Inspiration LA 2024

jeo said:

Tax is built into the prices if you have to do Venmo/PayPal, but it’s mostly cash so sales never happened.

Click to expand...

I meant with bringing things in to European countries, even if for exhibition only.

Like there was a recent case of a watch journalist who had to declare his watches as imports at the Swiss border, paying all related taxes, then had to apply for a refund on those taxes after he returned home.

Aloysius said:

I meant with bringing things in to European countries, even if for exhibition only.

Like there was a recent case of a watch journalist who had to declare his watches as imports at the Swiss border, paying all related taxes, then had to apply for a refund on those taxes after he returned home.

Click to expand...

Sorry, didn’t read what post you were responding to lol, but yeah you’re right I couldn’t imagine…

Aloysius said:

I meant with bringing things in to European countries, even if for exhibition only.

Like there was a recent case of a watch journalist who had to declare his watches as imports at the Swiss border, paying all related taxes, then had to apply for a refund on those taxes after he returned home.

Click to expand...

Same with Arnold Schwarzenegger who brought an AP to the ski race in Kitzbühel for a charity auction. He didn’t declare the watch at customs, so he was chased for tax-evasion.
VAT is not applicable for pure exhibitions, but yeah, I wouldn’t dare to comment on the details.

photo2u said:

I was able to snatch a beautiful Taubers of California racing shirt! My daughter wants it. LOL. As I was exiting it began to rain. (Rode my Harley to the event because my Z21 was out of commission. )

There was a great L.A. Based dealer named Tommy. He had very nice jackets. Two caught my eyes. Hopefully, I will pick one of them.

Click to expand...

Nice get on the Taubers man! I think I know the one, it was beautiful!

Tommy is who I got the Durable I’m wearing in the pic from. He definitely has some amazing jackets. Which ones were you eyeing?

Thank you very much, dear @jeo for these cool and interesting photos for us unfortunate people who couldn't be there. I know what it means to find time to take photos in addition to the thrill of the chase at an exhibition like this... a selfless effort, thanks!

Such (price) information is always very interesting to see how the market for vintage leather jackets, for example, is developing. I'm always astouned at the prices are quoted... but that's part of the business and many of the dealers probably only paid a fraction of it. Some prices asked are confused thoughts of the seller... but as long as they get paid, LOL.

58panheadfan said:

I'm always astouned at the prices are quoted... but that's part of the business

Click to expand...

It's an interesting question.... what is a fair price for a vintage jacket?

Let's say I'm in the market for a Buco j24.

I could get one from eBay or Etsy for about $1K - $1.2K but it would probably take me about a year to find one in good condition in my size. That's a year of checking for new listings, every day twice a day. If you eventually find a reasonably priced one, condition and fit are still a gamble as you can only assess those after you bought the jacket. If the jacket doesn't fit you'll have to sell it (probably at a loss) and then put in more time and effort to find another one.

Or you could buy one from a dealer at Inspiration LA for $2K - $2.5K. Condition and fit are no longer a gamble as the jacket can be assessed before buying. Plus you don't have to put in countless hours of internet searching.

If you take into account all the work that goes into finding one yourself and the risks that are involved in doing so, buying one at a premium from a vintage dealer might actually be the better deal.

58panheadfan said:

Such (price) information is always very interesting to see how the market for vintage leather jackets, for example, is developing. I'm always astouned at the prices are quoted... but that's part of the business and many of the dealers probably only paid a fraction of it.

Click to expand...

A few things regarding pricing at this event.

The prices at these shows are always inflated to cover expenses. Booths at this show cost a pretty penny, travel, stay, taxes etc… but moreover, you’re absolutely correct, the dealers price high because people haggle and they usually take anywhere from 20%-40% less than their asking price, especially on day 2 and if you have cash.

I also only showed jackets from pretty much 4 booths, all of which had the nicest jackets but also priced the highest. Patt and Mike and Zip Stevenson are notorious for their very high prices, but they are both legends in the game and can get away with those prices. Also Patti’s jackets are the nicest and rarest jackets out there. Most of them in perfect mint condition and some even featured in the Tanaka books.

I agree though, vintage leather jackets are getting more and more expensive, especially if you were following how much they cost 5-10 years ago.

Marc mndt said:

It's an interesting question.... what is a fair price for a vintage jacket?

