Wan Irfayuim Azim, a vintage shoes collector, has sold the most prized item in his whole collection… a pair of Converse Non Skid trainers that was made in 1917 to another collector from Pahang.
This is to tide him over these trying times due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Photo via BERNAMA
According to BERNAMA, the 31-year-old said that he uploaded a post selling the sneakers with an opening price of 40,800 on his Facebook account and in just less than 24 hours, seven potential buyers contacted him to get their hands on the rare pair of vintage sneakers.
“However, one of them, a man from Pahang wanted to buy the shoes at the price I offered and I also agreed to give three pairs of Converse shoes from the year 1950, 1960 and 1970 as gifts to him,” he said.
The man who bought the shoes from him is an antique collector, adding that they still needed to iron out some matters to complete the transaction.
Photo via BERNAMA
Irfayuim’s Facebook post went viral on Saturday (June 26th).
According to him, another pair of the shoes are being kept at the Converse Museum in Boston, USA.
The shoes in his collection came with a pair of 1916 shorts and knee protectors usually worn by basketball players, adding that he bought the shoes in 2018 from a couple living in the United States who were in dire need of money to treat their sick child.
He said that some people might not understand the passion and interest shown by vintage items collectors, adding to them, these vintage shoes were more than just a pair of shoes that were part of history.
Photo via BERNAMA
He also hoped that the new owner would take care of the precious shoes as best he could.
The money from the shoes will be used to continue his livelihood after he lost his job in the tourism industry in Japan.
The 104-year-old pair of shoes was originally designed for basketball players and is called the Non Skid due to the rubber soles that were believed to have provided the extra push for the players on the court.
So interesting! We wish you all the best, Irfayuim!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
