Vanson Portland M https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vanson-Por...-/124532309745?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292
After talking to @jonbuilder @technovox @JMax (Thanks again guys for your help!) I'm seriously considering this vintage 50's Buco J-27 in very good overall condition (leather, linging, belt, original hardware, plus leather gloves) - only hardware needs to be cleaned which, I guess, should be makeable. Size seems to be perfect for me. Only thing is the price - I've just got the first counter offer ($1000) from the seller but I think he's willing to further reduce. Since basically day one of my leather jacket passion I've wanted one vintage "grail" leather jacket (I still don't have one, yet...the Taubers has been on its way to me for a while from the US) and have found this Buco now but I'm really torn whether or not I will really wear it (I don't only want to collect, I actually want to wear my jackets)...perhaps I should rather order another new one from Greg Fields than an expensive vintage one for pretty much the same price....on the other hand the condition of the Buco is excellent and is perhaps hard to find in this condition.
Seems like an okay-ish price for one of these. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Eastman-FLYING-TYPE-C-3-Vest-Shearling-Leather-Jacket/254837870055
FL is amazing, but he is still around making jackets. And bringing new offerings as he grows. This Buco, and other vintage jackets in this condition, are nearly one of a kind at this point. And you could probably sell the gloves to offset some of the cost. On the other hand, when I don’t instantly hit BIN or send an offer I normally move on from a particular jacket. If this bubba is down to $1,000 he may go a bit lower. His original asking price was closer to $1,600 and he lowered it to the current ask.
Why do you think you won't be wearing this jacket? To me it looks to be in very wearable condition. Edit: What are you waiting for, the seller to drop his price by a couple of hundred? Who cares about two hundred more or less if this is your grail jacket? You'll have forgotten about those 200 the minute after you've completed the payment.
LeatherMan Cal $340 size 52 https://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Leathe...-/324456392125?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292
38 HWM in blackened Vicenza. A bit short, but condition looks good (made 11/19) https://www.ebay.com/itm/Aero-Leath...-/174600197915?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292
Yep, what @Marc mndt says - If you want this jacket and can afford it (and this is a damn good price for a Buco in this state), I really don't see what's there to even think about. It's certainly a rare, Grail piece. I apologize for being an enabler but y'know, you're here and all that so... Get it!
@Marc mndt You're basically right but as I don't have any experience in vintage leather jackets and as it's a lot of money compared to a new e.g. FL jacket I'm hesitant. I just want to avoid that I buy it for $1200-1300 (incl. VAT + duty) and sell it for $500-600 here or somewhere else as there is no real market. I know it's always a risk and I've already wasted a lot o money in buying and selling jackets. As far as FL is concerned I'm 100% sure what I get for the money I would pay (high quality leather jacket which fits me well) but it's kind of a gamble with the Buco if you know what I mean. I simply haven't had an opportunity to handle a high quality vintage leather jacket like Buco before.
Is there anything in particular that worries you? Old jackets are exactly the same as new ones, there's no difference at all so I'm not sure what do you mean by experience or what is it that you think would be different on this old Buco, compared to any other jacket? As for selling it, I don't suppose it'd be a problem. I sold those shearling lined pants within a month for a major profit so Buco ought to sell just as well. List it on eBay, Grailed, Etsy, if it doesn't work and I'm sure you'll get $1000 for it any day.
This outstanding jacket is marked a size 44. I thought you wear a 38/40? I would think this jacket would be too big This looks to be in excellent condition with a belt and Buco marked HH gloves. I would want to know if the belt is also marked Buco. A marked Buco belt would add the the enjoyment. As much as I like this style it is not among Buco most popular styles. Beautiful package. I ask if the belt is Buco marked. Very quick reply. Thanks for your inquiry, yes it is. The whole package is original and complete. I bought it from original owner who’s in his late 80’s. He used to ride with his mom in the 1950’s.