In light of the recent popularity of the Maxwell, it seemed fitting to showcase mine for posterity. (Many thanks to HD for his Stuart photos, the predecessor to the Maxwell. Thank you for those glimpses of that elusive beast.)
The "back story," for those who care about such things. After achieving the ripe, but dubious age of 55, a worthy memento of that milestone was on my mind. Of course, what more fitting than a leather jacket to accompany me to my resting days. But which? Of course, leather jackets come in endless hides, styles and quality. My inquiries brought me here, to this Lounge. The lair of the leather purist. How could I resist your stories of breaking in suits of amour, hot water baths, the wafting scents of freshly tanned hides, the obsessive dedication to detail and fit, where perfection was measured in 1/2 and 1/4 of an inch, and closets full of jackets, just waiting to be chosen by their owners for the daily dog walk or motorcycle jaunt.
I digress. So, I wanted a jacket. The Aero mystic seduced me, whispering in my ear, and tugged at my credit card. But I wanted something with buttons. The Stuart, unfortunately now defunct, arose like a Phoenix, reformed as the Maxwell. Choices? Easy, stay conservative. Brown FQHH, one inside pocket (despite the numerous threads on the dreaded "showing through syndrome"), and the long wearing (but somewhat pedestrian) cotton drill lining.
So here it is (the Colorado sun has changed the hide color somewhat; closer to the dark brown in the "back" shot).
My path was not as long and winding as others. As a neophyte, I needed a guide to negotiate the horsehide rapids. I found those guides in Wade and Carrie. Incidentally, my fit is far from "normal." Fanch would be pleased to note those sleeves are 31 inches; actually I am contemplating a little cuff work to increase the overall length. While Thurston Bros did not have a fit jacket my size, Carrie and Wade patiently endured my concerns, measured, assessed and critiqued other jackets I sent to them as exemplars, and provided professional guidance for the final product. Without their input, I cringe at what the outcome may have been.
Would I tweak the fit a bit? I think the readership here would be disappointed if I said it was perfect; but that's the fun, right? The quest?
No wonder I'm already planning on a Teamster.
The "back story," for those who care about such things. After achieving the ripe, but dubious age of 55, a worthy memento of that milestone was on my mind. Of course, what more fitting than a leather jacket to accompany me to my resting days. But which? Of course, leather jackets come in endless hides, styles and quality. My inquiries brought me here, to this Lounge. The lair of the leather purist. How could I resist your stories of breaking in suits of amour, hot water baths, the wafting scents of freshly tanned hides, the obsessive dedication to detail and fit, where perfection was measured in 1/2 and 1/4 of an inch, and closets full of jackets, just waiting to be chosen by their owners for the daily dog walk or motorcycle jaunt.
I digress. So, I wanted a jacket. The Aero mystic seduced me, whispering in my ear, and tugged at my credit card. But I wanted something with buttons. The Stuart, unfortunately now defunct, arose like a Phoenix, reformed as the Maxwell. Choices? Easy, stay conservative. Brown FQHH, one inside pocket (despite the numerous threads on the dreaded "showing through syndrome"), and the long wearing (but somewhat pedestrian) cotton drill lining.
So here it is (the Colorado sun has changed the hide color somewhat; closer to the dark brown in the "back" shot).
My path was not as long and winding as others. As a neophyte, I needed a guide to negotiate the horsehide rapids. I found those guides in Wade and Carrie. Incidentally, my fit is far from "normal." Fanch would be pleased to note those sleeves are 31 inches; actually I am contemplating a little cuff work to increase the overall length. While Thurston Bros did not have a fit jacket my size, Carrie and Wade patiently endured my concerns, measured, assessed and critiqued other jackets I sent to them as exemplars, and provided professional guidance for the final product. Without their input, I cringe at what the outcome may have been.
Would I tweak the fit a bit? I think the readership here would be disappointed if I said it was perfect; but that's the fun, right? The quest?
No wonder I'm already planning on a Teamster.
