France, Germany and other leading EU nations would never allow Britain a pick and mix approach to the bloc's rules. Norway and Switzerland have to abide by many EU rules without any influence over how they are formed.
The toe of the Concord is a little more round than the Franklin's, bringing the style closer to the shoes found at Ft. Ligonier. We took the pattern for the Franklin uppers and formed them over a last taken from an 1860's military shoe. The Concord is available in rough or smooth finish.
Patent leather shoes are constructed of regular leather, but a hard, high-gloss finish over the surface gives them their distinctive shine. When your black patent leather shoes need a good cleaning, skip the shoe cleaning products because you likely have what you need to clean them right at home. Rags.