Original M-422A care advice

[Xopher]

Howdy gang, I recently picked up a beautiful original Gordon and Ferguson M-422A for a really good price. The leather is in amazing condition with original knits and talon zipper. I plan on wearing it regularly. This is my first old jacket and I wanted to ask you folks about how best to care for it. The leather feels a tad dry and I like to use something to soften it up and keep it from cracking in the future. What do you recommend for old jackets? Ive used Obenaufs leather care product on new leather and it seems to work well but I didnt know if there is anything to look for specifically for vintage. Also the original tag inside the jacket is torn and only hanging on by the bottom threads, should I take it off the rest of the way to preserve the tag or sew it back on to the lining? Same with some minor holes in the lining, there are 2 one inch long cuts in the lining where it wore thin, should I have those repaired or leave them as is? Are there certain things you should absolutely never do with old war jackets? Ill try to get some pictures or a video up by this weekend. Thank you folks.

 

[aswatland]

The Gordon and Ferguson M422A is IMO the most stylish of the M422A contracts. This contract was produced in relatively large numbers judging by the number of originals that come up for sale. There are various leather feeds used by members here. I have used Pecards Antique Leather Dressing on my Wartime jackets for years with excellent results. Yes I would carefully re-sew the label to the lining and also repair the lining as the cuts will get worse when the jacket is worn on a regular basis.