
I can only endorse what has already been said - Dan's advice on sizing was spot on and the finished product extremely comfortable
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Boots
Sept 15, 2009 18:13:24 GMT
Post by arkwright on Sept 15, 2009 18:13:24 GMT
And here for anyone wondering; is what you get for your money; one pair MIB size 11. Whilst with Dan, he told me that they are now selling quite a few of these boots (without nails & heel plate) to chaps who like the look of them and want to wear them casually with jeans. PS: Dan was very touched by the framed web page & the comments from the group.
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Boots
Sept 15, 2009 18:49:50 GMT
Post by oldcontemptible on Sept 15, 2009 18:49:50 GMT
That is great David,
I couldn't see the picture of the frame when I posted earlier but it is a nice gesture and I am sure I speak for all in endorsing the framed web page.
It's also a nice feeling to know that we are all helping in some way to support a traditional business such as Lennon's. Long may it continue.
Regards
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