Overview
The item is clearly identifiable as a wooden foot measuring device. The prominent 'RITZ' marking identifies the brand, which was a common manufacturer of these utilitarian tools in the mid-20th century.
Identification
Vintage Ritz Wooden Shoe Sizer
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Story
The 'Ritz Stick' was a standard foot-measuring device used in American shoe stores throughout the mid-20th century. Manufactured primarily by the Woodrow Engineering Co., it served as a simpler, wooden alternative to the more complex metal Brannock Device. The secondary market for vintage utilitarian measuring tools is steady but generally low-value. These items are primarily sought after by casual collectors, decorators, and independent shoe retailers looking for a vintage aesthetic.
Maker / Origin
Ritz
Condition & Value
The item presents as a standard utilitarian tool with clear branding. For items in this category, value is heavily dependent on the legibility of the printed numerical measurements and the physical integrity of the wood.
Full Research
See what it's actually worth.
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Market Analysis
The secondary market for vintage utilitarian measuring tools is steady but generally low-value. These items are primarily sought after by casual collectors, decorators, and independent shoe retailers looking for a vintage aesthetic. Because they were mass-produced and highly durable, supply remains strong, keeping prices accessible.
Value Drivers
▲ Recognizable Ritz branding anchors the item in the established $10-$18 retail range.
▲ Classic wood and metal utilitarian construction appeals to vintage tool collectors and decorators.
Concerns
▼ Unverified slider functionality — a stuck or heavily rusted bracket would reduce the piece to a display-only item (±30%).
▼ Unverified reverse side — heavy wear or missing patent marks could slightly soften collector interest (±10%).
Best Venue
List on a broad online marketplace like eBay or Etsy with a Buy-It-Now price of $15 to $18. To maximize buyer confidence, ensure that photos clearly show the sliding mechanism and the legibility of the numbers. Alternatively, bundle this with other vintage cobbler or shoe-related tools to increase the overall lot value and improve shipping margins.
Upside Potential
If the item is in pristine, unused condition or is accompanied by its original Woodrow Engineering Co. box, the value shifts toward the $20-$25 high-end collector tier.
▾Also found — market-range context
Related comps outside the valuation band· 2 comps
Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.
Also found — market-range context
Related comps outside the valuation band· 2 comps
- Bodnarus Auction Marketplace· 2026-04-30Vintage Cobblers Wooden 7 1/2 Shoe Forms & Ritz Stick Shoe Size Measuring DeviceLot includes shoe forms; excerpt indicates completely different items (flares, cigar boxes).$8
- Associated Auctioneers & Appraisers, Inc.· 2024-07-14THE RITZ STICK SHOE SIZERLink could not be verified.$4