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SCHOTT PERFECTO, Size 38.
AS NEW CONDITION!
AS NEW CONDITION!
The Schott Perfecto is THE classic motorcycle jacket. First designed in 1928 by Irving Schott, the Schott motorcyle jacket was first sold at a Harley Davidson dealership in Long Island for the princely sum of $5.50.
This jacket was branded "Perfecto"--as were all of Schott's leather jackets at the time, both for the connotations of the name and also because this happened to be Irving's favourite cigar. The motorycle jacket became so popular that it established Schott as the premier makers of biker jackets. As Schott became famous for their biker jackets, the brand "Perfecto" became associated with just this jacket in Schott's range--and so this jacket acquired the distinction of being THE "Perfecto".
The Perfecto quickly established itself as a classic biker jacket, primarily for its sheer functionality. The asymmetrical zipper provided more protection against the elements than the standard straight run zipper, and its asymmetry made it easier to open and close while on a bike. The zippered sleeves similarly provided protection against the elements, while the snap-down collars ensured that they wouldn't flap at high speed. The insulated quilted lining provides warmth, and ensures that the sleeves are easy to slide on and off. The belt ensured that the jacket fit tightly at the waist--again, important when riding--and also ensured that the jacket could be held shut if one wished to open it for ventilation. The back panel was large, for ease of movement, and featured bi-swing panels, further reducing the constriction of the jacket. And the jackets all featured the signature underarm football panels with grommets for ventilation and the useful zipped pockets on the outside, so that the jacket could fit snugly without your wallet causing it to bulge and fit loosely.
The interior also features a large interior map pocket.
The Perfecto soared in popularity with the 1954 movie "The Wild One", with Brando perched on his bike with his customized Perfecto...a look that immediately appealed to every teenage rebel, and that led to a decrease in Perfecto sales as High Schools across the country banned the jacket!
The Perfecto's image of rebelliousness received a further boost in popularity when it was adopted by the punk movement, an adoption that can be credited to the first real punk band The Ramones, with their fast, relentless songs of just around three minutes.
And, as you'd expect for a jacket designed to protect a biker from crashes at speed, the Perfecto is a seriously sturdy jacket, designed to last for decades of hard use--just getting better as the patina increases.
This jacket has no patina--in fact, it's in AS NEW condition, with the exception of a pinhead sized white dot above the change pocket. It even has the original inspection ticket inside the change pocket! Cut from "U. S. sourced, drum dyed, hand cut, heavyweight, full aniline cowhide" (according to Schott!) this is the classic model, 118--for many, this IS the Perfecto.
This jacket currently starts at $760, retail, and so this one in AS NEW condition is an absolute steal at just $250, OR OFFER, boxed, shipped and insured in the USA. This might be the best deal on a Perfecto anywhere at the moment!
Tagged Size 38. Measurements:
Chest: 19 1/4 (remember, this is supposed to be your "second skin" when zippered!)
Sleeve: 24 1/2
Shoulder: 17
Length (BOC): 23 (closer to 24 from seam)
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