Vanson Model B Example: Is this Horsehide?

[TheHamPimp]

I have a couple Vanson Model Bs, in competition weight. This one looks different....kinda looks like HH, but I'm also not familiar with their Firenze. The lack of grain and sharp creases makes me think this is HH, but what do you guys think?

 

[JasonY]

I have a couple Vanson Model Bs, in competition weight. This one looks different....kinda looks like HH, but I'm also not familiar with their Firenze. The lack of grain and sharp creases makes me think this is HH, but what do you guys think?

View attachment 702442

Definitely not Firenze/Medium Weight. I've got a Comet in Med Wt. it would show much more texture.

 

[Will Zach]

Vanson says horsehide on their labels if that was the hide they used. What are the zippers? They released horsehide jackets in Europe and Japan with RiRi zippers. But it also said horsehide on the label.

 

[TheHamPimp]

Thanks guys. I don't have it yet, but it was from Japan. Here's the main zip from pics. Sadly, I don't have any label pics. The zipper definitely doesn't look like Talon on my B.

 

[JasonY]

Firenze/Med Wt (~6mo old)

 

[TheHamPimp]

Gracias. Yeh, defintiely doesn't look like that, but nice grain on that guy.

 

[JasonY]

I can't not think of Phish every time this leather is mentioned.

 

[Guppy]

Look at the label, if it says Horsehide, it's horsehide.

I happen to have a Horsehide model B in my closet, in size 42. I can post some pics of it if it'll help you confirm what yours is made from.

 

[AeroFan_07]

Also, I believe if it really is HH, it may have a blue/green plaid lining as well as the tag stating the Horsehide.
But this may not be 100% accurate.

 

[TartuWolf]

Horsehide Vansons tend to have a RiRi main zipper as one of the main distinguishing features.

 

[Mandarin]

The HH label is unmistakable:

 

[TheHamPimp]

Thanks guys. Even though the leather is up in the air, I ended up buying it last night, so once it arrives and I can inspect it closer (label/zip), I'll update this post. Regardless, it had enough cool wear that I'm sure I'll like it either way!

 

[Monitor]

It actually does look a lot like that glossy horsehide they're using for the Japanese market.

And when I inquired about it some years ago, I was told they haven't always used the Horsehide tag, especially not in the beginning, before introducing the leather as a special kind of thing.

This looks like a much newer jacket, though so I would 100% trust the label on this one.

 

[Will Zach]

It actually does look a lot like that glossy horsehide they're using for the Japanese market.

And when I inquired about it some years ago, I was told they haven't always used the Horsehide tag, especially not in the beginning, before introducing the leather as a special kind of thing.

This looks like a much newer jacket, though so I would 100% trust the label on this one.

Agree, it does look like horsehide for the Japanese and European market. The one I had was stiff as plywood.

 

[Monitor]

Agree, it does look like horsehide for the Japanese and European market. The one I had was stiff as plywood.

Yeah, they're extremely stiff and crease like veneer. Not without its charm.

 

[Will Zach]

Yeah, they're extremely stiff and crease like veneer. Not without its charm.

.. and will stop a .22 if need be...

 

[TheHamPimp]

.. and will stop a .22 if need be...

Thanks. I hopefully won't test that, but I'm up for the challenge of breaking this thing in. Thankfully, it looks like some kinda Japanese man started the process, so now it's up to me to carry the torch.

 

[3.14nche]

Here's mine if it's any help.

 

[TartuWolf]

@3.14nche It definitely does help get through the day yup.

 

[JonS1967]

It also seems they stopped using Riri zippers at some point (not sure when) so lack of a Riri zipper doesn't necessarily mean it isn't horsehide. I requested Riri zips (last July) with my special order horsehide jacket and they told me they didn't use them anymore.