Original BUCO Leather Jacket - Information Needed

[Michael Doherty]

My father-in-law recently passed away at 87 years old and left us this beautiful jacket.

It was purchased circa 1951-52 I believe. He went into the army for 2 years and came back and it no longer fit him. The first photograph is circa 1952 with him and my mother in law riding near the family farm along the NY/PA border

IT has been kept in a cedar chest for nearly 70 years. I have done some research and know these original BUCOs are collectors item. By my research I think this JH1/J21/J22
I am looking to sell this at a fair price but not top price. This would mean more to someone else than me.

Any confirmation of the exact model and insight into price would be appreciated.

 

[Infinitum]

Wow.

You may find this thread helpful in determining price, history, etc.

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/thr...-label-j-24-style-age-value-help-value.98944/

 

[Aloysius]

My condolences and prayers for your family in this time of loss, Michael.

This is a beautiful jacket and family memory. It’s certainly caught my eye and seems to have a lot of life left in it. I like how minimalist the design is.

 

[jonesy86]

I send my condolences as well. Very cool photo and jacket!

 

[photo2u]

I send my condolences. Love the jacket. Late forties to early fifties. The size is vital to me. I think the size 44 is a huge factor in the price. Other important factors in the jacket makes it more valuable, are: The condition, which is excellent. The zip pulls looks great. I truly hope the male sections of the zip is also in good condition. For the missing stops, There is a seller who still makes the same shaped bars on the shoulders. I got the link from a member who kindly shared it to us in one of his post. I have seen such jackets around 1200 to 1500 US dollars on some sites. Good luck with the jacket.

 

[tmitchell59]

Your father in law bought a nice one and probably around the dates you mentioned.

The lining and label indicate that time frame. This does make it an early jacket and a plus.

It also looks to be in excellent condition, another big plus.

Size 44 another big plus, larger sizes are in demand.

I don't know the model number, but others here will know. I do know it is not a common model, so not sure how they hold up against the others price wise.

You will have interest in the jacket right here, just wait.

The picture is priceless!

 

[t4halo]

Great picture and great jacket. Is the bike sitting in the garage?

T4

 

[Michael Doherty]

I send my condolences. Love the jacket. Late forties to early fifties. The size is vital to me. I think the size 44 is a huge factor in the price. Other important factors in the jacket makes it more valuable, are: The condition, which is excellent. The zip pulls looks great. I truly hope the male sections of the zip is also in good condition. For the missing stops, There is a seller who still makes the same shaped bars on the shoulders. I got the link from a member who kindly shared it to us in one of his post. I have seen such jackets around 1200 to 1500 US dollars on some sites. Good luck with the jacket.

Thanks for the insight. Would appreciate if you could pass along the link for the shaped bars.

 

[AeroFan_07]

Michael - you have indeed come to the right place.

My condolances - thoughts & prayers due to the passing of your father.

That is indeed quite the jacket. Could you take measurements of the jacket -
https://kiwisizing.com/blog/steps-to-measure-a-jacket/

• Pit to Pit
• Shouders
• Sleeves
• Back length
• Waist

This will help out possible buyers a lot. Looks well taken care of.

100% agree the photo of him at the beginning is priceless!

 

[photo2u]

Thanks for the insight. Would appreciate if you could pass along the link for the shaped bars.

This is the original threat: Buco high dome bars | The Fedora Lounge
Canuck Panda share the excellent link: https://standardrivet.com/shop/dome-spot/

 

[EdwardABC]

That’s an incredible jacket and in my size. Reminds me of one my grandfather had that unfortunately was lost in his older age. Would definitely love to hear how much you’re asking for once you’ve determined your price!

 

[Blackadder]

My guess is it is a early model J-71 or the predecessor of a J-71. It is a rarer jacket than a J-22 but the J-22 is the more popular or more sought after model.
I think there is a sketch of this jacket in this 1955 Buco catalogue.
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/mint-original-vintage-1955-buco-1869492262

 

[58panheadfan]

2nd Label and style indicates it's an early 1950 Buco Jacket... maybe a J-7* not sure which type but it could be, as mentioned above an early model J-71, because of type of lining. These days manufactures mixed an matched often left over fabrics... or it could be a custom made one too.

 

[Michael Doherty]

2nd Label and style indicates it's an early 1950 Buco Jacket... maybe a J-7* not sure which type but it could be, as mentioned above an early model J-71, because of type of lining. These days manufactures mixed an matched often left over fabrics... or it could be a custom made one too.

Thanks for the insight. I see now that this jacket was not mass produced and is going to be a bit tougher to value. Anyone have any thoughts on a reasonable value? I know it is difficult question....

 

[Marc mndt]

Thanks for the insight. I see now that this jacket was not mass produced and is going to be a bit tougher to value. Anyone have any thoughts on a reasonable value? I know it is difficult question....

$3k on eBay
Maybe even more because it's 1) rare 2) decent size

 

[AeroFan_07]

^^ Yep, that's likely a good place to start...

 

[Will Zach]

If you do put it on eBay, make lots of good, sharp pictures including measurements as described by @AeroFan_07 in post #9. Pictures showing the measuring tape will save you answering questions from interested parties. This will be a big-ticket item as far as jackets go, so people will want to know precise measurements and condition. You can also try to sell it here and save yourself eBay fees and taxes. People are very knowledgeable here, but eBay audience is obviously bigger. Buco name and condition will get attention. I agree, start with $3K and see what happens. If you can take your time, take it, finding the right buyer for your price may take time. Run an eBay search for SOLD Bucos to see how much they have been going for. Yours is in great condition and should command a much higher price than a beat-up Buco, no matter what sellers say about a desirable "patina", lol.

 

[Michael Doherty]

If you do put it on eBay, make lots of good, sharp pictures including measurements as described by @AeroFan_07 in post #9. Pictures showing the measuring tape will save you answering questions from interested parties. This will be a big-ticket item as far as jackets go, so people will want to know precise measurements and condition. You can also try to sell it here and save yourself eBay fees and taxes. People are very knowledgeable here, but eBay audience is obviously bigger. Buco name and condition will get attention. I agree, start with $3K and see what happens. If you can take your time, take it, finding the right buyer for your price may take time. Run an eBay search for SOLD Bucos to see how much they have been going for. Yours is in great condition and should command a much higher price than a beat-up Buco, no matter what sellers say about a desirable "patina", lol.

Thanks for the input. Big help to a newbie. I got plenty of time and just want to be smart but not greedy about this.

 

[ton312]

Man in this condition, and the sheer scarcity of the model…not to mention the personal history….hard to put a dollar value on that. I sell an absolute shit ton of jackets, but the vintage ones, those I keep. This is a keeper if ever there was one. Too much of everything to leave to the wolves on eBay. And no offense to my brothers here but they shouldn’t have it either (myself included). This is a family heirloom. It should be framed with that photo!

 

[Will Zach]

Keeper for sure, as Ton said, but if OP has already decided to let it go because "this would mean more to someone else than me", then a sale at The Fedora Lounge should be encouraged. Ebay is full of flippers and scamsters, while the TFL crowd is passionate about their jackets, genuinely good people, and much less likely to flip for profit. It is more likely that the jacket will be cherished here.