Vintage 1940s Swing Shoes Platform Style Peep Toe Pearl Jewelled Black Suede 8 +

This is a fabulous pair of 1940s swing era shoes!  One insole is stamped “Where Jewels Are Fashioned in Leather Hertz-Ross Miami Beach” while the other insole is stamped “John Marino New York”.  Examples of shoes represented by either of these makers/retailers are in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum.  They are made with an ankle strap, peek-a-boo toe, platform sole and high heel.  The ankle strap has a wonderful bridge piece at the back of the ankle.  The upper, the heel and the front of the platform are all studded with steel half-sphere shaped beads.  The size is rubbed out on the strap, and although I would estimate their size to be a US size 8 or maybe 8 1/2 medium width, please rely on the following measurements for fit:

Insoles:  10 1/4” long from the front of the toe to the back of the heel, following the contour of the insole

Height:  4 1/2” taken at the back

Width:  3 1/4” taken across the widest part of the sole

Condition:  Some wear to the soles (see photo of soles), minor wear to the insoles, a couple of beads are tarnished/discoloured (I haven’t tried to clean this), and the suede leather uppers are clean without any pronounced wear. 

These are really exceptional - you rarely see nice examples like this anymore.  Great shoes, sure to be noticed!