Vintage Half-Belt in the house - Nice Grain!

[Cooperson]

Just managed to snag this really nice old half-belt and just had to share some pics of the lovely graining on it. The label is missing, so I don't know anything about it, but judging by the grain I would think it has to be horsehide. As for the age, I'm guessing 1940's but I would welcome opinions from you more knowledgeable vintage jacket guys.

The pockets are lined with an olive green cotton drill, the body has an alpaca type lining and the sleeves are overlaid with a quilted satin. The zip is brass Talon. The style reminds me of a long half belt but not quite as long in the body - almost a LHB/Californian hybrid. The hide is really soft but has a nice heft to it and the graining is some of the nicest I have ever seen.

All in all a beautiful jacket and I should be happy but unfortunately there is a snag - why is there always a snag with leather jackets When I first opened the parcel I thought that at last I had found a Holy Grail of leather jackets, but on trying it on I knew there was something wrong - the sleeves where just too damn short! Not by a bit either, I would say at least 1 1/2". I know it probably looks ok with my hands in the pockets, but with my arms down my side the sleeves look short!!!

This might sound crazy, but is there any way sleeves can be lengthened? If not, it's either walk round with my hands in my pockets or let this beauty go

Enjoy the pics!

 

[Seb Lucas]

Nice. You could consider adding knits to the sleeve. A number of the old Winward long halfbelts have that feature. It may not be possible with those cuffs.

 

[oldcrow82]

That is an amazing jacket Cooperson. I think I would walk around with your hands in your pockets or with short sleeves, that jacket is GORGEOUS!

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Nice coat Cooperson.
I don't know of any way to lengthen the sleeves on most leather coats. Even if they could be let out they would probably leave an unsightly crease. I used to have the same problem collecting vintage jackets. Rarely did I find one with long enough sleeves...but I take at least a 25 1/2 sleeve length to suit my satisfaction.
HD

 

[too much coffee]

Good score Cooperson!
Superb patina and graining. Maybe you could wear gloves with the jacket. It wouldn't necessarily look out of place. Or maybe it would. I don't know, try it.
Great fit otherwise. What size jacket do you wear?

Regards,
coffee

 

[Cooperson]

Thanks Guys:

Seb - I did think of knitted cuffs, but thought they might look a bit odd on a coat like this.


oldcrow82 - Thanks, I was seriously thinking of just keeping my hands in the pockets but it really looks short with them out.

HD - I'm always searching for that one perfect vintage jacket - not found it yet, probably never will, but I still enjoy the hunt

coffee - Will try the gloves, you never know. I'm a 40" chest and can zip this up ok, but it would be more suited to a 38" I think.

This sounds crazy but I was wondering if the cuffs could be cut off and a new, longer one added - using old leather of course.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Thanks Guys:

This sounds crazy but I was wondering if the cuffs could be cut off and a new, longer one added - using old leather of course.

You know..that might not be so far fetched...maybe doable. If it was me..I would only have Aero try it. I know that they can replace sleeve cuffs 'on their' jackets to lengthen sleeves. Perhaps they could match that old leather as well.
HD

 

[ButteMT61]

I agree with HD. Have Aero take a look. I bet they could cut them off and add new ones. Maybe like mine style-wise with buttons. Great looking coat! I'd give it a shot!

 

[Oldsarge]

Now you need to get a vintage Indian to ride while you're wearing it!

 

[Peacoat]

We need to see a pic with your hands out of your pockets so we can tell how short it is.

I have the same problem with sleeves; I need at least a 26" sleeve to make me feel comfortable.

I like the idea of letting Aero have a go at it, if they would be willing to do it. And the company is right there next door to you.

Nice find, it looks a treat.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Thanks Guys:

Seb - I did think of knitted cuffs, but thought they might look a bit odd on a coat like this.

This sounds crazy but I was wondering if the cuffs could be cut off and a new, longer one added - using old leather of course.

Actually, knit cuffs are period accurate on jacket exactly like that a HH1950's long helf-belt. I have a photo somewhere...

But getting longer leather cuffs from Aero in vintage leather with a reasonable colour match may well be the answer.

 

[EmergencyIan]

Wow, that's quite a fine looking jacket!

- Ian

 

[billyb]

Wow, that jacket has worn nicely! You have to at least explore some options because it looks really swell on you.

And don't feel bad, I have purchased three used jackets over the past three months, all Schotts, and everyone of them are too short in the sleeves...among other things. Heck, I even purchased a brand new Fox Creek Bomber for riding my Harley which is a thing of beauty. The fit was great expect it was literally 4-5 inches too long. Like chasing a Red Herring at times!

Nice coat Cooperson.
I don't know of any way to lengthen the sleeves on most leather coats. Even if they could be let out they would probably leave an unsightly crease. I used to have the same problem collecting vintage jackets. Rarely did I find one with long enough sleeves...but I take at least a 25 1/2 sleeve length to suit my satisfaction.
HD

I have the same darn problem with short sleeves...and overall length. I have the chest, shoulders, and arms of a 6'2" linebacker with a 36" inseam, but I'm only 5'10". This equals a really short torso. When I do find a shirt or jacket that fits up top, it turns into a dress. I'm confident that my ancestors evolved to chase Mammoths and chuck spears at them. There's probably a reason I was nicknamed Bigfoot and Yeti in the Army. I take a 27" sleeve with at least a 22" shoulder to shoulder...doesn't seem to exist in a 46" chest, especially vintage.

At some point a man just says, "screw this", and throws down a grand for a made-to-measure Aero, Lost Worlds, Langlitz, etc. Can't wait for my Aero Cafe Ace to arrive so I can put an end to the chase.

 

[Cooperson]

We need to see a pic with your hands out of your pockets so we can tell how short it is.

Thanks for taking a look Mr Peacoat - here is the pic. As you can see, the sleeves really are short! I just wonder what the chances are of Aero finding some hide the exact shade brown that looks 60 years old. Would hate to spoil a lovely jacket like this.

 

[Cooperson]

Actually, knit cuffs are period accurate on jacket exactly like that a HH1950's long helf-belt. I have a photo somewhere.

Would like to see the photo Seb - I can only find pics of A2 style jackets with knitted cuffs.

 

[JanSolo]

Evenly wet the sleeves with a spray bottle and warm (distilled/demineralized) water. Once they are soaked stretch the leather gently but steadily. You should be able to get about an inch of extra length from that. Let the sleeves air dry the stretch them from time to time while they are drying. Apply a good leather conditioner after that.
It really works! I've done it before.

 

[Cooperson]

Evenly wet the sleeves with a spray bottle and warm (distilled/demineralized) water. Once they are soaked stretch the leather gently but steadily. You should be able to get about an inch of extra length from that. Let the sleeves air dry the stretch them from time to time while they are drying. Apply a good leather conditioner after that.
It really works! I've done it before.

Brilliant, thanks Jan. I did try stretching the sleeves but I was doing it dry, got an extra 1/4" but is soon went back again. Will definitely give it try before I do any thing more serious with the cuffs.

Cheers

 

[ButteMT61]

What about soaking sleeves in something like Lexol to stretch? That way it conditions them at the same time. Might help keep from cracking?

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Thanks for taking a look Mr Peacoat - here is the pic. As you can see, the sleeves really are short! I just wonder what the chances are of Aero finding some hide the exact shade brown that looks 60 years old. Would hate to spoil a lovely jacket like this.

With a closer look..I think new longer cuffs may appear too long for the end of the sleeve.
HD