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Vintage Belstaff Trialmaster...help please

havocpaul

One of the Regulars
Messages
223
Location
London, England
This morning I visited a local militaria show and one dealer had tucked away his personal old Belstaff Trialmaster jacket which he was selling; I spotted it was a vintage one and despite it needing a few repairs I thought it worth the £15 he let me have it for. It fits me well as a size 42 chest, the collar and lining are in good nick and the Lightning zip works well. There are a few tears to the surface made worse by the fact he had covered them with what appears to be 'gaffer'tape which after I removed it has left a residue...any ideas on cleaning it off? I will cover the damaged areas with similar wax cotton material so I can wear it. From these pics of the label, zip and Newey studs any ideas on date....many thanks

http://www.flickr.com/photos/havocpaul/?saved=1
 

pipvh

Practically Family
Messages
644
Location
England
£15 for a 1960s Trialmaster? Nice one!

re the sticky stuff, you could try lighter fluid, but DEFINITELY do a test first...
 

JanSolo

Practically Family
Messages
879
Location
Ever so sunny Westphalia, Germany
Lighter fuel is a good idea. After that you could give the jacket a gentle hand wash using luke warm water and mild hair shampoo... don't forget to take care of the corduroy inside of the collar.
Let the jacket air dry on a wide hanger. After patching up the torn areas (best done by a seamstress, propably done from the inside) the jacket needs a full rewax. I recommend Barbour's dressing which is a soft and odourless synthetic wax. Pre-heat the can in hot water and give the jacket a good coat. Use a hairdryer to melt the wax in evenly. Store it in a warm place (boiler room) for a day or two and then wipe off the residue. Don't forget to treat the belt as well;)
 

havocpaul

One of the Regulars
Messages
223
Location
London, England
Thanks for advice, I got the sticky residue off by sponging with cold water and gentle rubbing with my fingers, took ages but worked. Jacket is with a local tailor/seamstress, they seemed to know what they were talking about and I found some wax cotton material from a beat-up old jacket that can be sewn to patch and repair, it will be ready on Thursday, all being well I'll have myself a nice wearable jacket for a fraction of the price of a new or vintage one. So the red label is 1960's, wasn't sure of the date era.
 

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