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VINTAGE VANSON MARAUDER MOTORCYCLE JACKET
An American classic!
An American classic!
Tagged 44. Measurements:
Chest: 22
Sleeve (measured straight to end of leather): 24
Sleeve (measured to end of slightly protruding storm cuff): 24.5
Sleeve: (measured like a shirt): 34 3/4
Length: (bottom of collar): 24
Founded in 1974, Vanson was named after the contracted names of the two original partners, one of whom (Van der Sleesen) still runs the company today.
Vanson was founded to replace the leather jackets that had formerly been produced in England. Stifled by the British economic climate the original leatherworks were having trouble producing much of anything. Sleeson bought the designs and moved their production to Thayer Street, Boston, where he produced and sold leathers from 1975 to 1988.
In 1987 Vanson moved its main production to Falls River, Mass., a traditional (but declining) garment town.
Vanson quickly developed a reputation for providing some of the toughest riding leathers on the market, as well as for leading the field in safety technology, such as perforated leather and hard armour. They also were willing to service their leathers in the case of crash damage, meaning that a Vanson suit could last for years even though repeated spills.
This jacket shows just why Vanson are so respected.
Inspired by the "Windward" motorcycle jacket that was produced by Montgomery Ward in the 1940s--and that is now regarded as one of the classic American bike styles--Vanson's "Marauder" is a classic bike jacket--good looking, sturdy, and utterly functional.
Cut from seriously heavy leather (I believe that this is Vanson's competition weight hide) this jacket is just starting to develop some very nice grain.
It features two deep zippered D-pockets on the front, both of which have shallow side-entry hand-warmer pockets. The jacket has stitched epaulettes, a small collar that is designed not to flap up from wind while riding at speed, and storm cuffs which extend slightly beyond the leather of the sleeve. It has two small areas of elastication at the sides on the waist hem--these ensure a nice snug fit at the waist without the need for a belt which could scratch your tank! This jacket also features an interior leather strip
at the hem of the waist to protect the lining.
It is fully lined and has two deep interior pockets.
The jacket closes by a heavy-duty Vanson zipper that works very well indeed. All of the zippers and pulls are original.
This jacket has the original Marauder nametag on the front chest.
It was, of course, Made in the USA.
This jacket is in Very Good/Excellent condition. It is breaking in nicely, with no scuffs or damage at all. It is also developing some very nice graining, especially near the waist. It does have fading in the lining down the center spine and across the shoulders, but otherwise you wouldn't guess that this is a vintage item unless you know Vanson's history well.
Asking just $185, or offer, boxed, shipped, and insured in the USA.
