Old Aero A2 leather jacket.

Hello guys. I'm new to the lounge but has been lurking for about 3 months since I bought a lightly used unbroken in Aero 50s HB (black cxl). The lounge has been a great resource for information about leather types/jacket selection/etc so I want to say thank you to everyone for their knowledge and experience as you guys are immensely helpful to newbies like myself and others.

Unfortunately I've been hooked and recently placed an order on thurston bros for either a hooch hauler or stf bootlegger and am now awaiting the fit jacket to get the process started on my first custom piece.

I found this old aero A2 and thinking about pulling the trigger. Looks like wear/time/element has turned the jacket to a red orangey color from a darker shade of brown when looking at the inside of the collar and front pocket. Fit wise I think it would be good on me. Was thinking this would be a great addition to my wardrobe. Would this be what they call patina? Will the color darken after reconditioning the jacket?

All the best and keep safe.

Yes, that is patina. If you put conditioner on it, the patina will be lost. If the jacket isn't dry, don't put anything on it; just wear it and enjoy it. I would buy this jacket.

Welcome to the Lounge. PC

What he said ^

This looks a lot like my old Aero buffalo skin A-2 - certainly, the colour of the lining and badge would suggest it. 1980s Aero A-2s are rare as hen's teeth and are built like tanks. I only parted with mine to fund my Good Wear.

I did buy the jacket and will receive it in a week or two. I will keep it in mind, hopefully the jacket isn't too dirty or dry so I don't have to do anything. I will wear it and enjoy it, should pair well with my copper red wing.

Yes, I read an older post on here about an 80's seal A2 and it looks really similar. the jacket will be coming from Japan and the seller believes its horse hide. Is there a telltale sign to differentiate the hides?

Thanks for your feedback.

Unless there is a label inside the jacket indicating what hide it was made with it can be tricky sometimes to differentiate between steer and horsehide. In any case that looks like a beautifully aged jacket and if it fits you well then you hit the jackpot.

Nice old Aero. As i know, you can't recognize diffrence between horsehide and steerhide. They look very similar. Hope you will be happy with jacket.