Finally, the Bates highwayman 1, aka, Terminator 1 jacket

[regius]

If there is a perfect leather jacket, this is one of them for me. The Bates Terminator 1 jacket, not the movie version but the regular highwayman version, with the epaulettes. Fits perfectly, the quilted linings are not bulky/puffy, leather is dense, yet not like Vanson thick. This specimen comes from the early 80s, same era as the movie.

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[regius]

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[winterland1]

Looks good for being that old. Good find.

 

[HDRnR]

Thats a classic, great lapels.

 

[regius]

Just received from Bates a new Terminator 1 jacket, sad to say they screwed it up on the back design and one of the snaps. I HATE TO SEE RING SNAPS FALL OFF ON A NEW JACKET! This one is made from a very soft, thick and plush type of cowhide they call Dominion, unevenly pebbled, heavy, but extremely soft. This is when it's new, already crumpling down on the couch.

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[regius]

In case anyone wonders how the Vanson competition weight leather is going to age and soften, I think this 80s Bates Highwayman should give a clue. This jacket essentially uses the same kind of leather as Vanson, 3oz glazed cowhide, very beefy but actually pliable, not like the Aero Jerky horsehide that bounces back when you bend it, or like the Schott shiny horsehide from Italy's tannery three. So, as long as they don't spring back, there is hope for a nice softening. (as a reference, my old Aero jerky A2 is still very jerky, despite that the color has faded and all that). I have seen a Bates jacket with this leather when new, very stiff and makes me think it's never gonna break, but look at the lapel of this Highwayman and the belt!

 

[navetsea]

wow still quite shiny for a 30+ yrs old jacket, and the surface is still very intact, despite the broken in state.