Is this jacket accurately dated?

[John Bechet]

Hello,

I'm a novice looking to get a 1920's or 30's leather jacket. Knowing that some Ebay listings can misidentify the date (honestly or otherwise), can I get some thoughts on this one?:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Original-...378850?hash=item2f0978dd62:g:aQoAAOSwi-NZk2tY

Does anyone here have any experience with this seller?

 

[Guppy]

I don't have enough knowledge, but it certainly looks like a 40's or earlier jacket to me. It looks like there's a lot of topcoat cracking/flaking. I would avoid it for this reason.

 

[John Bechet]

Thanks, Guppy. My current budget means I can't expect to get something great. As long as it isn't falling apart or in too bad a condition to wear decently. Also not something so special I'd feel like wearing it and subjecting it to further stress would be a crime.

The flaking on the shoulder I imagine comes from long wear of a shoulder bag. If the flaking is only on this area it's not a deal-killer for me. I haven't looked at the photos on a big screen, is there this flaking elsewhere?

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[Guppy]

Thanks, Guppy. My current budget means I can't expect to get something great. As long as it isn't falling apart or in too bad a condition to wear decently. Also not something so special I'd feel like wearing it and subjecting it to further stress would be a crime.

The flaking on the shoulder I imagine comes from long wear of a shoulder bag. If the flaking is only on this area it's not a deal-killer for me. I haven't looked at the photos on a big screen, is there this flaking elsewhere?

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Yes, look at the side views of showing the sleeves. There's flaking evident, especially on the right sleeve. And certainly don't drop any money on something until you've seen the photos in highest quality! For true vintage jackets, I've gotten to where I'm reluctant to buy something unless I've seen it in person and handled it, unless the seller allows returns.

 

[John Bechet]

Good advice, thanks!

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[handymike]

Maybe 30s, but I don't think 20s. Here is mine- 1930s
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/thre...ered-a-romance-re-kindled-and-pics-too.87376/

 

[John Bechet]

Thanks handymike. Your jacket is amazing! I would love to know what details indicate that a jacket of this type is 30's not 20's - was there a design change? Were these cowhide, horsehide, goat?

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[handymike]

The best person to ask is member @Rabbit. He has an amazing collection, and sold me the jacket. I believe mine is horsehide. It's not super heavy, that is a sign of later (1950s) jackets.

 

[Cooper A-2]

IMHO post WW2 .
Pre-WW2 jackets/coats never had
seams on the chest. Compare with timely photos.
Still a nice jacket.
Good luck.

 

[Peacoat]

I think the major problem you will have with these vintage leather jackets is the condition of the hide. Leather jackets often don't age well, especially if allowed to hang in a closet and dry out. If left untreated for 15 or 20 years, and cracks in the hide have developed, there is no repairing the damage. You have irreparable damage to a jacket that can't be worn.

 

[John Bechet]

Yes, I'm not expecting to get something in great condition, especially with my budget. Less than perfect condition will be a given.

In a way, signs of age and wear would be a plus for me, as I'm keen on a jacket that shows its history. I'm after something that's neither too bad nor too good to wear.

Concerning this Ebay jacket, the helpful replies so far have given me these thoughts -

I am hesistant about the price in relation to its worn condition (which in itself doesn't bother me so much).

I am also concerned about the question of whether it is from the 30's.


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[tmitchell59]

Finding any leather jacket from the 20s is going to be very difficult. They didn't make many in that era and few survived. Most 20s leather jackets were military/aviation related or workwear. Time and hard wear took their toll. To make it more difficult you have to find one that is wearable and in your size unless you want one for display.

30s saw Civilian styled jackets in all the catalogs. Zippers come into wide use. These jackets are more abundant. Dating a 30s USA made jacket is done by catalog reference, style, Zippper, perhaps the label. I know nothing about dating German jackets.

Find a jacket style you like and buy the best condition/fitting jacket you can find and not be concerned with what era it was made. Who is going to know better?

This jacket is goatskin and is dated by the zipper to 1932. More pics.

This is the only leather jacket I own that could be from the 1920s. Classic workwear.

These are the oldest I own. I have several other jackets from the 30s.

I have many leather jackets Videos on my youtube channel. You may find it interesting.

Lots of good advice and knowledge on this forum. Welcome and good hunting.

 

[Cooper A-2]

Yes, I'm not expecting to get something in great condition, especially with my budget. Less than perfect condition will be a given.

In a way, signs of age and wear would be a plus for me, as I'm keen on a jacket that shows its history. I'm after something that's neither too bad nor too good to wear.

Concerning this Ebay jacket, the helpful replies so far have given me these thoughts -

I am hesistant about the price in relation to its worn condition (which in itself doesn't bother me so much).

I am also concerned about the question of whether it is from the 30's.


