Bonneville
One of the Regulars
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Superb jacket Coop. How would you characterize the look, feel and density of the veg. tan compared to the chrome tan? Very interested.
Cooperson said:Being a fan of Californian style jackets I have drooled over the Goodwear 40's style Ventura for a long time. Today, I finally have one in the house.
Although quite similar in style to my Aero Californian, it is shorter with a vintage trim fit. The quality of the workmanship is something to behold and the front quarter horse is beautiful - not quite as rigid as my Highwayman was fresh out the box. The hide is still heavy but pliable and I get the feeling it with break in quite quickly as the grain is already showing.
Basic details are: Vintage sized 42" (trim fit). Russet brown, vegetable-tanned, aniline finished front quarter horsehide. Action back. Reproduction riveted main zipper with Waldes name (copy of 1937 Talon zipper).Vintage Talon ball-chain zipper in chest pocket. Inner snap pocket and a burgundy rayon lining.
My only concern is that it might be a little too trim in the fit for me, so I would very much appreciate opinions of how it looks. Here are the pics:
Bonneville said:Superb jacket Coop. How would you characterize the look, feel and density of the veg. tan compared to the chrome tan? Very interested.
Cooperson said:jon z - You're right, I do over analyze thing I'm afraid, it's in my nature. It was just the shock of feeling a jacket hug the body when you zip it up. John Chapman has given me a tip on easing out the leather, which I will try. If I ever decide I can't live with it any more, I will give you a shout
Cooperson said:Papa M - That's great looking Californian! Have you got a back view of you wearing it? It would be interesting to compare.
Cooperson said:That's a good question Bonneville. It's different, but in a good way. My medium weight Aero has an almost spray painted look about it and no smell to it at all. This has filled the house with that lovely horsehide aroma, just like my heavy horse Highwayman did. The feel of this is heavy but pliable, not quite as heavy as the Highwayman but still substantial. As to the look - it's hard to put into words. The hide is a very even color, all over the jacket, which I like, but doesn't look painted like the medium Aero horse. It's probably not as translucent a finish as the Highwayman but equally as gorgeous and the grain is breaking out all over it already.
I've tried to do my best with the description, but assessing leather is a very subjective thing. I love the Aero heavy horse and I now love this too. Let's just say, I don't think you would be disappointed if you got your hands on one.
Cheers
Bonneville said:From reading about veg. tan vs. chrome (if I'm not mistaken) I understand that the veg tan tends to leave the leather with a feeling of greater density (which can be felt and appreciated) as compared to chrome tanned which slightly "plumps up" the feeling of the leather. I think the denser the feeling to leather the better it is. Some cheap/poor? chrome tan leather almost feels like foam when you handle it, yech!
Did you happen to notice the density when handling yours?
Cooperson said:Papa M - Thanks for the pictures. You're right, the half belt is lower on the Aero but it's also longer and a much fuller pattern altogether. Great looking jacket!
Navin323i said:Hi Cooperson... the jacket looks AMAZING!!!! It definitely fits you perfectly. I noticed you're wearing a shirt underneath the jacket... do you see yourself ever wearing a sweater underneath the jacket and if so then how is the jacket fitment with a sweater on?