Finds and Deals - Leather Jacket Edition

[Coriu]

I have seen a lot of stuff from Grais, in very good condition, that would be a good option for someone wanting a "vintage looking" style without breaking the bank. Sure, it may not be the finest leather, but for someone looking for a jacket to wear every day, they offer pretty good value.

 

[tmitchell59]

Liner is in okay condition. What other concerns should I have with a jacket of this age?

Get a picture of the zipper pull and the stop. This helps determine age, condition and adds to value.

Make sure the male side (pin) of the zipper is well sewn and zipper is original.

Get pictures of upper arm and shoulder area to look for thinning of the leather. This is the high stress area for leather jackets. (left upper arm needs to be looked at for stress)

I understand the label is attached? I am not sure if I have seen this label. That also makes the jacket more interesting to me.

Collars often do have issues, check it out.

Hard to determine value without more information/pics: interior, zipper, upper arms.

Jacket is not from the 1920s, more likely later 30s.

Interesting jacket, not run of the mill vintage jacket.

 

[Claybertrand]

This jacket is from an unknown maker so no collectors value as Monarch, Hercules or a Buco, I would not pay more than 150 USD for it. Then again, any item is worth as much as anyone is willing to pay for it. To some it may be a treasure, I don‘t know.

Collectors go after Hercules Windward, Beck Sportswear jacket and now of these names were jacket makers only labels used by jacket retailers.

While both of these statements hold water, regarding collecting, what is considered "collectable" is fluid and not set in stone. I have seen this in classic cars and have now started to see it a bit in leather jackets as well. As time goes by, things get older, often rarer, and more desirable. Cars that used to be no big deal or barely on the fringe of collectable--10 years go by and suddenly, they are out of your price range. Cars people used to scoff at become very desirable as the pool of these vintage cars gets smaller and smaller. I have seen already an increase in interest and value in some Oakbrook jackets as the Hercules jackets that preceded them get more and more scarce on the market for example. Smaller obscure brands of jackets could well be valuable especially if you can establish accurate age and provenance.

I personally collect jackets because I just like them. Like Terry has said many times, I don't know if I'm wasting my money or not. I don't think of them that way. But sometimes, things you like and collect will also end up being worth some decent money much like Monitor's war collectables he mentioned the other day.

My larger point is that as the Hercs, Windwards Becks etc. get bought up over time, other jackets will begin to be valued more. Not to the same extent as the classic jackets, but they will be valued more IMO.

 

[Coriu]

While both of these statements hold water, regarding collecting, what is considered "collectable" is fluid and not set in stone. I have seen this in classic cars and have now started to see it a bit in leather jackets as well. As time goes by, things get older, often rarer, and more desirable. Cars that used to be no big deal or barely on the fringe of collectable--10 years go by and suddenly, they are out of your price range. Cars people used to scoff at become very desirable as the pool of these vintage cars gets smaller and smaller. I have seen already an increase in interest and value in some Oakbrook jackets as the Hercules jackets that preceded them get more and more scarce on the market for example. Smaller obscure brands of jackets could well be valuable especially if you can establish accurate age and provenance.

I personally collect jackets because I just like them. Like Terry has said many times, I don't know if I'm wasting my money or not. I don't think of them that way. But sometimes, things you like and collect will also end up being worth some decent money much like Monitor's war collectables he mentioned the other day.

My larger point is that as the Hercs, Windwards Becks etc. get bought up over time, other jackets will begin to be valued more. Not to the same extent as the classic jackets, but they will be valued more IMO.

...interesting discussion. I'm hesitant to guess what Gen Z is going to think of in the future as "collectible." Multiple generations loved older cars. That trend is ending with Gen Z. The Gen Z's I know are not as willing to spend an hour researching something old like us old farts. I am not sure they are going to get as excited as older folks when it comes to the more obscure brands that we drool over. That might bode well for name brands like Schott concerning collectibility. Just curious, folks out there with kids...are they interested in your old jackets?

