Vintage Leather Jacket, Cracked or Normal?

[Deeeluxe Definitely]

I've found this vintage jacket for sale for a reasonable deal, and it's hard to find my size (slim person). I am just wondering whether the leather on the front side looks cracked, or whether that was just - give or take - how the leather looked from the start. If it's damage, is it repairable?

Thanks for the help.

 

[Guppy]

Looks normal, just very grainy. If it's dry, oil it, otherwise it should be fine.

 

[Aloysius]

it's hard to find my size (slim person)

I’m very confused by this. The easiest sizes to find great vintage jackets for are small and/or slim people.

 

[barnabus]

I think it looks absolutely fine. Lots of grain there!

 

[Aloysius]

I do think it looks fine but if OP is about to buy it because he’s under the misconception that small vintage jackets are rare and this is his only shot, he shouldn’t buy it because they’re not.

 

[Monitor]

Is this Sears?

 

[Deeeluxe Definitely]

Thanks for the replies, all. I'm waiting to hear back on the pit-to-pit measurement, and I'll see from there.

I do think it looks fine but if OP is about to buy it because he’s under the misconception that small vintage jackets are rare and this is his only shot, he shouldn’t buy it because they’re not.

Ah, I see. I'm mostly used to thrift shopping, where it seems like all the nice clothes are XXL. I figured this would be similar. I'm not new to vintage (especially fedoras) or leather jackets, but I am pretry new to vintage leather jackets.

Is this Sears?

Excelled (made in US).

 

[Will Zach]

If Excelled, don't pay too much, a hundred US is the going rate. The leather looks fine, if dry use some conditioner. @Aloysius is right, if you are slim-built, with some patience you can find a killer vintage jacket online in your size. Size 38 in vintage is like size 36 today.

 

[Deeeluxe Definitely]

If Excelled, don't pay too much, a hundred US is the going rate. The leather looks fine, if dry use some conditioner. @Aloysius is right, if you are slim-built, with some patience you can find a killer vintage jacket online in your size. Size 38 in vintage is like size 36 today.

This is good to hear. I am mostly just looking for something old but still in good shape. If the pocket and zippers are in the classic configuration (the ones I've admired all seem to have the features in the jacket above), I don't necessarily need or could afford something in the $500 range.

Do you think another 34 will come up relatively soon? I don't mind grain at all, but I think the two front panels are too different in grain amount to justify what seems to be an average price (or less, given the fair condition). Of course, the grain shouldn't have to match all around the jacket, but it's good if the unmatching portion is in a less conspicuous spot.

 

[Will Zach]

34 sizes in vintage don't come around very often, but I have seen some really, really small vintage jackets without size label. Small as in 15-16" shoulder seam to shoulder seam and 18" armpit to armpit. You have to know your measurements and keep looking. Also, you have a chance to find a real gem for relatively little money in that size, because the market is small. I can tag you if I see one again. Regarding mismatched panels - in vintage I would not mind it at all (some would say extra grain is a major plus), but it is a personal preference.

 

[Deeeluxe Definitely]

34 sizes in vintage don't come around very often, but I have seen some really, really small vintage jackets without size label. Small as in 15-16" shoulder seam to shoulder seam and 18" armpit to armpit. You have to know your measurements and keep looking. Also, you have a chance to find a real gem for relatively little money in that size, because the market is small. I can tag you if I see one again. Regarding mismatched panels - in vintage I would not mind it at all (some would say extra grain is a major plus), but it is a personal preference.

Much appreciated on the tag! I've got the same few resources I use for hats (I wish my head circumference had the same issue my chest circumference does!) scoured for now, but hopefully something else turns up soon.

I recently got a bargain on an ICS jacket (same style as above), but it's just too boxy on me at 38. Shoulders and length are fine, though. I think it's not all that vintage.

 

[Will Zach]

Also, watch the Finds and Deals thread on this website. Sometimes folks post links to small jackets on ebay, etsy, etc.

 

[Deeeluxe Definitely]

Also, watch the Finds and Deals thread on this website. Sometimes folks post links to small jackets on ebay, etsy, etc.

Oh, nice. I've been here for 2 years and never knew of that thread. Thanks!

 

[TheOldFashioned]

I'm a 38, so I keep an eye out for smaller stuff too. If I see something that's too small for me I'll keep you in mind as well.

