I've posted several pictures of the custom jacket made for me by Dave Sheeley, and I was about to post new pics on one of the previous threads; but it occurred to me that it's time for a dedicated Dave Sheeley custom jacket thread. I know that a few others here have had Dave make full jackets for them, and still more have had him do repairs on vintage jackets. So feel free to add pictures of your own here. The best thing about fall weather arriving is that I can get out the leather jackets! My Sheeley custom is now entering it's fourth fall/winter season of wear, though it seems like yesterday that I got it. Here's a link to the original thread on this jacket, which has more details on inspiration jackets and the design process: https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/my-new-dave-sheeley-custom-jacket-lots-of-pics.91707/ I'll just say here that I remain completely satisfied with the jacket. Dave uses top quality materials, has boundless knowledge of jacket history, and is clearly very highly skilled in his work. Below are three recent pics of me wearing the jacket, and a few close ups of details.
Always admired this jacket. Great design, superior build. I should really pursue a project with Dave. I’ve flirted with the notion in the past but never followed through. These pics have the wheels turning again.
They are definitely up high, but not untypical for the button up vintage style jackets that were part of the inspiration. I'll attach here pics of two main ones that I was partly inspired by -- one a genuinely vintage Sears "Topline" jacket, and the other a Freewheelers "Switchyard" coat. I liked the aesthetics, but they are also pretty functional. It's actually not so much the high placement that limits them, but rather the narrowness of the pockets. But I definitely make use of them.
MONARCH 1930's AVIATOR MEANDERING ZIP HALF BELT LEATHER HORSE HIDE JACKET This is what I wear 90% of the time.
I’ve already posted my custom Sheeley Monarch repro in goatskin here: https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/new-custom-monarch-drifter-size-44-from-dave-sheeley.96664/ Fits even better now following weight loss.
Here's a pic from yesterday... Who's that old man in my jacket? .. This jacket is a pleasure to wear though.
Great thread, lovely workmanship, it's enjoyable to read about skilled artisans that no one would know about if not for forums like this. Looks like he works independently and I see the eBay listings, any background info on the maker?
Here is mine. This jacket is modeled after Monarch MFG and Freewheelers Caboose. This jacket is exceedingly comfortable and the craftmanship is SUPERB. John