AHP91
One Too Many
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Up for grabs is this 1950s Lawrence Front Quarter Horsehide motorcycle jacket. Lawrence jackets rarely hit the open market, so here's your chance to own one in a nice bigger size. In fact, I've only seen about 3 total in about a year of searching.
Company Info:
From what I could find on the company's beginnings, Arthur C. Lawrence, along with his partner Horace A. Southwick, came to Peabody Massachusetts in 1894 looking to consolidate leather working operations under one company. They took over the plant of the Sanger Glue Factory, off of Lowell Street. They began in sheep leather production, and later diversified their production to also include calf leather. By 1909, Lawrence employed 2,150 workers in 32 buildings. Immigrants provided a steady stream of labor, hailing from Turkey, Armenia, Greece, and countless other countries. They became one of the premier leather jacket manufacturers on the East Coast, along with Kurland, Sportclad, Wolf Outerwear, and others. They disbanded in 1991.
Condition:
The jacket is in overall solid condition. As you can see, there is wear on the inside lining, but is overall clean and not overly damaged. The lining inside both sleeve areas are still good without damage. The leather appears to have had intricate studwork on it, hence the faint marks on the surface. This did not result in any major damage, and I think it actually looks pretty cool as is. However, would be a cool idea to add the custom studwork back onto the jacket. The main zipper appears to be replaced with a heavy duty and rare Crowns spring-loaded zipper - a zipper mainly seen on jackets from the 1940s. It is sturdy and works without faults. In fact, custom leather shops would charge a premium for this particular zipper to be installed.
The Conmar pocket and sleeve pulls appear all original. The pockets in the front are all intact. A very unique back pocket is present, but does not have a pocket inside. There are no split seams in the jacket, no foul odors, no cracking leather. It's good to go condition wise. The also unique front pocket has an outer snap button, but does not secure closed to anything. The pocket certainly appears original, and is consistent with the unique design features I've seen on other Lawrence motorcycle jackets. Just not sure if the snap is missing.
Size:
Please note there is no size tag present, so please refer to the measurements below (and pictured). Please allow a small degree of discrepancy due to human error:
Armpit to armpit: 22.5"
Shoulder to shoulder: 18" *please note the gussets allowing for a larger range of arm motion.
Length from bottom of collar to back: 22.5
Length form bottom of collar to front: 25.25"
Sleeve length taken straight from shoulder seam: about 24.75"
Bottom hem: a shade under 19" - 18.8"
I'm selling this one because I took a chance on the size, but it's ultimately too large for me. Hoping someone can get good use out of this rare bird.
Please note that I do my best to accurately display the jacket as you will receive it. If you have any questions regarding condition or measurements, I will be happy to answer additional questions or provide additional pictures. Please also note that I'm not an expert on leather jackets, but do have some experience. As such, my claims regarding the original of certain design features, zippers, etc., are educated guesses. It's ultimately difficult to pinpoint the exact history of a particular jacket, which is part of the fun of it.
The price for the jacket is 275 shipped in the continental U.S. - Paypal friends and family. It will be quickly shipped upon payment.
Company Info:
From what I could find on the company's beginnings, Arthur C. Lawrence, along with his partner Horace A. Southwick, came to Peabody Massachusetts in 1894 looking to consolidate leather working operations under one company. They took over the plant of the Sanger Glue Factory, off of Lowell Street. They began in sheep leather production, and later diversified their production to also include calf leather. By 1909, Lawrence employed 2,150 workers in 32 buildings. Immigrants provided a steady stream of labor, hailing from Turkey, Armenia, Greece, and countless other countries. They became one of the premier leather jacket manufacturers on the East Coast, along with Kurland, Sportclad, Wolf Outerwear, and others. They disbanded in 1991.
Condition:
The jacket is in overall solid condition. As you can see, there is wear on the inside lining, but is overall clean and not overly damaged. The lining inside both sleeve areas are still good without damage. The leather appears to have had intricate studwork on it, hence the faint marks on the surface. This did not result in any major damage, and I think it actually looks pretty cool as is. However, would be a cool idea to add the custom studwork back onto the jacket. The main zipper appears to be replaced with a heavy duty and rare Crowns spring-loaded zipper - a zipper mainly seen on jackets from the 1940s. It is sturdy and works without faults. In fact, custom leather shops would charge a premium for this particular zipper to be installed.
The Conmar pocket and sleeve pulls appear all original. The pockets in the front are all intact. A very unique back pocket is present, but does not have a pocket inside. There are no split seams in the jacket, no foul odors, no cracking leather. It's good to go condition wise. The also unique front pocket has an outer snap button, but does not secure closed to anything. The pocket certainly appears original, and is consistent with the unique design features I've seen on other Lawrence motorcycle jackets. Just not sure if the snap is missing.
Size:
Please note there is no size tag present, so please refer to the measurements below (and pictured). Please allow a small degree of discrepancy due to human error:
Armpit to armpit: 22.5"
Shoulder to shoulder: 18" *please note the gussets allowing for a larger range of arm motion.
Length from bottom of collar to back: 22.5
Length form bottom of collar to front: 25.25"
Sleeve length taken straight from shoulder seam: about 24.75"
Bottom hem: a shade under 19" - 18.8"
I'm selling this one because I took a chance on the size, but it's ultimately too large for me. Hoping someone can get good use out of this rare bird.
Please note that I do my best to accurately display the jacket as you will receive it. If you have any questions regarding condition or measurements, I will be happy to answer additional questions or provide additional pictures. Please also note that I'm not an expert on leather jackets, but do have some experience. As such, my claims regarding the original of certain design features, zippers, etc., are educated guesses. It's ultimately difficult to pinpoint the exact history of a particular jacket, which is part of the fun of it.
The price for the jacket is 275 shipped in the continental U.S. - Paypal friends and family. It will be quickly shipped upon payment.
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