Vintage Buco-J22, Sz 44. FT or maybe FS

[BloodEagle]

Putting this up to see if there’s any interest in trades at present - absolutely phenomenal vintage Buco J-22 from the late 40s/v early 50s I think. In unreal condition given its 70+ yr age - so much so that some may remember when I showed it off here many doubted that it could possibly be genuine. Well, as that punishingly long and detailed thread revealed, it is, and Ive been fortunate enough to have owned it for just over a year. However, I have never actually worn it out – partly because of limited opportunity to in lockdown UK, but also partly because Im a little nervous of leaving it on a chair and getting it stolen or damaging it in some way . Its been safely stored away in my closet since purchase – I know, a real shame and not what these jackets are for. Ahead of putting it up for a straight sale I would be interested in swapping for something by Real McCoys, Freewheelers, etc etc in a similar size which I may actually get an opportunity to wear. Based in the UK but happy sending internationally. Please do message me with any interest, or also if it comes to a straight sale what do you guys think would be a fair price here or on ebay?

Measurements as follows -
Pit to pit - 23"
Length from base of collar to hem - 25"
Shoulder to shoulder - 19.5"
Arm - shoulder seam to hem - 26"

Im not 100% sure Im doing the right thing, but go easy on me if this seems like a dumb move or whatever ha. Pics below (more pics of specific bits available on request) -

 

[bretron]

OMG I would LOVE to own this!!

 

[tmitchell59]

Oh my!

 

[AeroFan_07]

Very nice. Do you have the measurements for this jacket?

 

[BloodEagle]

Measurements added to first post.

 

[ton312]

There is no such thing as a fair price for an original in this condition. If you do a bit of research (ebay, etsy, etc) you will find others in far worse condition listed at plus or minus $2K. If this is a true original, in this condition, the only fair asking price is impossible to speculate and as far as trade goes...a gold plated, diamond encrusted, living unicorn (which is far more common than a Buco in this condition) might be fair.

Personally, I would not relinquish it. As time goes on it's value can only grow. Trading it for some Japanese imitation would be a terrible idea IMHO b/c those jackets (as with all other repros) only lose value. Perhaps I've said too much. Good luck with it, whatever you decide. If this were mine I would have a very high ask indeed.

 

[gtrplyr]

PM sent...

 

[photo2u]

Nice!

 

[Will Zach]

Lord have mercy!

 

[photo2u]

I was thinking. This nice jacket samples should be photograph is detail to preserve how originals are. This is jacket is like a time machine that needs to be properly documented. I did notice several things on the zippers and I am very curious how to dome bars are being held. One of my bucos I have a dual rivets and some have a much lower quality design. I am betting that this one is a two rivet production.

 

[Jin431]

That looks like it's brand new, such a shame that you are thinking of moving this on

 

[Kuro]

I would throw money at this.

It would be amazing.

 

[BloodEagle]

Thankyou to everyone for all of the interest - I've received a lot of messages with a lot of great offers, but having slept on it and had a chance to think I'm going to keep it after all. As some have already mentioned I would be, to put it mildly, foolish trading this for a MIJ repro - as much as I like some of them (I own enough of them already). A straight sale doesnt really appeal either I dont think, realistically Im never going to find another one of these so regardless of how much I paid, how do you price something like that?

Apologies to all the messages I havent yet had a chance to reply to, hopefully this thread update provides enough explanation, and apologies also for wasting anyones time. My wife has also breathed a sigh of relief as an antiques dealer (albiet one who knows nothing about vintage leather jackets), she also felt I was makng an unfortunate decision. Thanks again everyone and all the best

 

[photo2u]

Can you take some more images and share with us?

 

[BloodEagle]

Sure if people would be interested I can

 

[Will Zach]

^^
If you have it, you can also post the link to the original thread. I remember it well, rivets and snaps were discussed. This is a museum piece, so cool.

 

[58panheadfan]

Thank you to everyone for all of the interest... but having slept on it and had a chance to think I'm going to keep it after all.

Wise decision to keep the jacket ... an original remains an original ... even if the exceptional condition of the jacket raises doubts. Detailed photos of the zippers, snaps, inside cuffs, threads etc. are very welcome.

 

[BloodEagle]

It is an original. Here is the thread from over a year ago where this was gone into in some depth.
https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/new-old-buco-j22-pics.100657/

 

[58panheadfan]

Cool... however detail photos are much appreciated, especially you won't see a lot of originals in these immaculate condition.

 

[photo2u]

Sure if people would be interested I can

Hi, I am very interested! Would it be possible to see the button part of the epaulets. I want to see how the silver bars are fastened to the leather in the epaulets.