Hello, everyone. I recently purchased this 2nd label Buco over on Yahoo Auctions. The ad specified that the sleeves were fairly short (23 inches shoulder seam straight down to the cuff), but I doubted the veracity of that and went ahead and bid. Unfortunately, I was wrong, and the sleeves are way too short for me. In my disgust (with myself, not the jacket), I immediately posted it on eBay (link here). Within hours, the intrepid members over on the Finds and Deals - Leather Jacket Edition thread saw the jacket, and a discussion ensued. Given the interest, I'm posting it here.
Here's what I know, based largely on what I've learned on these forums: The 2nd Buco label, which this jacket sports, was implemented around 1948 and used up until about 1952. During this time, Buco exclusively used horsehide. Steerhide wasn't used until subsequent labels were introduced designating steer or horsehide. Towards the end of this 2nd label period, Buco introduced the nylon quilted lining that this jacket has. As you can see below, the portion rubbing against the back of the neck shows the worst wear.
Elsewhere, the lining has a lot of loose threads, with less severe wear around the hem.
The two rear map/handwarmer pockets (which designate this a J24 as opposed to a J23, I believe) are both lined in the red/black houndstooth wool featured in the J22. The front handwarmer pocket is lined in plaid wool.
As I mention in the eBay ad, the leather is intact: There are no tears or dry rot. There’s typical scuffing and scratches. There is a small paint spot by the right collar. I haven't tried to remove it.
Near the handwarmer pocket on the right, the leather is wrinkled and puckered in a way suggesting exposure to high heat. That said, the leather there is not dry or brittle, just denser and a bit stiffer than the surrounding leather.
The main zipper will need to be replaced, as it doesn't stayed closed when zipped up. Also, the zipper on the D-pocket is missing it's ring pull. Otherwise, the remaining zippers and snaps are intact and work well.
Here's what I know, based largely on what I've learned on these forums: The 2nd Buco label, which this jacket sports, was implemented around 1948 and used up until about 1952. During this time, Buco exclusively used horsehide. Steerhide wasn't used until subsequent labels were introduced designating steer or horsehide. Towards the end of this 2nd label period, Buco introduced the nylon quilted lining that this jacket has. As you can see below, the portion rubbing against the back of the neck shows the worst wear.
Elsewhere, the lining has a lot of loose threads, with less severe wear around the hem.
The two rear map/handwarmer pockets (which designate this a J24 as opposed to a J23, I believe) are both lined in the red/black houndstooth wool featured in the J22. The front handwarmer pocket is lined in plaid wool.
As I mention in the eBay ad, the leather is intact: There are no tears or dry rot. There’s typical scuffing and scratches. There is a small paint spot by the right collar. I haven't tried to remove it.
Near the handwarmer pocket on the right, the leather is wrinkled and puckered in a way suggesting exposure to high heat. That said, the leather there is not dry or brittle, just denser and a bit stiffer than the surrounding leather.
The main zipper will need to be replaced, as it doesn't stayed closed when zipped up. Also, the zipper on the D-pocket is missing it's ring pull. Otherwise, the remaining zippers and snaps are intact and work well.
