7 Leather Jackets! Aus. coat; Fur-lined in Opossum; A2s; Vintage Letterman and more!

[tweedydon]

I have several wonderful vintage leather jackets and coats to pass on today--including a jacket lined in New Zealand Opossum fur, two vintage A-2 jackets from LL Bean and Banana Republic, an Australian leather coat, vintage collegiate and Letterman jackets, and more!

As always, I offer FREE SHIPPING ON EVERYTHING IN THE USA; International inquiries are welcome, with shipping at reduced cost!

Also as always, ALL OFFERS ARE VERY WELCOME!

Please PM with interest and offers!

1) LOVELY Australian leather coat!

This is a truly wonderful coat! Cut from rich sueded leather in a dark mocha brown, this coat was Made in Australia It has a four button front, which is coupled with a USO zip closure; the zipper works wonderfully fluidly. It has two deep flapped patch pockets on the lower front, and a third flapped patch breast pocket. The cuffs have gauntlet ornamentation, and are lined in leather in the interior for about 2 1/2" to ensure longevity and prevent wear to the lining.

This coat has a leather collar with a two button closure for protection against wind.Are of the seams are reinforced with double stitching. This is fully lined with a deep interior pocket secured by a button and eyelet.

This jacket does have a few minor scuffs, and is also missing one of the buttons at the throat latch; this can't be seen when it's worn and doesn't really affect function. As such, it is in very Good/Excellent condition, and so is a bargain at just $85, or offer.

Measurements:

Chest: 24
Sleeve: 24 (34 3/4 measured like a shirt)
Shoulder: 20
Length: 34

 

[tweedydon]

2) Leather Jacket--LINED IN NEW ZEALAND OPOSSUM, with OPOSSUM COLLAR!

This is perhaps the warmest leather jacket you'll ever own!

The most distinctive feature of this jacket is obviously its one-piece removable lining and collar, which is made from NEW ZEALAND opossum fur, and backed with leather. That this is New Zealand possum needs to be stressed, as the fur of the New Zealand opossum is completely different from that of the American opossum. New Zealand opossum fut is classified as a "plush" fur, a designation that it has earned by being extremely soft and silky with a very dense cushioned undercoat. Unlike many other furs that of the New Zealand opossum doesn't shed easily, and is anti-static, qualities that make it ideal for use as a lining and a collar, It is also a medium-length plus fur, being between 2 and 2 1/2" long, which makes for an extremely luxurious lining and collar combination indeed. And this particular fur is a beautiful shade of dark, dark chocolate brown, the perfect complement to the milk chocolate shade of the exterior leather.

The fur lining and collar of this jacket are made as a single piece, and are completely and easily removable. The body of the lining zips in place; the collar is then attached to the collar of the jacket by an ingenious system whereby the underside of the corners of the collar feature pockets which the jacket's own collar slots into; this is then snapped in place, making the collar very secure indeed. The back of the collar is then secured in place with a loop and button, and the lining and collar piece in then further secured by the same arrangement by the shoulders of the jacket. This ensures that the lining and collar stay firmly in place during wear.

The jacket itself has been designed for function and warmth--as you'd expect from a garment that is lined in fur! The jacket has an elasticated hem all the way around to ensure a snug fit and eliminate drafts. The cuffs are closed by snaps, and the jacket is fastened with a heavy-duty plastic YKK zipper which moves beautifully fluidly. (The lining is secured by a similarly fluid YKK zipper). The front of the jacket features two handwarmer pockets that are lined in cotton drill, and the back features a modified sunburst pattern, as shown. The arms feature modified bi-swing set-ins allowing for freedom of movement. The jacket bottom is secured by double snaps underneath the zipper.

This is a beautiful, luxurious jacket that's in excellent condition.

This jacket would work best for someone who is a 38R or a 40R depending on how you wish to layer. I'm a 40, and this fits me well in the chest with a shirt on; it also fits fairly well, if a little snugly, with a sweater on underneath. (Although you won't need to wear a sweater with this, unless you wish to make national headlines as someone who died of heat exhaustion in a blizzard in Maine--the opossum lining makes this very comfortable and very warm!) I mention this as the chest measurement is deceptively large, owing both to the slightly "batwing" cut of the jacket at the underarms, and also the effect of the opossum lining.

Measurements:

Chest: 25 1/2 (PLEASE SEE SIZING INFORMATION ABOVE)
Shoulder: Cut so that this slopes into the sleeve.
Sleeve: c. 35 (measured like a shirt)
Length: 30 3/4

Asking just $115, OR OFFER, boxed and shipped in the USA.

 

[tweedydon]

3) CLASSIC L.L.Bean "Flying Tigers" Leather Jacket--with mouton collar!

L.L.Bean's version of the iconic A2--the "Flying Tigers" leather jacket--has now become an iconic piece of clothing in its own right, and this lovely example of the rare mouton-collared, non-shearling lined version shows why.

