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I agree vintage pedals are porn.
Maybe they’re so tempting because there was such variety of design as ideas were refined. Also they take a hammering, wear out and get replaced, so original top quality ones are hard to find in really good condition. I bought and sold quite a few before I found the Chater Lea above and these Allez in almost unused condition. The Allez had been crashed but I managed to straighten out the quills and sand out the road rash.
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absurdbird
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Amazing to see Allez pedals in such good condition!
But I really think you should get some decent toe straps. I had some like yours when I was very young and could only afford 3/9d as opposed to 5/6d for the real thing (prices 18.75p, 27.5p may not be deadly accurate, but are about right for late 1950's).
The 'real thing' being quick release strap with a roller and a tab at the top of the buckle so that the rider could easily release the strap when strapped in (you must have seen dozens of them). Those straps in your pic. are fine for securing a cape roll or other luggage, but as I discovered, not great as toe straps because they're difficult to loosen when riding, especially on fixed.
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Re your Allez pedals ... very nice. I have a few tasty sets of pedals, the best condition are some nos Constrictor Cobra that I need to find the right bike for. I have some pretty good condition Hobbs pedals that I'm planning to give the same attention as you've given your Allez. Those alloy sideplates seem to wear pretty quickly, so not sure I'll dare use them. Planned for the high days and holidays build :D
Re toe straps ... the design of the recent retro Brooks straps was supposedly based on a 1930s design. I don't know why they stopped making these, I really like them, have a few sets stashed.
These fancy vintage leather toe straps feature the unique quick release buckle designed in the 1930's.
Paturaud were making them at least by 1955 - the Ron Kitching from that year shows the "Eclair' model, there's been a pair on Ebay for a while at $150 grimace
The "BTE SGDG DEPOSE" marked ones are earlier http://velobase.com/ViewComponent.aspx?ID=231DAB39-057B-465F-BCBB-85DF8BEB53F4&Enum=103&AbsPos=3 I've seen adverts from 1949 at least, the attached is from Le Cycliste 1951. I've got some red ones that I've managed to clean up nicely (and treated with Proofide which has seem to work nicely).
I think the "PARIS-SPORT" model are later, 60s maybe.
clubman
veloham
Urgh. Pedals sure are a lustful component, not surprised someone started an online museum (excuse to collect them). Those do it for me.