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For an original 1920ies jacket regardless how battered it is as long as it holds in one piece , the price would be approx 10x price of this Ebay jacket . Again IMHO this Ebay jacket is from 1950-1970...( maybe even from ex-GDR)
For originals from 1910-1920 ( some even worn in WW1) you will have to invest at least two grants... in Euro...and they dont last last long on Ebay...This one on Ebay was relisted already...... plus his others as well...

 

[Cooper A-2]

Finding any leather jacket from the 20s is going to be very difficult. They didn't make many in that era and few survived. Most 20s leather jackets were military/aviation related or workwear. Time and hard wear took their toll. To make it more difficult you have to find one that is wearable and in your size unless you want one for display.

30s saw Civilian styled jackets in all the catalogs. Zippers come into wide use. These jackets are more abundant. Dating a 30s USA made jacket is done by catalog reference, style, Zippper, perhaps the label. I know nothing about dating German jackets.

Find a jacket style you like and buy the best condition/fitting jacket you can find and not be concerned with what era it was made. Who is going to know better?

This jacket is goatskin and is dated by the zipper to 1932. More pics.

This is the only leather jacket I own that could be from the 1920s. Classic workwear.

These are the oldest I own. I have several other jackets from the 30s.

I have many leather jackets Videos on my youtube channel. You may find it interesting.

Lots of good advice and knowledge on this forum. Welcome and good hunting.

Great stuff!
and no chest seam....textbook jackets!

 

[John Bechet]

This is all excellent, thanks. I'm learning that 1920's is highly unlikely. 1930's is possible but I'd want a higher certainty about the date than this Ebay listing offers.

I'm curious as to why the seller says it is before 1935 - such a specific statement, suggesting there is something about the jacket that indicates this. I did contact him to ask but his reply last night did not address this. I might ask again. He did say that in very good condition this jacket would be priced at least $900. But what you say, Cooper A2, is noteworthy. I may pass on this just because I'd want to be more certain.

tmitchell59, what a happy coincidence to encounter you here because I have been watching your YouTube videos the past few nights!

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[Guppy]

Yes, I'm not expecting to get something in great condition, especially with my budget. Less than perfect condition will be a given.

In a way, signs of age and wear would be a plus for me, as I'm keen on a jacket that shows its history. I'm after something that's neither too bad nor too good to wear.

Concerning this Ebay jacket, the helpful replies so far have given me these thoughts -

I am hesistant about the price in relation to its worn condition (which in itself doesn't bother me so much).

I am also concerned about the question of whether it is from the 30's.


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There's a difference between "less than perfect" condition, "distressed", "irreparable damage", and "unwearable". Any old, worn jacket will have flaws, or "character" as sellers call it.

That's not what I see in the photos. But I think it sounds like you have your heart set on this jacket. So it may be worth your money to learn a life lesson. It's just that, usually, it's the bigger budget that can afford to spend on life lessons.

Whatever your budget, if you want a wearable jacket, you can do better than this one. It's hard to say until you have it in your hands whet it's salvageable or not. But unless it's a situation where it's nearly free, or you don't care about the money if it's a total loss, and you're confident that you know how to restore, I recommend to avoid.

It might still be a desirable piece if you want to disassemble it to copy it (very expensive), or put it on display as a show piece, or if you want to be a zombie and old, destroyed clothing completes your costume.

 

[John Bechet]

Would you say, from this example from a different seller, that the seller is reliable in terms of dating and pricing? The jacket is not for me (too small) but is stated to be from the 40's-50's and is priced so much lower despite seeming to be in better condition than the German jacket discussed above:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vtg-40s-P...963873?hash=item361f560061:g:BqIAAOSwXk5Zb8bR

Are 40's-50's jackets of this standard worth about what he asks? He recently had a good looking 30's half belt (stated date) for £275. I would have gone for it if I didn't have an Aero that is nearly identical.

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[Cooper A-2]

This is all excellent, thanks. I'm learning that 1920's is highly unlikely. 1930's is possible but I'd want a higher certainty about the date than this Ebay listing offers.

I'm curious as to why the seller says it is before 1935 - such a specific statement, suggesting there is something about the jacket that indicates this. I did contact him to ask but his reply last night did not address this. I might ask again. He did say that in very good condition this jacket would be priced at least $900. But what you say, Cooper A2, is noteworthy. I may pass on this just because I'd want to be more certain.

tmitchell59, what a happy coincidence to encounter you here because I have been watching your YouTube videos the past few nights!

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Regarding the stated date... makes a better selling... if someone believes it...from the 30ies.
I wont and for sure a few others as well...

 

[John Bechet]

Thanks Guppy, I do take your point. My heart isn't set on it, I may well pass. I certainly don't want to spend this amount and be disappointed, because of suspicion of the genuine date at least as much as the condition. I appreciate your advice.

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[John Bechet]

Cooper A-2, re stating a date for better sale, the odd thing is he is selling a similar jacket for the same price which he states is 1940's. I wouldn't be curious if his 1930's one was priced higher.

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