Historic Dive Gear / Scuba Shoes (not booties) / Info Requested

[DiverLarry]

I recently acquired a pair of what were advertised on Craig's List as "Diving Shoes"; the seller indicated that he found them in his grandfather's attic in Charleston, SC. I received no further information.

The pair are made of iron, weigh 4 and 1/2 pounds each, and have the word "Billard" stamped into each shoe. I am curious to know if these were actually used for underwater operations, and if so, what year these m'shoes' might have been manufactured. My own on-line research has turned up no information regarding the possible manufacturer, Billard. I have attached three photos.

I would have expected any underwater shoe to be made of lead due to the much higher density of lead versus iron and the fact that lead would not corrode in a salt water environment.

Any thoughts? Ideas? Information?

Thanks!

 

[captain]

I may be wrong but I don't think they are dive related. All the hard hat dive shoes I have seen are lead. Possibly some type of job related safety gear. What work did the guy's grandfather do.