Thanks for your response. There is an element of perfectionism in this hobby, ie pursuit of the perfect fit, pursuit of the end-game jacket, etc, etc. Some even dream about the perfect leather jacket.What is it about any leather jacket that makes it desirable?
It's Vanson so quality, durability and great fit is pretty much guaranteed & certainly worth the $, with the additional bonus of it being a very good looking, true & honest cafe racer style.
Another arguably important aspect is that this is a very early, white label Vanson, something that only fans of Vanson will value but regardless, a small thing that only adds to the value of this piece.
a leather jacket can reach. I'd personally assess it as being just about perfect in every way and I'd wager most of the forum agrees with me.
I personally don't understand what is it about this jacket that you find to be in an even remotely rough or undesirable state? As @mendelboaz pointed out, other than creases in the leather (desirable trait because nobody likes that new leather jacket look) and those few surface scuffs, the jacket seems to be in a fantastic condition with no apparent damage anywhere on it.
And I even love the color!
Some on TFL seem to favor new jackets for their acquisitions. And it seems most people, when they post photos of themselves, are wearing jackets that are in superb condition, not scuffed up. Some members swoon over high-end Japanese jackets while others seem to like the vintage stuff.
So, there seems to be this interesting dichotomy. I've been collecting a certain commodity for 45 years. I often have to remind myself what it is like to look at things through the eyes of someone new to a certain collecting hobby. We learn by asking lots of "why" questions.