Advice needed – Used Aero Highwayman FQHH. Normal grain break or leather damage?

[hbj]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently looking for my first Aero Highwayman and recently found this used size 36 in black Front Quarter Horsehide for approximately €300.

The creasing on the right front panel (left side in the photos) is significantly more pronounced than on the opposite panel, especially around the lower pocket area, where the leather looks heavily wrinkled in places.
From what I've read, Aero's horsehide can develop some pretty dramatic grain and creasing over time. However, being new to this, I'm not sure whether what I'm seeing is simply normal grain break or potentially the beginning of cracking or structural deterioration.

The seller mentions that the leather is still relatively stiff but supple, with no major damage. However, the tartan lining has some tears along the hem, and the main zipper is apparently a little tricky to engage.

I'd love to hear your thoughts:

• Does the leather look healthy overall, particularly around those heavily creased areas?
• Could those wrinkles indicate actual damage, or are they typical of aged FQHH?
• Is there anything in the photos that would make you avoid this jacket?
• At around €300, would you consider it a worthwhile purchase, even with the lining and zipper issues?

I'm hoping to find a Highwayman I can enjoy for many years, so I'd rather avoid buying something that might already be deteriorating.

Any advice from experienced Aero owners would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

 

[handymike]

from the photos- the leather looks fine. Different parts of the horse wrinkle differently. Those Talon repros are finicky, and you’ll need to be careful with it. The lining doesn’t look too bad- the wool often begins to wear at the side adjusters and beltline. A little mend and you’re good. The price seems right if the fit matches what you are after. Go with measurements- not tag sizing as many are modified for the original customer.

 

[Peter Mackin]

With the lining and zip issues i wouldn't touch it, i sold my immaculate highwayman here on the forum a number of years ago for £150 more.if you like fqhh wait for a better jacket without those issues. I would always go for a jacket with corduroy along the hem.

 

[hbj]

from the photos- the leather looks fine. Different parts of the horse wrinkle differently. Those Talon repros are finicky, and you’ll need to be careful with it. The lining doesn’t look too bad- the wool often begins to wear at the side adjusters and beltline. A little mend and you’re good. The price seems right if the fit matches what you are after. Go with measurements- not tag sizing as many are modified for the original customer.

Thanks a lot for your input, Mike! That's really reassuring, especially regarding the heavy creasing on the front panel. I was worried it might indicate some kind of leather deterioration rather than natural grain variation.

I'll definitely be careful with the Talon zipper.

As for the measurements, the jacket is:

• Pit to pit: 57 cm
• Shoulders: 46 cm
• Back length (from collar base): 60 cm
• Sleeve length (from shoulder): 62 cm
• Hem width: 51 cm

For reference, I'm 177 cm tall, weigh 77 kg, and have a 104 cm chest. I'm aiming for a slightly cropped fit, so on paper these measurements should work right?

Really appreciate your advice!

 

[hbj]

With the lining and zip issues i wouldn't touch it, i sold my immaculate highwayman here on the forum a number of years ago for £150 more.if you like fqhh wait for a better jacket without those issues. I would always go for a jacket with corduroy along the hem.

Thanks for your advice, Peter! That's a fair point. The lining doesn't worry me too much, but the zipper is definitely something I'll need to consider.

I should have clarified that the jacket itself is €200. The €300 I mentioned would be the aprox total cost, including shipping, import taxes, and fees.

I'll keep an eye out for better examples before making a decision. Really appreciate your input!