George Webb & Sons
Northampton
Tan Cap-Toe Derby
Euro 540

George Webb & Sons were one of Northampton’s most famous shoe manufacturers in the 20th century. George Webb (1870-1940) started out in the shoe industry, spending twenty eight years at Marlow’s, eventually becoming Managing Director. In 1927, at the age of 57 he left the company and, with his life savings,established his own firm. He purchased an empty factory in Brockton Street, Kingsthorpe Hollow, rented machinery, and started the new business with his two sons as equal partners. The new firm eventually employed about six hundred people, requiring additional premises….the factory at Black Lion Hill near Northampton railway station, another at Walgrave and one in Bridgend in South Wales.  When George retired, sons Dennis and Frank became joint partners and managing directors. In 1946 the firm became a Private Limited Liability Company, going public in 1951. By 1963 the firm was producing 24,000 pairs of shoes weekly. After passing to different owners, the factory closed in 1982. The brand is well know for their superlative Veldtschoen boots and shoes, now become cherished collectors’ items.

In recent years, Barker have revived the old George Webb name in tribute to the old firm. Those modern products show both the Webb and the Barker’s name, to avoid confusion with the originals. The present shoe, judging from the half-canvas lining, is most likely from the 1960’s or earlier. This is a fine example of traditional British workmanship, with hand-set horse-shoe nailed heels, a shoe that is meant to serve year after year and do so beautifully. The lovely light brown-tan colour is ideal for the season.

Size Details:

Shoe Condition:

New and unworn.