1950s Lawrence FQHH half belt

[Gamma68]

I mentioned this jacket in the "how many new jackets do you have coming?" thread. It arrived and because of the number of photos and relative rarity of the brand, figured I'd start a new thread.

It has nice thick horsehide that is pretty well preserved except for the right shoulder, which is about ready to start cracking. The leather still has a kind of smooth waxy finish. I'm not sure how else to describe it but it's something I haven't experienced before on a vintage or new piece. It could be a finish that was commonly applied to jackets of this vintage and has simply worn off on my other pieces.

The emerald green quilted lining is as exquisite as it looks. The wool storm cuffs are in nice shape. Love the collar and sleeve buttons. The design is super cool and screams vintage.

Unfortunately, I'm inclined to send it back. I was hoping I could layer a flannel shirt under it comfortably. Despite how the fit pics below appear, it fits me more like a cafe racer. I'm wearing a pretty thin long-sleeve shirt for the photos. It's tagged 40 but fits more like a 38.

There isn't much info about the Lawrence company here, but after a little searching, I learned that the A.C. Lawrence Leather Company was based in Peabody, Mass. and was once one of the largest leather companies in the world. The company existed nearly 100 years, from 1897-1991. More info here: https://virginiadaffron.com/feature...-c-lawrence-americas-largest-leather-company/

The pics:

 

[Gamma68]

Fit pics. This jacket doesn't really allow for layering, unfortunately.

 

[AbbaDatDeHat]

Fit pics. This jacket doesn't really allow for layering, unfortunately.

View attachment 135941 View attachment 135942 View attachment 135943

Bitchin cool!! Gamma
Puts me in the mind of a nice old Windward HH. Pic #6 of your first post is amazing!!
Got alot of cool things going on with that one!!
Bowen
Ps: i’d keep that sucker!! Layer something else.

 

[Gamma68]

@AbbaDatDeHat, I agree that this is a bitchin' cool jacket (LOL). But that nice quilted lining makes it a toasty warm jacket for cold weather. I was absolutely sweltering under it for these fit pics (it was about 85F).

When the weather calls for this jacket, I can't wear just a little skimpy shirt or tee under it, or else I'd shiver to death once the jacket comes off!

 

[ton312]

WOW!!!! Man I love it! Fit is spot friggn' on! Well done! So happy to see this jacket rescued off ebay and on the back of a TFL member. Couldn't have done better!!

 

[ton312]

Don't send it back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Gamma68]

Don't send it back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hear ya. It's a nice jacket but the fit is sausage tight. I wasnt looking for a cafe racer fit with this one.

 

[AbbaDatDeHat]

I hear ya. It's a nice jacket but the fit is sausage tight. I wasnt looking for a cafe racer fit with this one.

Sausage tight...well the laws of Physics state things get smaller the colder it gets!!
Keep it!! I’m tryin to keep you from uncontrollable depression should you....err...return it.
B

 

[Gamma68]

I'll try it with a few shirts of different weights and see how it feels. This jacket has elastic at the sides rather than adjustable buckles. I can see the advantage of having buckles to adjust the fit at the waist. Not an option on the Lawrence.

 

[JMax]

I hear ya. It's a nice jacket but the fit is sausage tight. I wasnt looking for a cafe racer fit with this one.

Where is it tight? Looks good to me. Unless maybe you had planned on multiple layers or one thick layer? Cool jacket.

 

[handymike]

I'm not a fan of elasticated side panels. For the reason you stated, they always make the jacket fit snug. The side-strap method works much better for me. I really think that is a cool design and good looking fit on you.

 

[willyto]

I do think that's a great fit and how these jackets look the best, specially with the action back. I don't know how cold it gets over there but I've never understood the need for layering under some leather jackets, specially with that warm liner.

 

[MondoFW]

For a second, I thought I was in the classifieds and I was like "NOOO, DON'T SELL THAT JACKET"
What a piece man, and a great fit to boot.

 

[Gamma68]

"Layer" wasn't what I meant to say earlier. I meant I just want to have room for a flannel shirt underneath. Was posting on only a handful of sleep hours and used the wrong word, LOL.

Took some more photos this morning while wearing a light cotton/flannel-blend shirt. What concerns me is the rather snug fit from the elastic bands on down (this is most visible from the back of the jacket). A shirt much heavier than this is a no go.

To give you some idea of the taper, the chest measures 22.5" while the narrowest part near that elastic band measures 19".

Do you guys think the elastic sides would relax over time with some wearing? It's a fairly thick horsehide and has some overall stiffness.

As an aside, the indent on each shoulder shows why it's never a good idea to hang a heavy jacket on an improper (thin) hanger.

 

[Carlos840]

It looks great to me, definitely no sausage casing going on here.
That collar is really unusual, its huge and really like it!

 

[jacketjunkie]

That jacket fits you perfectly imho, very flattering with the tight waist. Solid, thick horsehide leather, in very good condition for its age, great fit. I would keep that if I were you. Even if you only wear it 3 times a month. These vtg pieces cannot be replaced if you later regret passing them on.

 

[ton312]

That's an awfully nice jacket and I can't imagine how on earth it could possibly fit any better. 2" more in the chest and I'd be telling you how horribly it fit and offering my heartfelt condolences along with money and my shipping address.

 

[Gamma68]

OK guys, you've convinced me. It's a keeper. Good motivation to drop the few pounds that I picked up at summertime BBQs, which settled at my mid-section, LOL.

It will only look better with a coat of Pecards. Needs an airing out too. Smells more like cigarettes than horsehide.

@Carlos840, yes, the collar is a real cool feature. I also dig the cuffs with the two-eye old-school buttons. The pockets are also all intact and lined with a nice heavy gray twill.

Look for this jacket this fall!