Let's say I'm in the market for a Buco j24.

I could get one from eBay or Etsy for about $1K - $1.2K but it would probably take me about a year to find one in good condition in my size. That's a year of checking for new listings, every day twice a day. If you eventually find a reasonably priced one, condition and fit are still a gamble as you can only assess those after you bought the jacket. If the jacket doesn't fit you'll have to sell it (probably at a loss) and then put in more time and effort to find another one.

Or you could buy one from a dealer at Inspiration LA for $2K - $2.5K. Condition and fit are no longer a gamble as the jacket can be assessed before buying. Plus you don't have to put in countless hours of internet searching.

If you take into account all the work that goes into finding one yourself and the risks that are involved in doing so, buying one at a premium from a vintage dealer might actually be the better deal.

Click to expand...

100% agree with everything you said.

The Bucos there that were $2k or more were generally larger sized jackets and in mint condition and could be had for less. Few dealers were firm on prices. Patti was one of them but even she came down on prices a bit.

Not all Bucos were insanely priced though. There was a mint, almost unworn, Buco J-82 priced at $1500. It was a size 38. I saw that one early. I put it on and it was a perfect fit. I hadn’t even checked out all the booths yet so I put it back and went next door to check out Zip’s jackets and less than 5 minutes later I came back and it was gone. I wasn’t disappointed in the slightest as I ended up getting 2 jackets that I wanted much more, one of which I thought was one of the nicest jackets at the whole show.

Late 40’s Durable



30’s Ralphs Pugh aviator

A few notable sales that I was aware of.

This Buco J-31 sold for $3500.




This mint Buco J-H1 sold the first day before the show was even open to the public for $6500.



This amazing Levi’s aviator sold for $4000.

omg... so many incredible jackets! @jeo thanks so much for sharing these photos,!

jeo said:

Nice get on the Taubers man! I think I know the one, it was beautiful!

Tommy is who I got the Durable I’m wearing in the pic from. He definitely has some amazing jackets. Which ones were you eyeing?

Click to expand...

I was looking at his Beck and a nice tan 30's cut jacket. Both were very nice. Can you please share images of that durable? I am curious about the mouton collar and the inside lining. Many details about it that makes me curious... Love to see it again!

photo2u said:

I was looking at his Beck and a nice tan 30's cut jacket. Both were very nice. Can you please share images of that durable? Love to see it again!

Click to expand...

Nice! I hope it’s this one!



Btw that padded cafe racer you were wearing was spectacular! Cal right?

I posted the Durable a fews posts ago so if you scroll up, you’ll see it. I’ll post more detail shots when I get a chance.

Marc mndt said:

It's an interesting question.... what is a fair price for a vintage jacket?

Let's say I'm in the market for a Buco j24.

I could get one from eBay or Etsy for about $1K - $1.2K but it would probably take me about a year to find one in good condition in my size. That's a year of checking for new listings, every day twice a day. If you eventually find a reasonably priced one, condition and fit are still a gamble as you can only assess those after you bought the jacket. If the jacket doesn't fit you'll have to sell it (probably at a loss) and then put in more time and effort to find another one.

Or you could buy one from a dealer at Inspiration LA for $2K - $2.5K. Condition and fit are no longer a gamble as the jacket can be assessed before buying. Plus you don't have to put in countless hours of internet searching.

If you take into account all the work that goes into finding one yourself and the risks that are involved in doing so, buying one at a premium from a vintage dealer might actually be the better deal.

Click to expand...

Fair points.

All you have to add is another 1-1,5k for travel and accommodation (or a multiple of that if your significant other insists of joining you). And arguably VAT/customs upon re-entry, although I accept that this is a theoretical issue only.

Joking aside, you are of course right about the points you’re making.

jeo said:

A few things regarding pricing at this event.

The prices at these shows are always inflated to cover expenses. Booths at this show cost a pretty penny, travel, stay, taxes etc… but moreover, you’re absolutely correct, the dealers price high because people haggle and they usually take anywhere from 20%-40% less than their asking price, especially on day 2 and if you have cash.

I also only showed jackets from pretty much 4 booths, all of which had the nicest jackets but also priced the highest. Patt and Mike and Zip Stevenson are notorious for their very high prices, but they are both legends in the game and can get away with those prices. Also Patti’s jackets are the nicest and rarest jackets out there. Most of them in perfect mint condition and some even featured in the Tanaka books.