 

[dwilson]

...interesting discussion. I'm hesitant to guess what Gen Z is going to think of in the future as "collectible." Multiple generations loved older cars. That trend is ending with Gen Z. The Gen Z's I know are not as willing to spend an hour researching something old like us old farts. I am not sure they are going to get as excited as older folks when it comes to the more obscure brands that we drool over. That might bode well for name brands like Schott concerning collectibility. Just curious, folks out there with kids...are they interested in your old jackets?

You're asking for anecdotal evidence from people on a forum obsessed with certain things. The responses you'd get would be largely irrelevent when you scope things as "Gen Z does this" with a massive broad stroke. My boomer dad gives zero shits about leather jackets and I've spent the better part of a month researching my next buy. That doesn't mean boomers don't care about nice clothes and millenials do. Its just what he does and what I do.

 

[AbbaDatDeHat]

...interesting discussion. I'm hesitant to guess what Gen Z is going to think of in the future as "collectible." Multiple generations loved older cars. That trend is ending with Gen Z. The Gen Z's I know are not as willing to spend an hour researching something old like us old farts. I am not sure they are going to get as excited as older folks when it comes to the more obscure brands that we drool over. That might bode well for name brands like Schott concerning collectibility. Just curious, folks out there with kids...are they interested in your old jackets?

How many Generations ever cared about the same thing as their parents?? Doesn’t matter whether it’s cars, especially music or leather jackets. To draw parallels and generalize is as meaningless as the bias of perception.
B

 

[Coriu]

You're asking for anecdotal evidence from people on a forum obsessed with certain things. The responses you'd get would be largely irrelevent when you scope things as "Gen Z does this" with a massive broad stroke. My boomer dad gives zero shits about leather jackets and I've spent the better part of a month researching my next buy. That doesn't mean boomers don't care about nice clothes and millenials do. Its just what he does and what I do.

Sure, I understand. I wasn't looking for "evidence" to draw conclusions. I just thought it would be interesting(and encouraging) to hear if anyone has teenagers interested in vintage leather jackets. As far as Gen Z goes...considering I am a school teacher, I have more than a few casual observations.

 

[Claybertrand]

I am somewhat pleasantly surprised by the younger crop of Leather enthusiasts who have come to the lounge. Surprised and glad to see younger people interested. My good friend has 2 sons under 14 who are avid Militaria collectors. They have a trip to Germany and Poland planned to go on archaeological hikes into former war zones. I hope we are welcoming enough for new, less experienced people getting into this hobby. I think the Lounge is pretty helpful with newbies. We were all newbies at some point.

Perhaps the Gen Zers will simply watch Terry's videos on an Oculus and live vicariously through the coolness of his collection??? Hell, I'd be down for an Oculus tour of Terry's Leather Collection. Terry's house could be the virtual FIELD OF DREAMS of leather jackets!

 

[Coriu]

I am somewhat pleasantly surprised by the younger crop of Leather enthusiasts who have come to the lounge. Surprised and glad to see younger people interested. My good friend has 2 sons under 14 who are avid Militaria collectors. They have a trip to Germany and Poland planned to go on archaeological hikes into former war zones. I hope we are welcoming enough for new, less experienced people getting into this hobby. I think the Lounge is pretty helpful with newbies. We were all newbies at some point.

Perhaps the Gen Zers will simply watch Terry's videos on an Oculus and live vicariously through the coolness of his collection??? Hell, I'd be down for an Oculus tour of Terry's Leather Collection. Terry's house could be the virtual FIELD OF DREAMS of leather jackets!

That is so cool. It is important to get younger folks exposed. Ya'll should consider visiting a local school or club and do a presentation. It would be a great history lesson. I bet there are a lot of American kids who have no idea what leather even is. One thing I have learned since getting into teaching...we make way too many assumptions about what kids know.

 

[Coriu]

In case you are interested in military leather jackets, this is a video from the vault of the National WW II Museum in New Orleans. The gentleman discussing the jackets was the curator at the time of the video. Sounds like a dream job for some of you.

 

[alish]

Thank you SO much to everyone who has given feedback re: the Lanpher, Skinner and Co. jacket I posted about yesterday, and about jacket collecting in general. I've messaged the seller asking for more pics. Here are a couple of others that were included in the original listing.