Cut from incredibly durable and yet exceptionally soft garment-grade goatskin with a wonderful grain this jacket features two deep flapped pockets on the front with side-entry handwarmer pockets built in. The knit hem and cuffs perfectly complement the rich dark brown of the leather, and the mouton collar is beautifully soft and several hues darker than the jacket's shell, complementing it perfectly. The back of this jacket is one whole piece of leather--the more recent jackets consist of several panels. This jacket has a full quilted lining for warmth, and an interior security pocket that secures with a snap.

This jacket is also properly numerically sized (this is a 40L), and was MADE IN THE USA.... the current jackets are "imported".

This does have some minor holes in the hem and cuffs; these have been professionally repaired, as shown. Otherwise, this beautiful jacket is in absolutely excellent condition, and a bargain at
just $85, or offer, boxed and shipped in the USA.

Tagged 40L. Measurements:

Chest: 22
Sleeve: 27 1/2 (to end of knit cuff)
Shoulder: 18 1/2
Length: 27 1/4












4) Vintage A2 Leather Jacket from the "old school" Banana Republic!

Like Abercrombie and Fitch, before it became a mall brand Banana Republic was a store that was worth buying from; in its original incarnation it was wonderfully innovative and stylish company that sold clothes that were really worth having.

Founded in Mill Valley, northern CA in 1978 by Mel and Patricia Ziegler (who had, between them, precisely NO business experience whatsoever) the stores started off with a focus on selling vintage military clothing that was re-marketed as safari wear. Why military clothing? With the Vietnam conflict starting to recede there was a lot of it around... and it was classically cut, made to last, and surprisingly well designed, all features that would appeal to young Californians moving out of the decade that style forgot while facing shrinking disposable incomes.

But it wasn't just practicality that drove the early success of Banana Republic. The stores were expressly designed as theatre--mosquito nets, safari theme, and even actual Army Surplus jeeps bursting out of them into the streets. Instead of "muzak" 1940s music was piped through the store, with the occasional tom-tom beat and jungle sounds to add ambiance. The catalogs were just as good-beautifully illustrated with line drawings and watercolors, with many items lovingly described with a backstory, years before J. Peterman made this approach its own. They also had the advantage of blurs written by celebrities to whom the Zieglers had sent items of BR clothing.... and which were published whether they were positive or negative in tone--a form of retail honesty that won BR customers in droves.

Of course, BR didn't just stick with military surplus, but was soon sourcing its own line of safari and military inspired clothing and accessories. One early icon was the Ventilated Shirt, first made for use by the British Army in tropical outposts and manufactured in England, and least at the start. Another was the Israeli Paratrooper messenger bag... nice examples of which now run upwards of $150 on eBay. All of the early clothing was extremely well-made, classically cut, and (given the prices) extremely good value for money.

BR was initially a huge success--so much so that the Zieglers sold it to the Gap group in 1983. The stores continued to pursue the Ziegler's dream for a few years, but started to phase out the safari theme in the late 1980s. The Zieglers resigned in 1988. By the mid-1990s BR was spending millions of dollars in advertising to shed its safari image and compete directly with a new upstart, a preppy little catalogue-focused company out of New York called J. Crew.

The current mall bland mall brand version of BR has little to do with the original version, which sold classic, upscale clothing in an innovative environment.

But, luckily, examples of original Banana Republic clothing from its heyday in the 1980s can still be found--a testament to the longevity and quality of Banana Republic's wares.

This A-2 flight jacket is a wonderful example of what BR did best--take iconic clothing items, build them to last, and offer them widely. This jacket is cut as a classic civilian A-2, with side-entry handwarmer pockets built into the classic front flapped patch pockets whose flaps snap shut. This jacket features knit cuffs and hem--all of which are in perfect condition--and snap-down collar flaps. The back is cut from a single piece of leather--a feature that is becoming increasingly rare outside of the rarefied heights of Eastman and Aero.

This jacket also features underarm grommets for ventilation, and carries the classic vintage Banana Republic of Mill Valley, Calif. tag. It is, of course, fully lined, and features an interior pocket.

While the leather of this jacket is very slightly stiff--which will be readily rectified simply by wearing it!--this jacket is in excellent condition.

Tagged 42, but this is a *small* 42; likely best suited for a 40 or even a 38, depending on how you layer.

Asking just $49, or offer.

Measurements:

Chest: 22
Sleeve: 37 (measured like a shirt)
Shoulders: 19 3/4
Length: 25 1/2

 

[tweedydon]

5) Britches of Georgetown Suede Harrington Jacket.

Founded in Georgetown in 1967, Britches quickly established itself as a store that offered extremely well-made traditional clothing... but often with a slight twist, to appeal to a younger crown who, while steeped in the Ivy clothing tradition, wanted something slightly different. Britches expanded quickly and, unlike Banana Republic, never lost its way to become just another mall brand. Unfortunately, this might have been its undoing, and in 1998 it sold off its stores, to be declared bankrupt in 2002.

