Want to buy or sell something? Check the classifieds
  • The Fedora Lounge is supported in part by commission earning affiliate links sitewide. Please support us by using them. You may learn more here.

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.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
109,256
Messages
3,077,430
Members
54,183
Latest member
UrbanGraveDave
Top