Ask a Question, Get An Answer About Outerwear

[NielsLyhne]

I know tall, slim, narrow hips
That's why mine are all tapered. An Aero B-6 is a bit slimmer than the other models. Maybe worth a try.

Thanks for the heads up.

I was tempted to just order something custom from FiveStar or AVI…

Is it any harder for a seamstress to taper in a shearling jacket compared to regular leather ?

 

[MrProper]

Thanks for the heads up.

I was tempted to just order something custom from FiveStar or AVI…

Is it any harder for a seamstress to taper in a shearling jacket compared to regular leather ?

I don't think so, as long as they know what they're doing and have the right equipment. I had my B-6 made a little tighter around the waist because it was bunching up unattractively.
It's important that they sew the leather strips that reinforce the seam back on with the same holes. You can't tell that anything has been done to mine. Perfectly done.

 

[jchance]

Maker? zipper looks YKK. Local seller, asking $225, I can prob ask to try on before buying. I like the fade.

Guessing Schott, 1980s.

 

[Biff42]

Maker? zipper looks YKK. Local seller, asking $225, I can prob ask to try on before buying. I like the fade.

Guessing Schott, 1980s.

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Can the seller check and see if there are any tags in the pockets? That'd tell you if it's a schott. It's a really nice patina.

 

[Bmiller01]

Greetings!

I am very new to leather jackets and this forum alike and some information or help would be ever so good.

I have recently acquired a Lost Worlds horsehide A2, i’m not too sure on age, and there seems to be some mild cracking in some of the bending stress points on the jacket. Most of them look like it’s just the very top “Finish”, if that’s the right word to use, but there are a few that do look semi deep. Ive tried to get of good of pictures as possible but they are pretty small to focus on.

I was wondering if there’s anything i can or should do in order to preserve and prevent any future cracking or if this is even something to worry about.

Thank you very much in advance for all the help and knowledge i know that this forum has.

Thank you,
Brandon Miller

 

[jchance]

Greetings!

I am very new to leather jackets and this forum alike and some information or help would be ever so good.

I have recently acquired a Lost Worlds horsehide A2, i’m not too sure on age, and there seems to be some mild cracking in some of the bending stress points on the jacket. Most of them look like it’s just the very top “Finish”, if that’s the right word to use, but there are a few that do look semi deep. Ive tried to get of good of pictures as possible but they are pretty small to focus on.

I was wondering if there’s anything i can or should do in order to preserve and prevent any future cracking or if this is even something to worry about.

Thank you very much in advance for all the help and knowledge i know that this forum has.

Thank you,
Brandon Miller

Nothing to worry about. Those are stress points that break the top coat / “paint” that is not enough to cover all surfaces of the trim line of the leather corner.

 

[Biff42]

Greetings!

I am very new to leather jackets and this forum alike and some information or help would be ever so good.

I have recently acquired a Lost Worlds horsehide A2, i’m not too sure on age, and there seems to be some mild cracking in some of the bending stress points on the jacket. Most of them look like it’s just the very top “Finish”, if that’s the right word to use, but there are a few that do look semi deep. Ive tried to get of good of pictures as possible but they are pretty small to focus on.

I was wondering if there’s anything i can or should do in order to preserve and prevent any future cracking or if this is even something to worry about.

Thank you very much in advance for all the help and knowledge i know that this forum has.

Thank you,
Brandon Miller

That looks like the top coat of the leather is wearing away from normal use. I personally wouldn't worry about it. I guess if you want, you can hit it with a leather conditioner like Bic 4 or even a matching leather shoe polish like Saphir to cover it up. if you do the latter, I would try it on a small area before going fully in.

 

[newtojackets]

ID on this schott?

 

[jchance]

Any ideas on the maker? Label says “steerhide” from 1950s (zipper dating). Serval main and sleeve zippers.

Guessing Sportclad / Kurland for Penney’s (epaulet stitching).

 

[jchance]

Unlabeled but is this Sears Hercules/Oakbrook or made by CSC? Main zipper looks like a Talon #10 replacement. Are those unsavable leather crackings on the shoulder? Seller claims 1940s.

