Heavy Highwayman, really HEAVY.

[Ugarte]

I've only owned a few leather jackets in my day. I started with a G-1 knockoff from Sears when I was in high school. I gave it up for a ski jacket that was lighter and warmer. In college I bought a used black MC jacket by Gino Leathers from a guy. I've still got it, but naturally it's too small and it's a bit out of fashion in most respects.

Given the wardrobe overhaul I've recently seen and my great fondness for the A-2 jockey and Indy Jones schools of fashion, I started trawling OFAS for leathers. Around Christmas I found a steerhide Aero Highwayman in my size. The price was two-fiddy from a fellow who has outgrown it. I bit in the last hour and won.

It came today.







Bona Fides:



Really poor quality self-portrait action shots. Forgive the bathroom decor -- it's the brightest room in the house:







I'm pretty happy with the fit and it feels wonderful -- buttery soft. So far, it looks good, especially with the hats, but it's heavy. This thing must weigh close to 15 pounds. I'll take that as a good sign.

My question is what do I do now, if anything.

My instinct is to give it a good going over with saddle soap, let it dry and then massage in generous amounts of Mink Oil. I know everybody here and the guys at the vintage leather jacket forum like Pecard's a whole bunch. For some reason I've never heard anybody mention Mink Oil one way or another.

First of all, how'd I do on the jacket?

Second of all, any opinions on the care and feeding of my SH Highwayman?

Mark
.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Please..please my friend...don't clog the pores of that nice jacket with "Mink Oil". I have 10 or 12 Aero utility jackets and A2s...both Horsehide and steer. I never put anything on them until or if they start looking a little dry. Even Pecards is for "vintage jackets" that need a little restoration.
HD

 

[HoosierDaddy]

BTW...you got it for a good price...and it seems to fit you well.
HD

 

[Ugarte]

BTW...you got it for a good price...and it seems to fit you well.

Thank you sir. I'm getting used to it. This thing is heavier and bulkier than anything I've ever worn before.

I notice that it seems tight across the biceps when I am pushing a shopping cart. It also wants to bunch up in front when I sit in my vehicle. Probably not a problem, but I'm just saying....

Also, the zipper is a real pain to get started. Getting the tang in the slider is wearing a blister on the thumb and forefinger of my right hand. I've tried lubricating it with graphite, but other measures may be called for.

Please..please my friend...don't clog the pores of that nice jacket with "Mink Oil". I have 10 or 12 Aero utility jackets and A2s...both Horsehide and steer. I never put anything on them until or if they start looking a little dry. Even Pecards is for "vintage jackets" that need a little restoration.
HD

That being the case, I will do nothing. I may order a tub of Pecard's or something because I live in a very dry climate and this jacket may suffer some in the off season.

Thanks for the input HD.

Mark
.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Ugarte
Several of my Aero brass zips were hard to start( Aero brass zips are known for this)...a real pain. I used beeswax on mine. Make sure that the male part of the zip is seated well...and pushed into the box as far as possible before trying to zip. That seemed to be the main problem with mine.
HD
Candle wax works good as well...

 

[Ugarte]

Ugarte
Several of my Aero brass zips were hard to start( Aero brass zips are known for this)...a real pain. I used beeswax on mine. Make sure that the male part of the zip is seated well...and pushed into the box as far as possible before trying to zip. That seemed to be the main problem with mine.
HD
Candle wax works good as well...

I've heard that tip before and am looking for an appropriate source of cerotic acid and myricyl palmitate (or substitutes therefore). You'd think I'd have a broken taper or something.

At any rate, getting that male part (tang?) into the slider's slot is the rub. That puppy is just tight.

I'll keep at it. Thanks for pointing out that this is just another Aero trademark.

Mark
.

 

[scotrace]

No Mink Oil.

Or Saddle Soap.


Good Lord.

 

[Ugarte]

No Mink Oil.

Okay.

Or Saddle Soap.

Got it.

Good Lord.

Why drag him into this?

Mark
.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

...he did say Good Lord....not...Oh lord...

 

[Marty M.]

Somebody call me?

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Somebody call me?

No...I don't think we quite swore,Marty.....

 

[Marty M.]

lol lol lol lol . Oh, now you sound like my wife .
Marty Mathis

 

[Fletch]

No Mink Oil.

Or Saddle Soap.

Or dubbin or dubbing or daubing or leftover rib roast fat (which is all dubbin is, anyway).

Or, heaven forbid, neatsfoot oil, which will darken the color and take centuries to soak in.

I dunno about shoe cream. It can neaten up a jacket, but it doesn't do much for dryness and it's a pain to apply to such large areas.

Good Lord.

Perhaps Good gravy?
Good night nurse?
Good Gulf Gas?
lol