Vintage 1940s Kiltie Shoes Ad – Norwich Children’s Footwear Ephemera UK

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Item ID: 297238748193
eBay Seller ID: britishfareasttraders
eBay Store Link: View this item
Category: Collectables:Advertising Collectables:Other Advertising Collectables
Condition: In decent condition. Please check our images.

Vintage 1940s Kiltie Shoes Ad – Norwich Children’s Footwear Ephemera UK

A heartwarming WWII-era children’s shoe advert–highlighting parental care, British craftsmanship, and post-war values in childhood.

Measurements: approx. 1 7/8 x 3 3/8 inches
Dates: n/a
Condition: In decent condition, please see images. 
Internal notes: QC passed

Imagine a bustling post-war high street, a parent holding their child’s hand while scanning the shop window for the trusted name: Kiltie Shoes for Kiddies. This charming vintage advert captures a moment of parental pride and wartime practicality, where a good, sturdy shoe meant comfort, health, and careful investment. You can hear the clatter of little brogues on pavement, feel the texture of leather polished to a shine, and see the proud smile of a child gifted shoes built to last. Even amid shortages, Kiltie remained a symbol of thoughtful parenting and quality British manufacturing.

Printed during a time of economic restraint, the ad proudly promotes Sturdy Willow or Box Calf Brogue Shoes, designed to support growing feet with superior comfort and construction. Issued by S. L. Witton Ltd., Kiltie Works, Norwich, the piece also invites parents to write in for free birthday gifts under the Kiltie Birthday Scheme–a charming reminder of the era’s focus on community, loyalty, and brand trust. Measuring approx. 1⅞ x 3⅜ inches and in decent vintage condition, the advert is a beautiful example of mid-century British domestic marketing, infused with post-war optimism and care.

This is more than an advert–it’s a gentle tribute to the small yet meaningful rituals of family life in post-war Britain. For collectors of WWII-era household ephemera, Norwich industrial history, or vintage children’s marketing, it offers both historical insight and emotional resonance. Preserving this piece means honouring generations of parents who made thoughtful choices for their children’s wellbeing–and the craftsmanship that supported them.