 

[jchance]

Too far gone or worth cleaning? Seller found in a barn. Lining is shot, but not sure of leather condition underneath all that dirt. Neck’s leather looks potentially cracking. It’s a 1950s Fidelity HH. Seller is asking for $200.

 

[Bender]

Too far gone or worth cleaning? Seller found in a barn. Lining is shot, but not sure of leather condition underneath all that dirt. Neck’s leather looks potentially cracking. It’s a 1950s Fidelity HH. Seller is asking for $200.

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Can't speak as to whether that can be resuscitated or not without seeing it in person... it's certainly seen better days. My biggest concern would be the leather stitch holes/seams.

$200 is bananas. Unless you do the work yourself, you'll put maybe another $200 into that jacket just getting it relined, and maybe another $200 having someone try and bring the leather/seams back, assuming it can even be done. You'll end up around $500-$700 all said and done, which is more than a 50's Fidelity goes for in excellent, ready-to-wear condition.

Here's what appears to be the same model from them in perfectly wearable condition for $300 from some seller on Poshmark:
Vintage-1950s-black-horsehide-Fidelity-motorcycle-jacket-small-67103569c4c837f8f0153462

The Poshmark one needs a little TLC for the liner, but it's essentially ready to go, for $100 more. A barn find like the one you're considering -an unknown as to whether or not it can even be brought back- I'd pay $25. $50 tops.

 

[jchance]

$200 is bananas. Unless you do the work yourself, you'll put maybe another $200 into that jacket just getting it relined, and maybe another $200 having someone try and bring the leather/seams back, assuming it can even be done. You'll end up around $500-$700 all said and done, which is more than a 50's Fidelity goes for in excellent, ready-to-wear condition.

That’s a fair analysis. I was thinking removing the lining to wear it unlined. Then it would be dunk into a water bath to get all the dirt out. But I can’t speak to the seams / stitching. The thing might need a restitching, in whole or in part, which could be reinforced in places by hand DIY.

Even the hardware looks rusty. My main concerns are the leather’s condition and the unknown sizing. Seller sent some **** measurements and won’t respond to messages. I’m guessing 38-40 ballpark.

$200 is too much. Maybe $100 or less, I would attempt it. Not a big loss if I fail.

 

[Trouser Bark]

Some mfg's offer black hdwe, particularly zippers. Is that just a thin finish that wears off quickly or is that instead good for the life of the jacket?

 

[jchance]

I can’t remember where I’ve seen these two horsehide labels. If you have seen them/it recently and could recall, would you please let me know? Thanks

 

[jeo]

I can’t remember where I’ve seen these two horsehide labels. If you have seen them/it recently and could recall, would you please let me know? Thanks

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I’ve seen the first one on Harley jackets and a couple of other brands but never on a maker.

Bottom is Star Sportswear (Kurland). They were one of the makers for the Aldencrest jackets. They made jackets for other brands as well, most notably for JC Penney and Montgomery Ward.

 

[jchance]

What is the function of the extra piece of leather inside the zipped sleeve? Is it to keep the wind from riding up your arm when you ride?

I have the opportunity to replace the sleeve zipper and am unsure whether to keep that extra piece of leather. I don’t ride.

 

[Mysteryo]

Its to avoid your shirt's sleeve to get caught in the zipper and tear...

 

[twistdh]

Its to avoid your shirt's sleeve to get caught in the zipper and tear...

I can confirm…my old jacket doesn’t have that extra piece and i always keep attention to not ruin all my wool sweaters…it’s a pain with heavy stuff. Keep that!

I think that can also block some Wind by the way. But to me the main function is to keep free the zipper and safe all the things under that

 

[Bmiller01]

Hello! So i have a Bill Kelso A-2 and a Lost worlds A-2, and i was looking into getting a Five star A-2 as well. My question is if i were to get an A-2, would i be disappointed in quality compared to the two that i have now. I surely don’t expect $1500 quality, but i just don’t know if it’s even worth it after having the two that i have now.

The customization and short time for production is really what’s making me want to just pull the trigger on one. i am only looking at their horsehide and wondering which of their contracts they were able to get their hands on and actually replicate.

thank you all in advance,
Brandon