Will post anything I get from the seller. Thanks again!!!

 

[Coriu]

I am somewhat pleasantly surprised by the younger crop of Leather enthusiasts who have come to the lounge. Surprised and glad to see younger people interested. My good friend has 2 sons under 14 who are avid Militaria collectors. They have a trip to Germany and Poland planned to go on archaeological hikes into former war zones. I hope we are welcoming enough for new, less experienced people getting into this hobby. I think the Lounge is pretty helpful with newbies. We were all newbies at some point.

Perhaps the Gen Zers will simply watch Terry's videos on an Oculus and live vicariously through the coolness of his collection??? Hell, I'd be down for an Oculus tour of Terry's Leather Collection. Terry's house could be the virtual FIELD OF DREAMS of leather jackets!

...another thought. Gen Z is really into thrifting and sustainability. If they can get past the "real leather" thing, there is tremendous opportunity to get them hooked on vintage leather jackets. The key is exposure. With the disappearance of malls and family businesses in the US, the opportunity for kids outside of large, metro areas to even put their hands on a nicer leather jacket is shrinking. The closest "real" mall is now 1.5 hours from me. The Harley Davidson store 45 minutes away shut its doors last year. This may sound corny as hell, but it's up to us to be ambassadors to educate and promote leather jackets. We might be one of the few owners of a nicer leather jacket in a 50-mile radius.

 

[Monitor]

Stunning!!! Connolly, I'm guessing but here's that real and true aging that happened through decades of serious wear. Takes a lot of time to knock newness out of those earlier Aero jackets that were made in unspecified leather.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/274364838338

 

[tmitchell59]

Never seen this label. Forest and Stream instead of Field and Stream of their rival Gordan/Ferguson!

I can not get a good look at the zipper. Do you know what brand?

Looks like it is Goatskin. Many of my finest vintage jackets are in Goat.

Here is the Herd https://goo.gl/photos/s8F8zDhJcL3M4UpH6

Goat stands the test of time well as you can see in the album. Most of those jackets are 80 years old. Goat can also rot in a way that other leathers do not. That is why upper arm and shoulder pics are essential.

 

[Coriu]

Aero FQHH Highwayman Size 38 in UK $413.50BIN
https://www.ebay.com/itm/284356110816?hash=item4234f1e9e0:g:eDwAAOSwGJ1g3sub

 

[jadub]

that jacket unfortunately I think is being discussed here -

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/leather-surgery-q.104595/

 

[Moontanning]

Schott in orange. Size 44. can’t comment on value here at $430 (and seller accepting offers) but it’s not a standard black crosszip.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/SCHOTT-Per...2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0

 

[Coriu]

that jacket unfortunately I think is being discussed here -

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/leather-surgery-q.104595/

Wow. I had not clicked on that photo to get a closer look. Good catch.

 

[jadub]

Nice looking Oakbrook cross zip. Some stitch holes on back from large patch but otherwise…

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1031177581/1960s-oakbrook-sportswear-sears-greaser

 

[alish]

Never seen this label. Forest and Stream instead of Field and Stream of their rival Gordan/Ferguson!

I can not get a good look at the zipper. Do you know what brand?

Looks like it is Goatskin. Many of my finest vintage jackets are in Goat.

Here is the Herd https://goo.gl/photos/s8F8zDhJcL3M4UpH6

Goat stands the test of time well as you can see in the album. Most of those jackets are 80 years old. Goat can also rot in a way that other leathers do not. That is why upper arm and shoulder pics are essential.

.

Thanks so much for the info tmitchell59! Don't know the make of the zipper. Waiting on close-up pics, so hopefully those will help figure out what zipper, as well as possibly give more insight into the condition of the leather. I'll share as soon as I get anything, and would love to get more input on the leather then! Very interesting to hear that it might be goat as I've kind of been on the lookout for a goatskin jacket.

I so appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge on all this!! I've read enough horror stories of jackets developing major problems shortly after purchase that I don't want to end up getting burned. Was tempted to just walk away from it and find something newer, but there's something about it that has kept me going back to it. We'll see what the close-up pics show! Thanks again!!