Bought a vintage police leather jacket...

[lucky23]

I impulsively bought a 50s (I think) police leather jacket on eBay one night after 1 (or 2) scotches I made a ridiculously low offer and he accepted (it was under a hundred bucks). I received the jacket and its pretty old, stiff/dry, and beat up, but still wearable and fits me perfect. It must of been stored for a very long time in someone garage from the look of it. I believe its a steer hide Californian jacket. My first question: is it possible to recondition the leather and make it softer and more pliable? Or is it too dried and stiff to salvage? I rubbed it down liberally with some Langlitz Leather conditioner, but after that Im unsure what the best course of action is. It certainly is a cool jacket!

 

[Dinerman]

I'm a fan of Pecard conditioners, have had very good luck with their stuff. With that zipper and label, that one's definitely 1950s.

 

[bn1966]

Nice score...love it

 

[lucky23]

Hmmm, Ill try Pecards, thanks. Does it penetrate well? The jacket is pretty stiff, so much so I thought it was thick horsehide at first, but I believe the label faintly says "Selected Steerhide"? Im just wary as to how much conditioner to use. Ive read wildy varying reports on amount...

 

[Carlos840]

It's nice, but the collar scares me!
It looks pretty cracked to me, and i would be afraid of it falling apart...
If you are going to wear it make sure you condition it well and give it time to soften up.

 

[lucky23]

It's nice, but the collar scares me!
It looks pretty cracked to me, and i would be afraid of it falling apart...
If you are going to wear it make sure you condition it well and give it time to soften up.

The collar is the worst of it for sure. Im not really bothered by it too much, I kinda like it looking battered and well used, I just want it a bit softer, ya know? Ive given it one good rub with the Langlitz stuff, should I give her one more?

 

[nick123]

Welcome here Lucky!

 

[Carlos840]

The collar is the worst of it for sure. Im not really bothered by it too much, I kinda like it looking battered and well used, I just want it a bit softer, ya know? Ive given it one good rub with the Langlitz stuff, should I give her one more?

It's hard to say, it's just that i recently read a thread about a guy who bought an old jacket and the collar fell apart after a couple wears, literally crumbled to dust.
I would make sure it's really softened up and taken car of before trying to wear it.

 

[Peacoat]

As Dinerman says, use Pecard on your jacket. Can't go wrong, although once the leather starts to crack, there is no going back. Good luck.

 

[feltfan]

Collar doesn't look too bad yet. Worst case you can get that replaced by Johnson Leather and still have a very reasonably priced jacket.
Yes, Pecard. Use your fingers to rub on a thin coat- just enough to cover, no extra. Then after 24 hours or so wipe down the jacket with
a cloth and see what you have. You may have to do it more than once. It'll penetrate and eventually you won't see it anymore.