New old stock pair of narrow size lasting pliers by French toolmakers Bost Frères.

Specialist makers of pliers and shoemakers’ tools. Historical factory est. 1891 near Besançon, France and active until 1960s.

503 model, designed for tight areas: lasting the toe and heel of the shoe.

Stamped: 503 Bost Frères Acier Fondu

The mention Acier Fondu in French tools was a regulated guarantee which implied that these pliers were manufactured by the drop forge process (“swage forge”) and that each part is a single piece of forged steel. This traditional technique which ensures the highest level of quality is now rarely used in modern tool manufacture.

Pliers in factory finish and very few signs of age.

New old stock - collector’s item