These are a beautiful pair of 2-tone leather button-up walking boots with provenance. They were part of a large vintage shoe collection by an individual, Mr. Frank Wulff, who was a collector early in the 20th century. These shoes were also displayed in a small museum in Colorado.
They are a soft cream colour on the leather tops and a Dove Grey colour on the bottoms with black or very dark grey buttons. The leather is soft and supple. They must have only be worn only a few times by the lady who owned them. Written on the bottom is the name and address of the owner of the shoes presumable at the time Mr. Wulff acquired them: Mrs. J. H. Perkinson, 22 Independence Bldg., Colorado Springs, Colorado.
These 1918 beauties are in amazing condition for their age! There is only a tiny scuff on the toe of each shoe. Otherwise, they're in "like new" condition. Considering the additional detail of the 2-tone leather, these were probably a higher end pair of walking boot at the time they were made.
The shoe maker, "Miller & Paine - Lincoln, Nebraska" is stamped inside the boot top and the original price of "$10.00" is still visible written on the toe of the sole.
Frank F. Wulff, who owned Wulff Shoe Co. in Colorado Springs, Colo., started collecting shoes of all kinds and origins as a hobby early in the 20th century. He acquired them wherever he traveled. At one time, he had the largest vintage shoe collection in the Southwest. As a result of his hobby and the interest the public showed in his large shoe collection, he started a successful shoe store in Colorado Springs.