Tips when buying vintage leather jacket?

[Manoman]

Are there some things to look for to determine whether a 1930s-50s leather jacket is high quality when you don't know the maker or if there is a maker but you don't recognize the name? Material, zipper brand, etc?

I am sure some of you experts have some wisdom to provide....

 

[Guppy]

Are there some things to look for to determine whether a 1930s-50s leather jacket is high quality when you don't know the maker or if there is a maker but you don't recognize the name? Material, zipper brand, etc?

I am sure some of you experts have some wisdom to provide....

Basically, with vintage you're looking for style and condition. If it's held up this long, and is in good condition, it's probably well made.

But all the basic stuff still applies. How thick is the leather. Is the stitching neat and precise, etc.

 

[ButteMT61]

Tough question. If you can see, hold and try it on, the better chances of getting a good jacket.
If it's eBay, forums, etc., then it's tougher.
Also, are you buying to wear it or as a collector's item? If the former, get the measurements and make sure that you measure something you already own and like the fit of.
I got some steals on old jackets that turned out to be amazing pieces - only thing I needed were pics and numbers.
If you're looking for "investment" pieces, then it's an altogether different ballgame with more knowledge and more questions needed...

 

[tropicalbob]

As Butte just said, it depends on what you want out of it. Personally, as I'd only buy a jacket for the purpose of wearing and keeping it, I'll usually go with a modern remake by an established maker. They're often better made than the originals and will conform to your body shape. Whenever I do see a beautiful old jacket, and you see plenty of them here, I try to remind myself that it's a piece of eighty-year-old skin. Still, you occasionally see something that's not likely to be reproduced for any number of reasons and that might speak to you. For instance, last year I bought a late-Forties capeskin from Terry Mitchell (of this parish, as a certain member would say) because it resembled the Aero Highwayman but was very lightweight and considerably more fitted: I'd never seen anything quite like it and haven't since. Generally, though, and especially if you're just getting into it, I'd spend a bit extra and get something you know you'll like and you'll wear. You might want to keep an eye on the Aero Sales page or on the Classifieds here, where you might find something that's been lightly worn and still in excellent condition. I'd beware a lot of the stuff on Ebay. Very tricky waters.

 

[AeroFan_07]

Tricky indeed. Perhaps a "Practice run" with a slightly less desirable vintage jacket makes sense the first time around. So Manoman since you do not indicate, what is your experance with Leathers in general? Have you owned some and have a realistic idea as to types, styles, quality, brands, fit, etc?

Here's perhaps the hardest part - our physcial body shapes have changed, and gotten larger, over the past 100+ years. As per the historian I took a tour with at the Iowa State Capital, back in 1880 when the capital was built the average Male in America was apx 5'6" and weiged around 140 lbs. That's quite a bit different than today. She indicated this to us as we all tried to squeeze into the rather tight quarters of the seating area for the public above the House of Representatives. This explained why the seats were so tight and spaced so close together. (It could also be that wanted the public to get uncomfortable and leave soon after arriving instead of watching proceedings?? )

In any case, for someone like me - 6'1" and 195 lbs, it's not easy to find any vintage jackets, leather or otherwise that actually fit. You would not probably want to get one of these, then find out it's not a good fit...

 

[ButteMT61]

^ Good points on fit. Vintage jackets tend to run small. Never go by tag size. Not even on new jackets.
Make sure you get good numbers. Only way to go.
Also, be honest about your own body. If you're skinny, maybe a highwayman style won't work. Likewise, if you're rotund, no fitted styles made for wiry physiques.

 

[tmitchell59]

Are there some things to look for to determine whether a 1930s-50s leather jacket is high quality when you don't know the maker or if there is a maker but you don't recognize the name? Material, zipper brand, etc?

I am sure some of you experts have some wisdom to provide....

You want tips on what to look for as far as style, leather, etc?

 

[tmitchell59]

I'm full of Tips, but they would just get you into trouble.

Click on my youtube channel there are many videos that may help. This one shows some very nice condition Jackets

 

[ButteMT61]

^^ Yeah, keep away from @tmitchell59 if you care about your bank account...

 

[AeroFan_07]

These guys have all done a great job getting me and my account in more trouble