{"product_id":"custom-duck-menzies-full-quill-ostrich-cowboy-boots-size-men-s-8-5-d","title":"Custom Duck Menzies Full-Quill Ostrich Cowboy Boots\nSize: Men’s 8.5 D","description":"\u003cp\u003eCustom Duck Menzies Full-Quill Ostrich Cowboy Boots\u003cbr\u003eSize: Men’s 8.5 D\u003cbr\u003eMaker: Duck Menzies — Duck’s Heritage Cowboy Boots (Belton, Texas)\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Full-Quill Ostrich Vamps, Cognac Leather Shafts with Rainbow Flame Stitchwork\u003cbr\u003eCustom Detail: Personalized “FB” Monogram Inlays\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Good Vintage Condition\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Boots\u003cbr\u003eA stunning pair of custom-built cowboy boots by the late William “Duck” Menzies — one of the most recognized and talented custom bootmakers in the state of Texas. Featuring genuine full-quill ostrich vamps in a rich black cherry\/oxblood, warm cognac leather shafts alive with spectacular rainbow flame stitchwork, and personalized “FB” monogram inlays, these are a true one-of-a-kind custom commission from a master craftsman whose work can never be replicated. Each pair Duck built required 40 to 70 hours of hand labor, and these show every bit of that dedication.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe full-quill ostrich vamps are extraordinary — dense, raised quill bumps in a deep, glossy black cherry that flashes oxblood and amber in the light, extending from the square toe up over the instep and wrapping around the heel counter. The shafts are crafted from supple cognac leather and decorated with Duck’s signature rainbow flame stitchwork — sweeping, pointed flame patterns worked in gold, red, purple, and blue thread that radiate up the front, back, and sides of each boot. At the transition between the ostrich and the shaft, a cream “FB” monogram is inlaid on each boot — confirming these were a bespoke, personalized commission. The ostrich pull straps, cream piping, and cream leather lining complete the build.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuck Menzies — The Maker\u003cbr\u003eWilliam Harrison “Duck” Menzies (1941–2014) was born in San Angelo, Texas, raised on the family ranch in Menard, and spent his life perfecting the art of the custom cowboy boot from his shop in Belton, Texas. His obituary described him as “one of the most recognized and talented boot makers in the state of Texas.” Duck was known for his magnetic personality, his exacting craftsmanship, and his fierce dedication to the trade. Before his passing in 2014, he mentored Dustin Lauw for over a decade in a true old-school apprenticeship — and left him the business. The Texas State Senate honored their legacy with a formal resolution in 2017, recognizing Duck’s Heritage Cowboy Boots as a steward of “the quintessential Texas tradition of excellent boot making.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA genuine Duck Menzies pair — built by Duck’s own hands during his lifetime — is increasingly rare and prized among collectors who understand the significance of his work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition\u003cbr\u003eThese boots are in good vintage condition with honest wear that speaks to a life well-lived in them. The full-quill ostrich vamps are intact with the quill pattern beautifully preserved and a rich, glossy patina; there is creasing across the instep and some honest wear\/darkening at the toes consistent with use (see close-up photos). The cognac leather shafts are supple with the rainbow flame stitchwork fully intact, crisp, and vibrant — the multi-color thread still pops beautifully. The “FB” monogram inlays are clean and secure. As shown in the sole photos, the boots have been resoled with rubber half-soles, and the stacked heels show honest wear. The cream interior lining is clean. Overall a well-loved, structurally sound pair with plenty of life left.