Finds and Deals - Leather Jacket Edition

[ton312]

Not to dispute what is clearly being presented in pure photographic honesty by the straightest of straight shooters around these parts, my take is that the back length of the Hercules Half Belts MUST vary by maker and/or age. BELIEVE YOU ME, I would say that the SHORT BACK LENGTH is the fattest fly in the ointment with Vintage Jacket fit for me. Period. I've been traumatized by short jackets. A short back length has become a total non starter for me.

I do have a few HBs. Even a few Hercs---and all of them are at the very least 24" on the back length. A few are closer to the 25-25.5" range. I have a Goatskin Herc HB with the same Black Label as the HB on Facebook and its definitely longer than 23".

Admittedly, of the jackets I own---I believe they are made by at least 3 different makers and are also different ages. I do not have a Leather Label Herc like Ton has pictured (which appears to be one of the older Labels). I am thinking that there must be some variation in the back length on these jackets. I know they are not all this short. I still think its even POSSIBLE the FB jacket is a tad longer than reported but not much. Take every jacket as it comes and always ask for measurements because I can attest to the fact that some Herc HBs are longer than others.

Lastly, it saddens me a little bit that our brother @ton312 is taking a firm stance against pursuing true vintage jackets in the future. Don't tap out bro!!! These jackets ARE OUT THERE!!! You don't see em everyday but true vintage jackets in good wearable lengths do exist. Tough to find but worth the hunt!!!

I’ll be honest. In 20 years I’ve found only 3 “short styles” that even remotely hit the mark.
This Kurland:

Westbury:

Campus:

The surcoat style is much more my jam. The fact that I even tried to sell the Windward is just insane, as it’s the only vintage jacket I’ve ever owned that actually really fit. I’ll stick with 25” or more and leave the brave to fend the bulls. In the past two years I’ve seen more 23” back and sleeves than I care to count! I’ve also firmly decided this just ain’t it:

I’m bidding a fond farewell to vintage…..until I inevitably change my mind next year.

 

[handymike]

I keep telling everyone how great the slightly-longer surcoat length is, but they still aren’t a quick seller…

 

[Marc mndt]

I do not have a Leather Label Herc like Ton has pictured (which appears to be one of the older Labels).

Leather label Herc, worn with low rise jeans.

 

[Jasonissm]

That leather looks too good to actually be 40s or 50s...

Listing title says:

Sports jacket/40s reprint/lining torn/leather jacket/blouson/-/leather/BRW

So it's a repro, hardly any pics though, but maybe it's a Toyo repro?

 

[2-or-more]

There's a small double rider with interesting details in UK. It is missing two stars on epaulets and pocket zippers look big and modern to me. But I find it quite pretty.

https://www.ebay.it/itm/185710696490?hash=item2b3d38582a:g:ul0AAOSwb4tjpvag

 

[Edward]

Vintage roughout "face-saver".
View attachment 529747
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https://www.ebay.com/itm/305005311262

 

[JMax]

Monarch

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2256575823...CJi9omFSVa&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

 

[JMax]

Herc

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2759375548...CJi9omFSVa&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

 

[Hobbes1]

Leather label Herc, worn with low rise jeans.

View attachment 530736 View attachment 530737 View attachment 530738 View attachment 530735

That jacket is just so excellent! Love it.

 

[JMax]

Pioneerwear. This will test some of y’alls love for the brand.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3643378116...CJi9omFSVa&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

 

[Will Zach]

Pioneerwear. This will test some of y’alls love for the brand.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3643378116...CJi9omFSVa&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

View attachment 530786

Collab with Leathertogs?

 

[JMax]

Collab with Leathertogs?

LTs founders would roll in their graves.

 

[Marc mndt]

Shinki hh Schott 613 SJH size 36 $983

https://www.ebay.nl/itm/36417198700...w9G3PEsR_G&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

 

[Leather Walker]

Well, after much thought, I've decided not to buy that one. This is a late 80s Al's Leather, YKK plastic zippers. The seller is close to know what s/he sells, as in the description talks about Cal and Johnson Leathers. Maybe someone will enjoy it more than I would. Size 38. BIN $169. eBay

 

[Will Zach]

Well, after much thought, I've decided not to buy that one. This is a late 80s Al's Leather, YKK plastic zippers. The seller is close to know what s/he sells, as in the description talks about Cal and Johnson Leathers. Maybe someone will enjoy it more than I would. Size 38. BIN $169. eBay

Nice jacket, nice presentation.

 

[Bluechel]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1662083010...25&osub=-1~1&crd=20230707083636&segname=11051

Alden Crest Horsehide

 

[ojaw]

Pioneerwear. This will test some of y’alls love for the brand.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3643378116...CJi9omFSVa&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

View attachment 530786

For about 6 weeks in the 80s I was a presser in a factory that made stuff like that.

 

[TheOldFashioned]

Since the original Classifieds thread has been removed and I'm not sure where to put this, I'll drop it here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/275939219607

Be wary, folks, as this is the Allstate that was listed for $1850 in the Classifieds yesterday. Don't want anyone getting stabbed in the back like this jacket was.

 

[handymike]

Seller has some nice looking jackets and good feedback on eBay... apart from the crazy price for members, is there more to the story?
I'm eyeing the Fidelity IR.

 

[TheOldFashioned]

Seller has some nice looking jackets and good feedback on eBay... apart from the crazy price for members, is there more to the story?
I'm eyeing the Fidelity IR.

The eBay listing does a much better job showing several of the issues which weren't disclosed at all in the Classifieds listing. The eagle eyes of @Marc mndt pointed out the stitching on the cuff. The photo below is from the eBay listing and was not included in the Classifieds listing:

Same situation with the back, though this is a magnified image:

Maybe it was a harmless oversight, but call me skeptical.