58panheadfan
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,661
- Location
- Switzerland
First of all, it's a nice jacket no doubt... but I almost sure it's a reproduction.
In 1951, J21 was improved and renamed to J22 (with red an black plaid wool lining) an J23 (black rayon quilted lining). J24 came out 1953 as standard with 3rd Label an nylon quilted lining. J21 to J23 standard jackets had only one "map" pocket zipper at left side, but J24 has two "handwarmer" pockets on each side (Rin Tanaka's Book "Ultimate Biker's Fashions" pages 80, 81 & 114).
On the other side, if you go to Rin's Book carefully some jackets shows a mishmash probably produced in transition period (Rin Tanaka's Book "A Century of Leather Design" shows a J22 Jacket with 3rd Label and red x black plaid lining and on page 93 a J22 with two handwarmer pockets).
For sure posted Jacket isn't a J21 because epaulets (UBF Book page 81 and I had an original one some yrs ago). It could be a J22 or J24 using features from each other standards or it's a period custom made one.
But why I guessing it's a reproduction? As mentioned before I have never seen on pictures or for real an original Buco Jacket with frenchseams in positions as shown on posted jacket (upper back and inside sleeve). Of course Buco's have french seams (incl. my original J65 from 1951 successor of JH1 and +/- same period as posted jacket) at the kidney panel section on lower back but from my experience and what I have seen all other seams are folded. Also often a clear reference to an original are the press studs. Studs on my J65 from 1951 are stamped with "United Carr" on back side. If they're plain, then hmmmm...
However, as said before still a nice jacket but root of the matter is: Was it sold to you as an original? For originals, knowing their history is always good, this increases safety and value.. not only for leather jackets. Maybe someone who knows more about vintage leather jackets can bring some light into the dark...
In 1951, J21 was improved and renamed to J22 (with red an black plaid wool lining) an J23 (black rayon quilted lining). J24 came out 1953 as standard with 3rd Label an nylon quilted lining. J21 to J23 standard jackets had only one "map" pocket zipper at left side, but J24 has two "handwarmer" pockets on each side (Rin Tanaka's Book "Ultimate Biker's Fashions" pages 80, 81 & 114).
On the other side, if you go to Rin's Book carefully some jackets shows a mishmash probably produced in transition period (Rin Tanaka's Book "A Century of Leather Design" shows a J22 Jacket with 3rd Label and red x black plaid lining and on page 93 a J22 with two handwarmer pockets).
For sure posted Jacket isn't a J21 because epaulets (UBF Book page 81 and I had an original one some yrs ago). It could be a J22 or J24 using features from each other standards or it's a period custom made one.
But why I guessing it's a reproduction? As mentioned before I have never seen on pictures or for real an original Buco Jacket with frenchseams in positions as shown on posted jacket (upper back and inside sleeve). Of course Buco's have french seams (incl. my original J65 from 1951 successor of JH1 and +/- same period as posted jacket) at the kidney panel section on lower back but from my experience and what I have seen all other seams are folded. Also often a clear reference to an original are the press studs. Studs on my J65 from 1951 are stamped with "United Carr" on back side. If they're plain, then hmmmm...
However, as said before still a nice jacket but root of the matter is: Was it sold to you as an original? For originals, knowing their history is always good, this increases safety and value.. not only for leather jackets. Maybe someone who knows more about vintage leather jackets can bring some light into the dark...