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bottom Line\u003cbr\u003eCustom Duck Menzies. Full-quill ostrich. Rainbow flame stitchwork. Personalized “FB” monogram. Men’s 8.5 D. This is a genuine, one-of-a-kind custom boot from one of the most respected bootmakers Texas has ever produced — a man whose craft was honored by the Texas State Senate and whose legacy lives on through his apprentice. Duck passed away in 2014, and no new Duck Menzies boots will ever be made. For the collector who understands what this name means, this is a rare opportunity to own a piece of Texas bootmaking history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuck Menzies — The Man\u003cbr\u003eFull name: William Harrison “Duck” Menzies\u003cbr\u003eBorn: December 11, 1941, San Angelo, Texas\u003cbr\u003eDied: February 16, 2014, at age 72 (after a long battle with cancer)\u003cbr\u003eRaised: On the family ranch in Menard, Texas\u003cbr\u003eEducation: BBA in Marketing, University of North Texas (1966)\u003cbr\u003eMilitary service: US Army veteran\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFamily: Survived by his wife Gina, six children, and fourteen grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Benjamin Maxwell Menzies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFaith: Member of the Soldiers of the Cross Cowboy Church in Nolanville, Texas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDuck Menzies — The Bootmaker\u003cbr\u003eDuck was described in his obituary as “an accomplished artist” who was “best known as a custom boot maker, perfecting his trade to become one of the most recognized and talented boot makers in the state of Texas.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis shop: Duck’s Heritage Cowboy Boots, originally located in Belton, Texas (Central Texas, near Temple\/Killeen). This is where he built custom boots and mentored the next generation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis reputation: According to Dustin Lauw and others who knew him, Duck was known for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Exceptional craftsmanship and fit\u003cbr\u003e • A magnetic, larger-than-life personality that made you “want to be in the shop learning”\u003cbr\u003e • Being one of the “cool kids” of Texas bootmaking — if you were with Duck, you were in the right place\u003cbr\u003e • A fierce protectiveness over certain skills (he famously wouldn’t let anyone touch his sole stitcher — not even his apprentice)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis influences: Duck was part of a lineage of respected Texas bootmakers. Dustin Lauw names Duck alongside Lee Miller and Tex Robin as the three men who most inspired him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDuck \u0026amp; Dustin Lauw — The Mentor-Apprentice Legacy\u003cbr\u003eThis is the most documented and significant part of Duck’s story:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Dustin Lauw is a fourth-generation leather worker (his great-grandfather and grandfather made bullwhips and dog leashes). He originally wanted to be a saddle maker.\u003cbr\u003e • In the late 1980s\/early 1990s, Dustin stumbled across custom cowboy boots and ordered his first pair from Duck Menzies. After receiving them, he became “obsessed with the fit and design.”\u003cbr\u003e • Dustin approached Duck about learning the craft, and Duck agreed to mentor him for over a decade — a genuine, old-school apprenticeship.\u003cbr\u003e • Duck guided Dustin through the complex intricacies of custom bootmaking. Each pair requires 40 to 70 hours of work depending on design complexity.\u003cbr\u003e • Before his death in 2014, Duck left the business to Dustin — his longtime friend and apprentice.\u003cbr\u003e • Dustin relocated Duck’s Heritage Cowboy Boots to Salado, Texas, and replicated the layout of Duck’s original shop at the new location as a tribute to his mentor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOfficial Recognition — Texas Senate Resolution\u003cbr\u003eIn 2017, the Texas State Senate (85th Legislature) passed Senate Resolution No. 906, officially honoring Dustin Lauw “as a steward of the quintessential Texas tradition of excellent boot making” and recognizing Duck Menzies as the founder of Duck’s Heritage Cowboy Boots whose mentorship made it possible. The resolution specifically notes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Mr. Menzies agreed to mentor Dustin, and for more than a decade, the accomplished artisan guided the apprentice in the complex intricacies of custom boot making; the two men shared a passion for superior craftsmanship, and over the years, they developed a strong friendship; before his death in 2014, Mr. Menzies left the business to his longtime friend.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nashville Booted","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50011275886869,"sku":null,"price":895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0683\/2599\/8869\/files\/7BA2CBA6-B88D-4E13-89A0-FB3DD01C8D17.jpg?v=1783184874","url":"https:\/\/nashvillebooted.com\/products\/custom-duck-menzies-full-quill-ostrich-cowboy-boots-size-men-s-8-5-d","provider":"Nashville Booted","version":"1.0","type":"link"}