This suede Harrington jacket is a lovely example of Britches' wares. The Harrington jacket is a iconic clothing piece that is typically offered in cotton or a poly-cotton blend (like trenchcoats, the poly-cotton blends are considered perfectly acceptable in Harringtons). Britches took the classic Harrington and offered it in suede--a neat and classic twist on a well-loved standard. This jacket has all of the features of a traditional Harrington. It has knit cuffs and hem, a a lovely contrasting tartan lining--one of the hallmarks of a Harrington jacket--raglan sleeves, and two deep slash handwarmer pockets with button down flaps on the front. The collar can be folded up and secured against the wind, as shown. It also features a scalloped back yoke. Although the age of this jacket is uncertain judging by the label it is likely from the 1980s. It is in excellent condition; the suede is still lovely and supple, the YKK front zipper moves beautifully smoothly, and the two buttons for the flaps are still firmly attached. It does have two minor flaws; there are two tiny white spots on it (one of the back, one of the front), and the interior pocket is missing its button--an easy fix if you so desire.

This is a lovely, classic jacket, and a bargain at $35, or offer.

Tagged 40. Measures:

Chest: 19 3/4
Sleeve: c. 35 (measured like a shirt)
Shoulder: NA--raglan sleeves.
Length: 24 1/4.

 

[tweedydon]

6) Vintage 1960s suede collegiate jacket by Ralph Edwards Sportswear

Ralph Edwards Sportswear held a contract for producing military G-1 for the United States Navy jackets from 1961 - 1964. One of these jackets was recently sold by Good Wear Leathers, who described Ralph Edwards as being a "well-known contractor" for leather jackets, a testimony which speaks well to the quality of their products.

This suede jacket also speaks well to the quality of Ralph Edwards products! Likely dating from the mid-1960s judging by the cut, label, and collar size, this is a lovely and utterly wearable piece of Americana. An elegant and minimalist suede jacket the vertical seams on the front produce the openings to the two deep handwarmer pockets that are lined in warm cotton drill. The jacket is zippered at the front with a Talon zipper; this moves beautifully fluidly. The jacket can be tightened at the waist by the use of the buttoned waist adjusters; unlike many jackets this has both of its original buttons intact. This jacket also features a protective leather strip on the inside of the collar, the area where most suede jackets start to face or fray first. This has ensured that the collar of this jacket exhibits no wear to the suede at all!

The suede of this jacket is still beautifully supple, and, although it is slightly rumpled from storage, there are no major scuffs or marks to the suede at all, apart from the small blemish by the left-hand waist adjuster at the back, as shown. This jacket is thus in Very Good condition.

Although it is not labeled as such, it was also Made in the USA!

This is just $29, or offer, boxed and shipped in the USA.

Measurements:

Chest: 22 1/4
Sleeve: 24 1/4
Shoulder: 20
Length: 24 7/8

 

[tweedydon]

7) CLASSIC AMERICANA! Vintage "Letterman" Collegiate Jacket

The Collegiate jacket has become such a classic item of American clothing that it's now often used in movies and television shows--esp. those set in the 1960s--to signal that the character wearing it is an "All American" kid. It is also one of the most sought-after items among the Ivy-loving Japanese, with original examples (such as this) in very small sizes (alas, unlike this!) commanding premium prices.

It's not difficult to see why this jacket became so popular. Fitting similarly to a Harrington Collegiate jackets are extremely comfortable and easy to wear. With their knit hems and cuffs they fit neatly and cleanly while maintaining warmth, and leather sleeves in (typically) contrasting colors make them considerably more dashing than their Harrington cousins. And, of course, their association with Varsity sports teams only added to their American appeal.

Original examples from the 1960s are becoming increasing hard to find, and, irrespective of size or their original stated affiliation, are starting to command premium prices on eBay.

I'm accordingly very pleased to offer this lovely example--all the more so because, unlike many Collegiate jackets, this one doesn't proclaim that its wearer was a member of a particular sports team, an attribute that in many cases makes all but collectors shy from wearing originals.

Featuring a classic color combination of blue and cream, this lovely jacket has a dark navy body and sleeves with contrasting cream leather shoulders and pocket trims. (This material is leather, but leather that has been especially treated to withstand dry-cleaning--at least according to the tag on the interior!) The knit cuffs and hem feature the same cream as the leather shoulders and trim, and a lighter blue to complement and offset the primary color of the jacket. The jacket features a lovely quilted lining for warmth, and a beautifully fluid YKK zipper at the front.

This jacket features a full complement of original labels; it was made by the "Maple" company.
This jacket was originally owned by "Jim" of the Newtown Fire Assoc., Station 45--as proudly proclaimed by its embroidery! This renders this jacket much easier to wear than a sports team jacket; no-one will assume that you're trying to pass yourself off as a volunteer firefighter from c.1965, but will realize that you're wearing a classic piece of Americana.

This jacket is clearly an original vintage jacket; as such, it is in Very Good/Excellent condition. The only real blemish is some minor age discoloration to one of the leather shoulders, as shown. This is a lovely, wearable item of classic Americana!

Asking just $50, or offer, boxed and shipped in the USA. International inquires are welcome, with shipping at cost.

Tagged 44 (vintage), this measures:

Chest: 23
Sleeve: 24 1/2 (35 1/4", measured like a shirt)
Shoulder: 20 1/2 (slopes into the sleeve)
Length (bottom of collar at back): 24

 

[tweedydon]

The Banana Republic jacket has sold!