Hi Courtney,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

Curiously, I've not found anything in an online search for a single company named Guenzel & Lucas, in Milwaukee or anywhere else for that matter, though I've found a Carl J. Guenzel, who was a business figure involved in retail and department stores (specifically Rudge & Guenzel, a well-known department store in Lincoln, Nebraska in the early 20th century). His name is documented in retail history, though not specifically in shoemaking.

Additionally, searches of industry histories and company records don’t show a significant shoe manufacturer called Lucas operating as a formal company in the late 19th century.

The names stamped on the inside of your shoes likely suggest a very limited partnership between a maker and/or a retailer, as yet currently lost to history.

Most tall ladies' boots of this style tend to retail for between $150-200 if they are in good condition, though when they come to auction, they rarely achieve more than $100.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A pair of antique Victorian ladies' tall lace-up leather heel boots.
Stamped Guenzel & Lucas, Milwaukee, WI, late 19th Century
CONDITION: These appear to be in very good condition for their age
PROVENANCE: Acquired at a second-hand store
$75-100*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia