Vintage All Weather Horsehide Jacket Restoration

[tmitchell59]

I have known David Sheeley for a couple of years. I met him through posting on this forum..at least that is what I remember. I don't know Dave's user name here or think he post much here. We started talking about Vintage Jacket restoration and other topics about leather jackets. He was already well known for his Military Jacket restorations so he has the chops. We started discussing making leather jackets. I consulted with Dave, sent him pics measurements. He ask my opinion o styles, sizes, leathers etc. I showed him new jackets I bought and he gave me feedback..he is a big Fan of the Monarch Brand. Monarch made Military and Civilian Jackets out of Milwaukee Wisconsin. I happened to own a couple of Monarch Jackets. Dave knows his stuff about construction and can identify and date jackets like an archeologist. I learned a lot from him.

I decided to have him re-line this All Weather police jacket. We agreed on the lining materials then I decided I wanted a detachable collar. He took great pains to get all the details worked out. He even sought out the proper snaps for the collar.

In the Video I outline more details of the work he did. It is superb as is Dave.

 

[BobJ]

Wow, that's amazing! It's like that jacket rose from the dead!

 

[tmitchell59]

Dave and I have discussed many jackets on ebay. Sharing our interest and his knowledge. When I saw this Monarch I thought of Dave's interest in the Monarch Brand. I liked the look of the jacket even though I did not know anything about the maker. I didn't tell Dave about the jacket. I buy so many I thought he may think I was crazy to risk money on an unknown, but the Jacket looked like quality.

I bought the jacket, but it is too big so I decided to place it in an ad here. Dave saw the ad and let me know He made the Jacket for a customer! I pulled the jacket sale. Crazy! Here is is.

 

[Peacoat]

He did a great job on the liner, and you did a great job on reconditioning the leather. Looks like a new one, but with character.

 

[ton312]

Two beautiful jackets there TM. I have to say, your choices always suit you very well indeed. Love the cop coat especially. Awesome stuff.

 

[AeroFan_07]

Truly amazing Terry!! Both these jackets, your restored Police jacket as well as Dave's Monarch brand jacket he made, are very, very rare, hand-made and re-hand made jackets! What a rarity in today's throwaway society that you could run across both of these. Wonderful products that you are the steward of there.

 

[tmitchell59]

I guess I'm known here as a bit of a nut when it comes to the Leathers, Old and New. My lack of income is all that keeps me having a whole lot more.

Dave's Monarch brand jacket he made, are very, very rare, hand-made and re-hand made jackets! What a rarity in today's throwaway society that you could run across both of these. Wonderful products that you are the steward of there.

I told Dave I would do a Thread. I know he is busy working on just what you said Randy,,a re-build of a Monarch I traded him with pieces of others. I'll try to get him to show some pics of it. I've got another project or two, but he is busy. I'll have to copy his description of the Monarch. I'd like to see the Monrach on someone the right size. we have discussed several other ideas and Dave has made several nice Jackets.

 

[navetsea]

very neat work! both jackets looks great

 

[rocketeer]

I like that Police jacket quite a lot, really because of it's simplicity rather than all the D pockets and key pockets etc.
The lining in the original photo is still generally available, I would think in the States too. Known as 'shot silk', a sort of green/red iridescence, I'm surprised this was not used in the restoration.
Nice Jacket

 

[Benny Holiday]

I guess I'm known here as a bit of a nut when it comes to the Leathers, Old and New. My lack of income is all that keeps me having a whole lot more.

This should be adopted as the formal motto of the Fedora Lounge Outerwear Section!

We never get enough of seeing your jackets Terry. They're history that's still living, thanks to you and David Sheeley.

 

[Monitor]

More!? Now I wonder how many jackets you would have bought otherwise. You practically need another room just for the ones you have right now!

 

[tmitchell59]

I like that Police jacket quite a lot, really because of it's simplicity rather than all the D pockets and key pockets etc.
The lining in the original photo is still generally available, I would think in the States too. Known as 'shot silk', a sort of green/red iridescence, I'm surprised this was not used in the restoration.
Nice Jacket

I like this style myself. I never considered duplicating the original lining. I had my mind set on what we ended up doing. I would guess Dave could access the original materials. He does so on his Military restorations.

The leather has wear on the one sleeve. Im just more careful when I wear this one.

 

[tmitchell59]

This should be adopted as the formal motto of the Fedora Lounge Outerwear Section!

We never get enough of seeing your jackets Terry. They're history that's still living, thanks to you and David Sheeley.

I do appreciate hearing your comments and getting positive feedback. It would be much less interesting without this forum. I have several other Jackets coming up, New and Old.

More!? Now I wonder how many jackets you would have bought otherwise. You practically need another room just for the ones you have right now!

If I had the $$$ I would go to Japan and buy, buy, buy. I've got a couple of Buzz Rickson and really salivate looking at the Japanese Brands.

 

[Pdxgeo]

Where is David located? I am wanting to have a collar made for my Diamond Dave Beck when I get it from Dave. I was going to send it to Shaul in NY but if David is closer to Portland, OR perhaps I can contact him. His work is clearly top notch.

 

[Monitor]

If I had the $$$ I would go to Japan and buy, buy, buy. I've got a couple of Buzz Rickson and really salivate looking at the Japanese Brands.

Me too. First I would raid the Yahoo Auctions and then while waiting for the several dozen packages to arrive, I would spend every moment searching the streets of Tokyo, looking for those crazy jacket shops.

Japan is kinda weird like that... If you're a fan of anything, Japan is the place to be. There are countless people going there for the cartoons, video games, electronics, etc. Who would've thought that of all the places in the world, Japan would become a mecca for the American and British made leather jackets and boots from the bygone era.

 

[tmitchell59]

Where is David located? I am wanting to have a collar made for my Diamond Dave Beck when I get it from Dave. I was going to send it to Shaul in NY but if David is closer to Portland, OR perhaps I can contact him. His work is clearly top notch.

Dave is in Virginia Beach VA. I'll message you his email. He just contacted me for some feedback on sleeve cuff openings on a jacket he is restoring. I send him numbers for this and that all the time. contact him.

 

[tmitchell59]

Me too. First I would raid the Yahoo Auctions and then while waiting for the several dozen packages to arrive, I would spend every moment searching the streets of Tokyo, looking for those crazy jacket shops.

Japan is kinda weird like that... If you're a fan of anything, Japan is the place to be. There are countless people going there for the cartoons, video games, electronics, etc. Who would've thought that of all the places in the world, Japan would become a mecca for the American and British made leather jackets and boots from the bygone era.

I Traded in Vintage acoustic guitars for many years. I sold several guitars to Japan. Their knowledge, collections, appreciation is well known. Yes, I have been on the auction site and pull myself away. I've got enough now to keep me busy.

 

[Maverickson]

Terry,

I'm so pleased that your ALL WEATHER jacket turned out as well as it did. Moreover, I appreciate your kudos.

Currently, I'm in the midst of transforming that Monarch jacket used as a trade and catalyst for your project. When I complete refurbishing that Monarch jacket you will not recognize it. Once done I'll be certain to add it to this thread.

There is just no substitute for 70 to 80 year old vintage leather.

Cheers, Dave

 

[tmitchell59]

Terry,

I'm so pleased that your ALL WEATHER jacket turned out as well as it did. Moreover, I appreciate your kudos.

Currently, I'm in the midst of transforming that Monarch jacket used as a trade and catalyst for your project. When I complete refurbishing that Monarch jacket you will not recognize it. Once done I'll be certain to add it to this thread.

There is just no substitute for 70 to 80 year old vintage leather.

Cheers, Dave

Hey Dave, Look forward to the Monarch re-make. I will get you those measurements, just forgot.

 

[Maverickson]

Hi All,

Just completed the remake for that trade jacket. As seen when received.



As a finished product.









Along the way I made a few changes & upgrade's. Among those changes was the addition of an action back, new collar and switched out those belted cuffs for buttoned. In addition, I added two inside map pockets and upgraded both the main and cigarette pocket zippers.

This jacket and the fact that it is so well broken in is now by far the most comfortable Horsehide jacket I own.

Cheers, Dave