East German Jackboot conversions?
Here are the boots I got, I guess they are Russian but maybe they are still good boots? Anyone know about getting everything done by this guy at at the front http://www.atthefront.com/g_boots_jacks.htm (look at the bottom of the page). He supposedly replaces the soles and installes everything for $80USD. Would this be a good idea?
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Hi 
Your boots definitely look good to me!
However I knew about that man advertised on "at the Front", but he only converts the soles for 80$, meaning that hobnails and irons are not included (they even add that you can send him your own stuf but that he does not have any source for it).
If I were you, I would definitely print a pix of an original sole ( I could provide a couple of pix if you need) and visit a couple of local cobbler before sending your boots in the U.S.A. and paying big USD$$$ plus shipping etc... You might find it more affordable in the end.
I know there are a few sources on the Web for hobnails and irons, and they usually sell for a reasonable price. I got my set from an ebay auction, from germany, but they arrived in a small "ziplock" kind of plastic back filled with rust and mud...which makes me wonder if they were actually taken from a cemetary or something! *lool* spooky!
In any case, I am sure that many of us would like to get your documented feedbacks about the "local cobbler" option. As I said in one of my previous posting, I personally plan to have an extra layer of leather installed under the unaccurate one I am actually caught with. Even though I probably won't shop for that soon, I will get back to you as soon as I get an appraisal.
Wilibald
Your boots definitely look good to me!
However I knew about that man advertised on "at the Front", but he only converts the soles for 80$, meaning that hobnails and irons are not included (they even add that you can send him your own stuf but that he does not have any source for it).
If I were you, I would definitely print a pix of an original sole ( I could provide a couple of pix if you need) and visit a couple of local cobbler before sending your boots in the U.S.A. and paying big USD$$$ plus shipping etc... You might find it more affordable in the end.
I know there are a few sources on the Web for hobnails and irons, and they usually sell for a reasonable price. I got my set from an ebay auction, from germany, but they arrived in a small "ziplock" kind of plastic back filled with rust and mud...which makes me wonder if they were actually taken from a cemetary or something! *lool* spooky!
In any case, I am sure that many of us would like to get your documented feedbacks about the "local cobbler" option. As I said in one of my previous posting, I personally plan to have an extra layer of leather installed under the unaccurate one I am actually caught with. Even though I probably won't shop for that soon, I will get back to you as soon as I get an appraisal.
Wilibald
Thanks pal, yah thats a good option, I was just worried a cobbler wouldn't do a good job here. I guess if a show a picture they might know what to do, I've never been to a place like that though so I don't know. Thats what I will do though I think. Now to find hob nails, toe taps and heel irons. Another question, what size heal irons for size 11 boots?
Hi, you can get some hobnails and irons there:
http://www.grigsbymilitaria.com/german_footwear.htm
Hope it helps
Wilibald
http://www.grigsbymilitaria.com/german_footwear.htm
Hope it helps
Wilibald
Great!
I am pleased you found yourself a set of hobnails Toe caps? Well I took a couple of hours looking for it in my links, on the internet etc.. and I could not find anything except for a few "sold out" examples... Anybody out there could help please?
I will let you know if I ever find any new link
Wilibald
I am pleased you found yourself a set of hobnails
Toe caps? Well I took a couple of hours looking for it in my links, on the internet etc.. and I could not find anything except for a few "sold out" examples... Anybody out there could help please?I will let you know if I ever find any new link
Wilibald
Hi
Sorry to see the boots are too tight... Well... By the way, I should ADD for those who would like to convbert East German boots that by pressing down the pebble grain it would get even slightly narrower at the calf... So make sure it is large enough BEFORE converting it...
DarExc...
Depending on "how TOO tight " your boots actually fit, I know that cobblers are equiped with some sprays, lotions or whatever that, coupled with a few days on a stretcher, could fix it up by enlarging it A BIT ( and I mean you could maybe gain 1/2 to 3/4 inch...) so you could explore that avenue... The boots you posted (russain I think) look like they are made from real leather, so maybe you can expect some satisfying results
Hope it helps
Wilibald
Sorry to see the boots are too tight... Well... By the way, I should ADD for those who would like to convbert East German boots that by pressing down the pebble grain it would get even slightly narrower at the calf... So make sure it is large enough BEFORE converting it...
DarExc...
Depending on "how TOO tight " your boots actually fit, I know that cobblers are equiped with some sprays, lotions or whatever that, coupled with a few days on a stretcher, could fix it up by enlarging it A BIT ( and I mean you could maybe gain 1/2 to 3/4 inch...) so you could explore that avenue... The boots you posted (russain I think) look like they are made from real leather, so maybe you can expect some satisfying results
Hope it helps
Wilibald
Take them to a cobbler and ask for them to be stretched, as much as you can, when i started reenacting i had these boots and managed to get another 2 inches out of the calf before the leather started to thin out. remember the east german pebbled boots are not the best quality ones.
my advice to you is join a unit, you dont need the full kit to start, the old hands in the group should be able to help you and steer you clear of any impulse/rubbish buys, in fact if the group does not assign an " OLD HAND" to you, when you join then look for another group.
from my own group "
In following with the military traditions of Old Germany, it is our policy to assign an "Alte Hase" (old hand) to every new recruit regardless of whether or not they are an experienced reenactor. Our Alte Hassen will guide new members in obtaining their proper impressions according to Großdeutschland standards. "
my advice to you is join a unit, you dont need the full kit to start, the old hands in the group should be able to help you and steer you clear of any impulse/rubbish buys, in fact if the group does not assign an " OLD HAND" to you, when you join then look for another group.
from my own group "
In following with the military traditions of Old Germany, it is our policy to assign an "Alte Hase" (old hand) to every new recruit regardless of whether or not they are an experienced reenactor. Our Alte Hassen will guide new members in obtaining their proper impressions according to Großdeutschland standards. "
DarExc wrote:I got my boots today and I hate them! They have a 15 inch calf opening and it pinches too much. Any advice other than get new boots? Even if I get new boots where do I get one for a larger calf?
Its cool that you started due to a vet, do you know his unit? reason i'm asking is that we are in contact with GD vets all over the east cost and we are invited to germany every year to be a part of their treffen
check out this years past trip
http://www.grossdeutschland.com/treffen.htm
check out this years past trip
http://www.grossdeutschland.com/treffen.htm