I agree though, vintage leather jackets are getting more and more expensive, especially if you were following how much they cost 5-10 years ago.

Click to expand...

jeo said:

Nice! I hope it’s this one!

View attachment 607175

Btw that padded cafe racer you were wearing was spectacular! Cal right?

I posted the Durable a fews posts ago so if you scroll up, you’ll see it. I’ll post more detail shots when I get a chance.

Click to expand...

Would love to see that Durable mouton collar. Perhaps you can share in the mouton collar tread? It will be a great resource for anyone looking to duplicate an original Durable detachable collar. Here is the "Mouton Collar Tread" ;https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/leather-jacket-fur-mouton-collar-attachment-pattern.108468/

jeo said:

Not all Bucos were insanely priced though. There was a mint, almost unworn, Buco J-82 priced at $1500.

Click to expand...

Which is actually a bargain when compared to current repro prices.

Your image of the 30’s Ralphs Pugh aviator just answer a question regarding late 30's Harley Davidson Maker. The 30’s Ralphs Pugh aviator is a match for my friend Dann Jauregui's HD label original. He always suspected it was a Ralphs Pugh. Wow it only took some 30 years...

Marc mndt said:

It's an interesting question.... what is a fair price for a vintage jacket?

Let's say I'm in the market for a Buco j24.

I could get one from eBay or Etsy for about $1K - $1.2K but it would probably take me about a year to find one in good condition in my size. That's a year of checking for new listings, every day twice a day. If you eventually find a reasonably priced one, condition and fit are still a gamble as you can only assess those after you bought the jacket. If the jacket doesn't fit you'll have to sell it (probably at a loss) and then put in more time and effort to find another one.

Or you could buy one from a dealer at Inspiration LA for $2K - $2.5K. Condition and fit are no longer a gamble as the jacket can be assessed before buying. Plus you don't have to put in countless hours of internet searching.

If you take into account all the work that goes into finding one yourself and the risks that are involved in doing so, buying one at a premium from a vintage dealer might actually be the better deal.

Click to expand...

That is exactly my situation now. I saw a jacket that is on my ALL TIME short list but the price is high. The jacket is in pristine condition in my size. However, the price tag will take some time to convince.

jeo said:

Nice! I hope it’s this one!

View attachment 607175

Btw that padded cafe racer you were wearing was spectacular! Cal right?

I posted the Durable a fews posts ago so if you scroll up, you’ll see it. I’ll post more detail shots when I get a chance.

Click to expand...

Yes, that is a Cal. One of my favorites. Had it since 1983. Used to ride my Kawasaki GPZ 750 those were the good old time.

Had an amazing time at Inspirstion as usual. My wife and I hung out with @jeo a lot of the time just like last year which was awesome. Saw a bunch of great people like Himel, Ooe, Zip, Freenote, Stock Tank, etc. Also met David from Sons of Selvedge podcast who i know onlinez but hadnt met yet. He's a great dude. Also met @photo2u Which was great.

In regard to pricing, @jeo already covered it and I largely agree with @Marc mndt

I've bought one jacket each at the past two Inspiration events. Both times from Pat and Mike as it turns out. Both jackets have been in mint condition with labels, liners, hardware, leather, etc all in great condition.

In both cases I paid cash and was able to bring the price down a bit as a result. I'm not going to go into detail about that, but as Jon said, the prices at the booth are high, but my goodness the jackets are pristine and just fantastic pieces.

The jacket I bought last year was my tan Sportclad that is still my favorite leather jacket a year later. In fact, the only one that may top it is the one I bought this year: a Buco J22 in size 40. Not cheap, but mint and with a 20" Back, much shorter than most Bucos.

I actually thought I'd never buy a Buco because even though D pockets are my favorite style of motorcycle jacket, Bucos are usually pretty long. This one is the shortest leather jacket I've ever owned and you can tell that it came like this from factory. In line with what Marc said, and Jon actually said basically the same thing to me when I was asking for his advice on it: Yeah I might find another one for less, but when will I find another in this condition in this exact size thats this short that I csn actually try on and guarantee a perfect fit? That's worth the price premium to me.

My wife also got her first real leather jacket as well: a West Ride Cafe racer. She also tried on Jon's new Durable and fell in love with it so we may have inadvertently created a monster!