Finds and Deals - Leather Jacket Edition

@Monitor @tmitchell59 He actually rejected all of my price offers as he insists on min $1000. adding 30% for VAT and duty it would cost me $1350 including shipping which is too expensive and risky for me. The fact that the package is complete (belt, etc.) persuaded me to make my final offer at $900 :-(

 

Damn VAT. For 1,000 that entire package and that condition is actually a fantastic deal. VAT and shipping are just the worst. I don’t find a ton of stuff I like in my size but when I do it’s usually Japan or UK, and with shipping it ruins almost any deal that can be had. I’ll find a few things that the price isn’t bad at all but when I do shipping estimates I realize it kills my excitement of finding it. I know @Monitor has and a few of these because of VAT/Shipping as well. As we all know probably only to get worse with things like Brexit, and America’s trade wars with China.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mens-Vinta...350224?hash=item23ecc77610:g:3uoAAOSwvclgBO-~

 

The moment your custom FL is deliverd to you, it has easily lost €400 of its worth (resale value). The write off on the Buco will be much less, if anything at all. It appeals to a wider audience plus they don't make them anymore.

 

@Robbie79
Size 38. Current bid of $764. Will probably go for way more, but maybe worth a shot.

https://buyee.jp/item/yahoo/auction/j707117120?conversionType=search_suggest

 

In case any of you want to transform into TFLs yellow devil...Schott Perfecto 42

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Sc...-/293960508033?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292

 

@jeo Thanks, Man! I've followed this auction till I found the Vintage Buco yesterday. I'm sure it'll go for >$1200. Damn, this is exactly my size and I was waiting for a brown Mulholland size 38. The black Mulholland would have looked to similar to the Engelbert Vanek apart from the jacket length. That's why I was also considering a navy blue FL Mulholland clone.

 

I like the jacket but the measurements look really small for a 42.

 

@Monitor You know what happens when I follow your recommendation?! I only say Engelbert Vanek! Well done, Man...continue this way my friend and I will spend my next family Summer Vacation in Croatia with empty pockets

 

Starting bid of $99 is attractive - but it does need a zipper, has 23.5" sleeves and a 21" pit to pit, kind of tight for a "42." Seems more like a 40. But great hide & patina. His "Buy it now" is rather high at $600.

 

My 2 Cents-----I realize you are on the fence and want to actually WEAR your jackets.

Between a new FL jacket, and a true vintage in excellent shape Buco, the value proposition is 100% trending in opposite directions as others have alluded to. The Buco should continue to GAIN value while the new FL will immediately LOSE value the moment it goes from NEW to PRE-OWNED. To me, if you have the money, I'd grab that Buco. I see though that there has been some recalculating and that your final offer may have fallen a bit short of his asking. If I were you, I'd bite the bullet and pay the upcharge for this piece. In this condition, you should be able to get your money out of it at almost any time down the road and could well turn a profit should you hold onto it for a longer period.

I NEVER see fully intact Bucos in this condition. I would consider it a Grail purchase and admittedly, I would probably try not to wear it too much. But its a collector piece for sure IMO. To me, its a no brainer to grab the Buco over getting a FL and I LOVE FL's jackets.

The main key difference is---if you have the money---you can ALWAYS get a new FL made (possible long wait time aside). But you may NEVER see a Buco in this shape. The added money via VAT etc. should be chalked up to OPPORTUNITY COST in this case. I know you aren't taking a Poll----but I vote BUCO. Choose wisely brother!!!

 

I figured you were aware of this auction, but you never know.

 

Blue FW Speedmaster size 38. Current bid $528

https://buyee.jp/item/yahoo/auction/532285519?conversionType=search_suggest

 

Thanks Man, joking aside, I will sleep one night on it and will finally decide tomorrow. If it’s still available I’ll take the risk and buy it, if not, then so be it! I do appreciate your positive and kind words and honest feedback as usual! Cheers, Robbie P.S. I really like Croatia and my Wife either...has been a long time

 

@Claybertrand Thanks very much...I think you are all right. Let’s wait and see if it’s still available tomorrow morning...going to be now...

 

I do not trust the seller's measurements I have two size 44 original Buco jackets and the pit is not 21 more like 22 to 22-1/2 My Buco size 46 J-27 has a 23-1/2 Pit

 

The only risk in getting that Buco is that you'll be wearing it all the time at the expense of all your other jackets. Cross zips are addictive...