Want to buy or sell something? Check the classifieds
  • The Fedora Lounge is supported in part by commission earning affiliate links sitewide. Please support us by using them. You may learn more here.

Search results

  1. A

    L. L. Bean A-2 history time line?

    I have two, which represent phases 3 and 4 of your timeline. My earlier jacket is a 46 tall, which could probably handle Wilt Chamberlain. I've had it "Indyized" by removing the knits, which brings the length under control for my 6'3" frame. It is US marked, has a Talon #10, great snaps, large...
  2. A

    Harrington G9

    I am sure that many posters know this, but the British Baracuta company apparently had trademark issues in the US for many years, and therefore marketed in North America under the trade name "Four Climes." These may be easier to find than the original brand. Also, as a bit of trivia, the...
  3. A

    Two kinds of ring snaps, 4 parts, 27/L, pole vs. double claw

    The "27L" measurement is in lignes, a European unit of measurement that is also used in the watchmaking and tailoring fields.
  4. A

    Two kinds of ring snaps, 4 parts, 27/L, pole vs. double claw

    While this response may not be as useful as a link to Google (?), I can comment briefly: Most ring snaps are fastened by a center tube that is rivet-expanded. Schott and a few other makers employ, as the original poster shows, a double prong fastener that I believe comes out of the...
  5. A

    New Alexander Leather Roadster too tight?

    To my eye, the fit is not at all too tight-- the shoulder drops vertically, the rear view actually shows some excess material around the chest, and the overall fit looks "Thirties trim". If the owner needs to wear the jacket with a fisherman's sweater, it may be too small, but with the tee-shirt...
  7. A

    Maker and age of this Harley D-Pocket?

    This US-made Harley D-pocket turned up in my recent travels. Looks to be cowhide, YKK zippers, distinctive ring snaps that have a nickel rim and a winged copper center, in a fairly classic D-pocket configuration. Can anybody identify the maker (my first guess is Golden Bear or Schott) and...
  8. A

    Date of Manufacture, Leather Type and Manufacturer of Cafe Jacket.

    http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?71541-One-man-s-system-machine-washing-and-conditioning-vintage-jackets The "test jacket" for my leather washing tutorial is a Fidelity, as well. The giveaways are the punched-through rivets, the generic leather label, and as previously noted, the...
  9. A

    Pigskin

    To reply to the questions about pigskin grain, leather is a protein and therefore heat formable, so its grain is easily changed. Remember that most leathers can be "calendared" or embossed, meaning rolled between hot metal rollers to form a desired grain. There are basketweave leather grains...
  10. A

    Pigskin

    First, footballs aren't really made of pigskin, and actual pigskin is not pebble grained. As others have noted, pigskin has large pores that go diagonally through the hide. Pigskin is a fairly thin skin, with moderate strength, and is difficult to flense (remove from the animal) in a uniform...
  11. A

    Anyone ever shorten a jacket?

    On double breasted suits, the bottom button is normally left unbuttoned, specifically to prevent pulling when seated. So I might suggest that you do a "3 on 8" buttoning technique.
  13. A

    Cowhide Character Development?

    I wash all of mine in cold water, and hot-lexol afterward, as documented on this board. Great grain, patina, and the seam stitching tightens a bit, giving that great "worn through grand adventures" look.
  14. A

    Maybe we've covered this, but is there any way to stretch my sleeves 1"?

    I have 37 inch gorilla arms so this is a perennial problem for me. I wash all my jackets, and stretch short arms while soaking wet via the weighted sleeves method. I've gotten up to 1-1/2 inches using this technique. Some jacketrs fold the cuff under and glue it-- you might find extra leather...
  15. A

    Which is ideal position for sleeve zippers?

    I have one Cafe Racer with the zips on the TOP of the sleeve, and find it the most convenient position of all.
  16. A

    Does washing/soaking leather jackets substantially harm them or weaken the leather?

    http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?71541-One-man-s-system-machine-washing-and-conditioning-vintage-jackets&highlight=one+man%27s+guide Wash in cold, air dry, and you'll see essentially zero shrinkage. In fact it's possible to lengthen the sleeves by weighting them.
  17. A

    Does washing/soaking leather jackets substantially harm them or weaken the leather?

    I don't have the hypothetical or hearsay knowledge of the usual experts here. But I have washed 30 jackets, and documented the process on this Board with dozens of illustrations. These have included pieces ranging from mall pigskin to Vanson 4 oz horsehide. Ruined thus far: None, as in zero.
  19. A

    Continuous declining quality of outwear

    Frankly, the preceding is the usual hate-america/hate-enterprise agitprop, which to any moderately conscious person is obviously untrue. "Quality of mass produced goods falling for some time"-- probably typed on a low-cost laptop or tablet that offers 100x the computing power of the Eighties...
  20. A

    Continuous declining quality of outwear

    In the US, there are more choices at more quality levels than ever before. Even the lowest priced national retailer Walmart sells Levis, Lee, Wrangler, and several other brands of jeans for prices under $30. Decent quality leather jackets, cut loose but with decent hides, are available under...
  21. A

    I need HELP Cigarette Stench is Killing Me!!!

    I must admit to a little frustration as I watch this saga unfold week after week. I am at a 30 for 30 survival rate on jackets I've washed, including everything from pigskin mall jobs to Vansons. Zero fatalities, 100% success rate. Dusty, greasy, gritty, and in one case an epically moldy green...
  22. A

    I need HELP Cigarette Stench is Killing Me!!!

    Gents, let's think about this. If you burned a plastic soda bottle in your bedroom 20 times a day for twenty years straight, would you expect to clean the drapes with a shot of vinegar or a puff of bicarb? Cigarette smell is oil based fumes resulting from thousands of oil fires burning over...
  23. A

    I need HELP Cigarette Stench is Killing Me!!!

    Another vote for washing. I've washed at least 30 leather jackets over the years, and have not lost one. My Vanson horsehide has probably been washed 4-5 times. Plus, not only does washing get rid of smells, it pops the grain and generally brings the jacket back to near new visual condition...

Latest posts

Members online

... and 36 more.
Total: 2,722 (members: 86, guests: 2,636)

Forum statistics

Threads
109,970
Messages
3,091,303
Members
54,664
Latest member
FLAME86
Top