That is one awesome jacket! I really like the curved back yoke and the curved back seams. And the grain on the back is a thing of beauty already. Of all the new jackets I've seen on here lately, THIS is the one I would get, if I were getting another one.
I agree that the Jerky HH is inexplicably underrated. Like you said, it's kinda what you think of when you think of garment leather, especially if you like it grainy.
And don't worry about the stiffness, it didn't take long before mine was about as stiff as a damp bath towel.
It isn't tanned and topcoated to age artificially fast, you have to wear it and earn the character and patina. But it does record the life that is lived in it. My jacket is also dark seal Jerky HH.
It's surprisingly breathable for leather - very comfortable to wear. And since it's dry and absorbent, is will keep you warmer than leather that is stuffed with oil and wax.
Are you happy with the fit? Good range of motion? Did I notice hidden hand warmer pockets?
I bet you're going to find this an easy jacket to reach for.
Congratulations, very nice catch. I envy you... except the washing machine part
I was going to say the same thing. The stitching looks quite nice. Also, that hide looks great as well. I like how it looks a bit like a veg tanned cowhide as well. A lot of character.
Fell in love with this jacket the moment I saw it. Figured if I missed out on it and decided to get one later, I would've paid twice as much for what is essentially the same jacket, while messing something up in the process of ordering so...
...here it is. Aero 101J jacket in Jerky Horsehide. Yeah, that's the one from the Sale page.
Normally I would've passed on an unlined jacket in leather that's not CXL FQHH but having recently handled an A2 in Jerky, it was actually this very hide that tipped the scale.
Read a lot unflattering things about Jerky, how it's lightweight and whatnot and honestly, I couldn't disagree more.
This is a very under-appreciated and absolutely fantastic leather. It's full of character, texture, grain and color variation while being equal (or very close) in weight to most CXL HH jackets I've seen. It's a very hard wearing, relatively stiff hide with a tougher surface that won't be showing wear nowhere as quickly or break in as fast but no doubt, it'll get there with a vengeance.
So yeah, I'm absolutely amazed at how nice Jerky HH is and can't say enough good things about it. It's exactly what comes to mind when I think of how leather should be.
Anyway, back to the jacket...
I wanted this Lee 101J style for quite a while now so not only was the timing perfect but the entire jacket is at good as it gets. There is something very raw and cool about it. Being unlined and all, the jacket is right to the point and that's what I really dig about it.
Sure, if I was getting a made to order jacket, I would've predictably come up with a whole bunch of stupid mods with the end result being something I probably wouldn't nearly appreciate as much, due to constantly overthinking how I should've gone with this or that... So this jacket simplifies things for me. A lot.
I'm still not sure whether I like snaps or buttons more on these jackets but one thing is certain; snaps are a lot more convenient and there's no fear they'll fall off, plus vintage 101J's had snaps as well so even that turned out for the best.
Anyway, enough talk. Here's the jacket and... That's it. Enjoy.
John Lofgren Monkey Boots Shinki Horsebuttt - $1,136 The classic monkey boot silhouette in an incredibly rich Shinki russet horse leather. 
Grant Stone Diesel Boot Dark Olive Chromexcel - $395 Goodyear welted, Horween Chromexcel, classic good looks. 
Schott 568 Vandals Jacket - $1,250 The classic Perfecto motorcycle jacket, in a very special limited-edition Schott double rider style. 
I just spent five minutes staring at all these pictures of your jacket... again.
You should never, ever think about getting rid of it.
It really is a work of art - much nicer than Einstein's.
Thanks for the review and for the photos.
