Ted --
coming late to the discussion, but on 18th century reproduction shoes, if you want a high gloss polish then be sure to get the "smooth side out" rather than "rough side out" shoes. The rough side out are great for wearing out in the field, but will be bear to get any kind of shine out them (as per Puffer's comments).
Also, if you decide on 18th century repro's then be sure they don't have heel rims, unless you want to clump around indoors like a clysdale horse 
Here's some links for sellers, I left out Robert Land, his shoes are amongst the best, but they all come with the afore mentioned heel rims attached! Also I'm including a link to nifty little tutorial video from Townsend's on correctly installing 18th century style shoe buckles. Good hunting!
Fugawee
G, Gedney Godwin
Jas. Townsend
Buckle tutorial video
[SIZE="2"][FONT="Georgia"][COLOR="DarkGreen"][B][I]T. E. ("TERRY") HOLMES[/I][/B][/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE="1"][FONT="Georgia"][COLOR="DarkGreen"][B][I]proud descendant of the McReynolds/MacRanalds of Ulster & Keppoch, Somerled & Robert the Bruce.[/SIZE]
[SIZE="1"]"Ah, here comes the Bold Highlander. No @rse in his breeks but too proud to tug his forelock..." Rob Roy (1995)[/I][/B][/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE]
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