End of Life of a Leather Jacket

[jchance]

I learned about something called red rot and its impact on veg-tanned leather.

This discussion makes me think about impermanence and how temporary everything is. I'm now having an existential crisis

I’ve started buying clothes for myself since high school. After 20+ years in the game, I’ve worn through and retired many pieces of clothing — shirts, jackets, pants, underwear, you name it. After each funeral, I’ve always reflected and thought of how brief life can be. The day are long but the years are indeed short.

 

[jchance]

seller still wants over $300 for this rubbish. Looking through this thread, this shoulder hole is fairly common, maybe caused by bad hanger and gravity over time.

 

[jchance]

listed for $400

 

[Jon Crow]

seller still wants over $300 for this rubbish. Looking through this thread, this shoulder hole is fairly common, maybe caused by bad hanger and gravity over time.

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The seller is dreaming

 

[Jon Crow]

listed for $400

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400 hahaha they're on something

 

[Jon Crow]

listed for $400

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I've thrown as bad away

 

[Leatherman1973]

It’s interesting to see what the end of life of a leather jacket looks like. I came across a leather jacket (Hercules/Oakbrook?) today that I thought is at the end of its life, or on life support. Even the belt is half-dead and hanging off the other end, with rusty belt buckle — watch for sepsis. (Of course someone bought it and wants advice on how to save it. Hence, this thread’s existence.) If you see jackets you deem beyond repair and ready for the trash bin, let’s post them here for discussion.

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Another one I saw a while back — collector’s Albert Richard for Penney’s. Are these still worth buying for repro makers to use for pattern?

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[Leatherman1973]

It’s interesting to see what the end of life of a leather jacket looks like. I came across a leather jacket (Hercules/Oakbrook?) today that I thought is at the end of its life, or on life support. Even the belt is half-dead and hanging off the other end, with rusty belt buckle — watch for sepsis. (Of course someone bought it and wants advice on how to save it. Hence, this thread’s existence.) If you see jackets you deem beyond repair and ready for the trash bin, let’s post them here for discussion.

View attachment 741818 View attachment 741819 View attachment 741820

Another one I saw a while back — collector’s Albert Richard for Penney’s. Are these still worth buying for repro makers to use for pattern?

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I have a rare front quarter horse hide motorcycle jacket from the 1940's that's in amazing shape

 

[AeroFan_07]

I have a rare front quarter horse hide motorcycle jacket from the 1940's that's in amazing shape

That looks nice, no-where near the end of its life.

Put it on and take some photos while wearing it and put it up in What Jacket are You Wearing thread.

 

[Leatherman1973]

That looks nice, no-where near the end of its life.

Put it on and take some photos while wearing it and put it up in What Jacket are You Wearing thread.

Will do

 

[raf]

In most cases, when the leather is so torn/shredded/dry as to be impactable to repair, it's time to go. Woven cuffs/waistband/zipper repairs most often best done by an Expert, and most will quote a fair price; that's relatively minor in the scheme of things and eventually "expected".

If a jacket with plenty of life still left in the leather got damaged, then perhaps some Experts can make repairs, but such skill will not be cheap.

As far as "Originals" go, it's guesswork as to how unique/valuable the item might be. Even a shredded jacket may be used, by an Expert, as a pattern for a Repro. I would be personally reluctant to do any major repairs on an "Original" jacket.

I reckon that some very rare, but damaged Original jackets might be worth more as patterns to the "right" folks than some well-made Repros might cost.

All the above just my opinions, and a SWAG.

 

[Leatherman1973]

In most cases, when the leather is so torn/shredded/dry as to be impactable to repair, it's time to go. Woven cuffs/waistband/zipper repairs most often best done by an Expert, and most will quote a fair price; that's relatively minor in the scheme of things and eventually "expected".

If a jacket with plenty of life still left in the leather got damaged, then perhaps some Experts can make repairs, but such skill will not be cheap.

As far as "Originals" go, it's guesswork as to how unique/valuable the item might be. Even a shredded jacket may be used, by an Expert, as a pattern for a Repro. I would be personally reluctant to do any major repairs on an "Original" jacket.

I reckon that some very rare, but damaged Original jackets might be worth more as patterns to the "right" folks than some well-made Repros might cost.

All the above just my opinions, and a SWAG.

From all the research I have on the jacket, and the excellent condition it's in, it's worth from 800 to 2000

 

[raf]

That's quite a range. Perhaps some more investigating is in order.

 

[ABCD]

From all the research I have on the jacket, and the excellent condition it's in, it's worth from 800 to 2000

 

[Harris HTM]

From all the research I have on the jacket, and the excellent condition it's in, it's worth from 800 to 2000

15 more posts to go

 

[Leatherman1973]

That's quite a range. Perhaps some more investigating is in order.

The range depends on the type of zippers used, if any repairs are needed etc. It's a priceless piece of history to.me.

 

[ABCD]

The range depends on the type of zippers used, if any repairs are needed etc. It's a priceless piece of history to.me.

Lol, you came to a leather jacket forum to teach us about jackets?

I can tell you what your jacket is worth. About a year ago one in much better condition than yours sold here on the lounge for $725 (asking price). A couple months later that exact same jacket was auctioned on eBay, it sold for $325.

Good to know it's a priceless piece of history to you. Wear it in good health.

 

[Leatherman1973]

Lol, you came to a leather jacket forum to teach us about jackets?

I can tell you what your jacket is worth. About a year ago one in much better condition than yours sold here on the lounge for $725 (asking price). A couple months later that exact same jacket was auctioned on eBay, it sold for $325.

Good to know it's a priceless piece of history to you. Wear it in good health.

Actually I was just having friendly conversation with someone. Thanks for the display of arrogance. Have a wonderful day bro.

 

[Bluechel]

For biker zombie costumes this Halloween, I guess.

Exactly, or a blast survivor

 

[Bluechel]

Donated to whom? Goodwill? Do you have pics?

I thought Cal, due to its thickness, is tough and would have survived one normal wash cycle.

Worst case if you’re taking a chance like that (don’t?) tie it up in a pillowcase