As an aside, I have a size 36 Cal cafe racer that I'd be looking to move. Different style than what you have above of course, but a sweet jacket nonetheless. Sleeves are short, though. Something like 22" if I recall correctly.

 

[AeroFan_07]

That jacket has amazing grain & leather for an Excelled.

If a good price, jump on it, and just plan to condition it a few time's when you receive it.

 

[Monitor]

Agreed with @AeroFan_07.

You can believe me on this but Excelled makes one of the best Perfectos in the world but almost exclusively from shit leather. Occasionally though, an example made in a perfectly fantastic leather such as this one will appear & when that happens you simply cannot overpay for it.

 

[Deeeluxe Definitely]

Agreed with @AeroFan_07.

You can believe me on this but Excelled makes one of the best Perfectos in the world but almost exclusively from shit leather. Occasionally though, an example made in a perfectly fantastic leather such as this one will appear & when that happens you simply cannot overpay for it.

Interesting. I didn't even know that Perfecto referred to this style of jacket, regardless of maker (I thought it just referred to Schott's version). I read up a little on the history now, but thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

Did we ever figure out what's going on with Japan buying up all the vintage clothes and hiking up the prices? Seems like I'll be spending $300 minimum, even for a not-sought-after size.

 

[Monitor]

Interesting. I didn't even know that Perfecto referred to this style of jacket, regardless of maker (I thought it just referred to Schott's version). I read up a little on the history now, but thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

Did we ever figure out what's going on with Japan buying up all the vintage clothes and hiking up the prices? Seems like I'll be spending $300 minimum, even for a not-sought-after size.

That's just how I call these jackets in general, something I picked up from the French. I don't think there's an official term for these... Lancer front, cross zip, diagonal zip, biker jacket, etc. all work just as fine.

Japan? In short, they're huge on fashion and clothes. As simple as that. They got into these leather jackets long sooner & more enthusiastically than the rest of the world.

Wait, this one is $300? That is a lot... It's a beautiful jacket but I'd only drop this kinda money on it if I was 100% sure this is it.

 

[Deeeluxe Definitely]

That's just how I call these jackets in general, something I picked up from the French. I don't think there's an official term for these... Lancer front, cross zip, diagonal zip, biker jacket, etc. all work just as fine.

Japan? In short, they're huge on fashion and clothes. As simple as that. They got into these leather jackets long sooner & more enthusiastically than the rest of the world.

Wait, this one is $300? That is a lot... It's a beautiful jacket but I'd only drop this kinda money on it if I was 100% sure this is it.

Ah, this one in particular is $110 with the option of making an offer. But every search for "Perfecto jacket 34" is turning up results in the high 200s or higher. Maybe because it's only including the Schott brand.

The free shipping makes me want to give it a go, though.

I just don't trust myself not to be put off by the mismatched grain of the front panels. I know it sounds obsessive, but that's just the way my brain unfortunately works. I like the idea of holding out for a gem like Aero says.

But then, while the Schotts are nice, I'd like the snaps not to have the logo or writing on them. One of the many things I like about my Wayfarers is that they predate the Ray Ban logo being added to the temples (in 1989). Did the Schotts have the writing on the snaps even in the '60s and before?

Thanks for all the information!

 

[Monitor]

Ah, this one in particular is $110 with the option of making an offer. But every search for "Perfecto jacket 34" is turning up results in the high 200s or higher. Maybe because it's only including the Schott brand.

The free shipping makes me want to give it a go, though.

I just don't trust myself not to be put off by the mismatched grain of the front panels. I know it sounds obsessive, but that's just the way my brain unfortunately works. I like the idea of holding out for a gem like Aero says.

But then, while the Schotts are nice, I'd like the snaps not to have the logo or writing on them. One of the many things I like about my Wayfarers is that they predate the Ray Ban logo being added to the temples (in 1989). Did the Schotts have the writing on the snaps even in the '60s and before?

Thanks for all the information!

$110 is great. If it was a 44, I'd buy it in a second. Excelled like this is... You don't see very many of 'em like that. Schott NEVER looks like that & I know you're off put by the mismatched grain but it's exactly that kind of look to the jacket that reminds me why I love them.

Most 60's Schott jackets you'll find online have embossed snaps but I'm not sure about before that. The whole 1950's Perfecto deal is shady, anyway.