Deerskin jackets

[morrison2951]

Deerskin is considered an exotic leather as I understand it- likely a niche market.

I've got a rare G&B deerskin A-2 and it's a keeper. Very soft and supple yet durable.

 

[tmitchell59]

They are a Bargain. Here a couple.

 

[Worf]

I've often yearned for a deerskinned jacket BUT size was always an issue. As I continue to shrink, perhaps it might be doable someday.

Worf

 

[Iron Horse]

I've been attracted by deerskin lately; here's one that Attractions makes:

 

[Plumbline]

It's GREAT material .. .very soft and supple yet durable and hard wearing ( surprisingly given how soft it is)

I have two .. a buckskin "Chevignon" which I've had for 30 years ... the classic ranchers coat no hassles, no frills just a plain boxy thick deerskin jacket .. I love it. I also bought a RL replica of the "Alaskan Reindeer" jacket which inspired the "Captain America" jacket and again it's amazing to wear .. light , very flexible and easy on the shoulders.

That black one above is a stunner ....

 

[Technonut]

I feel that it's because you can't get big leather pieces out a dear and the jackets are made up of multiple small pieces put together. As a leather aficionado, I'd prefer bigger pieces of leather.

That's kind of the impression I had for years, before being fortunate enough to land this gem.. Here's what I posted in the 'What Jacket Are You Wearing Today?' thread awhile back:

This is a sweet, vintage, custom deerskin jacket, made by Custom Coat Co. Berlin, Wisconsin. It has the unusual feature (to me) of a knit waistband, and zippered MC-style cuffs. Also unusual because it's in the A-2 configuration of a one-piece back, and two-piece sleeves. Must have been quite the large deer. Fits me like a bespoke jacket.

This must have been rarely worn, since the shell and lining looks like brand-new for around a 50 year old jacket. The grain on the deerskin is out-of-this-world, and also sports Talon zippers all around.. I love the cut of the collar as well. I may post a short review on it soon..

Excuse the stubble seen.. I'm growing out my beard some before styling / trimming..

It quite surprised me to run across a deerskin jacket with a single-piece back, and I couldn't be more pleased with the nicely tanned hide. It molds to the body very well, despite being rather thick.. Here's something I read regarding the overall durability / strength of deerskin:

http://www.rockymountaintanners.com/what-are-the-characteristics-of-deer-leather.html

Do not be fooled into thinking that deerskin is fragile or weak, however. Despite its soft texture and light weight, leather made from deerskin is rated as the third strongest leather available. This means that clothing and other items made from deerskin leather will be durable and last a number of years if they are cared for properly.

On top of having a jacket made from what I gather to be an extremely large deer, this hide is around as thick as mid-weight cowhide, not light-weight as quoted above. The jacket is quickly becoming one of my favorites.. Just an absolute pleasure to wear..

EDIT: To add, I find the jacket design VERY comfortable to wear, largely due to the inset / rotated sleeves allowing additional reach / less-restrictive movement. The pattern, stitching and construction is 'top-shelf', and the word which best describes the cut of the collar (to me) is BADASS! Looks REALLY good when flipped-up against the wind.

I'm certain that this jacket spent most of it's years languishing in a dark closet somewhere, given it's outstanding condition. Hell, there's a small envelope from the factory still in the pocket containing 2 extra epaulet buttons. Speaking of epaulets, it's refreshing to see that the designer actually took the time to make sure they were nicely centered over the shoulders.

EDIT: Here's a quick pic I shot of the back (with flash), since I didn't take one along with the others on the day I was wearing it the WJAYWT thread. Yep, must have been one helluva large deer..

 

[Iron Horse]

Here's a one-off deerskin from Motor, in size medium for 120,000 yen:

 

[handymike]

The best I've seen...
1940's Grais:

 

[Iron Horse]

A new deerskin A-2 from The Real McCoy's:

 

[willyto]

The best I've seen...
1940's Grais:
View attachment 67012

I need one of those. What a beauty!

 

[handymike]

You and me both, Willyto.

 

[Superfluous]

New special edition deerskin Freewheelers Sunset offered exclusively by Mirror Ball:

 

[willyto]

Let me guess... 3000$ at least. If it was brown and 1/3 the price maybe I could think about it.

That design is stunning.

PS: Just checked and it's only 2300€ in Japan.

 

[jonesy86]

I notice an abundance of vintage deerskin jackets for sale on ebay, etc, etc, specifically by the maker Midwestern Sport Togs going for very low prices. Any reason why deerskin is not as sought after? Use this thread to show off your deerskin jackets if you own them.

Let's see those antlers!

Hey all

If you see one 44L, or 46 let me know would ya. I'm 6'-1", 195 LB. I need long sleeves. Don't know why but I like them. No fringes please.

I picked up a 60s Milco of Portland a few weeks ago for just under $100. Mint condition. Zipper, half belt, lots of nice touch. Just too small, so I gave it to a friend.

Keep an eye out would ya?

Thanks,

 

[jonesy86]

It was a nice coat for just under $100.

Milco of Portland.

 

[regius]

midwestern ST, red wool lining Talon zipper. Discoloration from conditioning. Maybe deerskin shouldn’t be conditioned.


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[AbbaDatDeHat]

midwestern ST, red wool lining Talon zipper. Discoloration from conditioning. Maybe deerskin shouldn’t be conditioned.


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Greetings Regius:
I’m curious. What did you use as conditioning? I see on the pocket flap the color is fairly even and not bad looking. If the entire coat accepted the conditioning as evenly as that the coat would look badass, i think. So i’m curious about the conditioner. Thanks.
Be well. Bowen

 

[Monitor]

Greetings Regius:
I’m curious. What did you use as conditioning? I see on the pocket flap the color is fairly even and not bad looking. If the entire coat accepted the conditioning as evenly as that the coat would look badass, i think. So i’m curious about the conditioner. Thanks.
Be well. Bowen

I've seen any oil/wax based leather conditioner doing that to tanned leather. Could've literally been Pecards.

 

[regius]

Greetings Regius:
I’m curious. What did you use as conditioning? I see on the pocket flap the color is fairly even and not bad looking. If the entire coat accepted the conditioning as evenly as that the coat would look badass, i think. So i’m curious about the conditioner. Thanks.
Be well. Bowen

Bowen

This time I used Leatherique Rejuvenator. I also have Montana Pitch Blend, Prcard (it contains silica though). I need to apply everywhere to get it all colored. The pocket is even simply because I cover it all with the oil.


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[triple-d]

Funny that this thread re-appeared. Stu at Lost Worlds is building me a Peacoat out of deerskin. Should be here in 4 weeks or so.