Code: 54191
A very rare pair of original Canadian 'Invasion' boots dating from the Second World War.
Officially designated 'Boot, High Top', This pattern of boots was introduced into service with the Canadian Army in 1942 and are now referred to by collectors as 'Invasion boots' or '3rd Division Boots' due to the fact that they were worn on D-Day by that division. They also saw issue with the 2nd Canadian Division as well as Canadians attached to the US 10th Mountain Division fighting the Japanese. There are also pictures of them being worn by pilots of the Second Tactical Air Force and members of the SAS in North West Europe in 1944-45. Whilst they saw plenty of use in Normandy and through to the end of the war, they are now a very hard to find pair of boots and missing from many collections.
The boots are made from a black coloured leather which features a pebbled finish. Like standard wartime canadian boots they do not feature a top cap and have leather soles and heels. Standard pattern toe plates are fitted with the correct slotted head screws and the heels feature a metal horse shoe which is again factory correct. The upper portion of the boot features a buckle and tab closure which eliminated the need to wear webbing anklets which doubtless made them popular! The buckle is black painted metal and features a revolving section.
To the bottom of the soles both boots retain their original markings to the instep including the Canadian broad arrow in a C and the size of 8F. The size is again marked to the inside of the boot towards the top in yellow and the insole bears more markings including the maker's name which matches in both boots confirming them as a pair.
The condition of the boots is excellent as can be seen in the pictures. They only show limited signs of wear and age and display extremely well. Please take time to study the pictures before purchasing and bear in mind that they are a vintage, pre-owned item which may have small flaws commensurate with age.
A very rare and highly desirable pair of Second World War boots which would make an excellent addition to any collection.
