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FANTASTIC early Aero (1980s) "Patrolman's Jacket". Tagged 44. Connolly steerhide.

tweedydon

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Messages
3,071
Location
Pennington
FANTASTIC EARLY (1980s) AERO LEATHER JACKET!

"Patrolman's Jacket"

Tagged 44 (but closer to a 42). Measurements:

Chest: 21 1/2 (there is leeway here owing to the action back)
Sleeve: 25 (straight down)
Sleeve: 26 (around the curve)
Shoulder: 18 (measured at back)
Length: 25 (from bottom of collar to hem, at back)

This is a fantastic, rare, early 1980s Aero in absolutely wonderful condition!

I believe that this jacket is cut from Connolly steerhide. This leather is both sturdy and luxurious. Its sturdiness is attested to by the fact that it was used in the interior of British Submarine Spitfire fighter 'planes (those that, together with Hurricanes, won the Battle of Britain) during the Second World War. And its luxuriousness is demonstrated by the fact that Rolls-Royce chose it to be the leather they used to upholster the interior of their cars.

The incredible quality of this leather is partly the result of the hide being rose-tanned--a process similar to vegetable tanning except that rose extract is used instead of the typical vegetable oils. (New Connolly leather smells vaguely of roses as a result!) This process is prohibitively expensive..... but the results are worth it: Despite its toughness Connolly leather is so soft that it is a joy to wear a jacket made from it, and it develops the most beautiful grain.

Unfortunately, Aero stopped using Connolly leather relatively early in their history, as it just became prohibitively expensive to use. And now they can never use it again, as the company no longer exists.

None of us will ever experience the pleasure of the faint scent of roses from a new batch of Connolly leather.
1f641.png


But a lucky few of us can still experience the joys of an early Aero leather jacket made from Connolly leather--such as this one!

This "Patrolman's" jacket is cut as a classsic cross-zip motorcycle jacket. It has a (slight) action back for ease of movement, and underarm panels to enable both ease of wear and ease of arm movement. The sleeves are zippered; the jacket closes with its original ailee zipper which still moves beautifully smoothly and--unlike most current Aero zippers!--isn't at all difficult or fiddly to use.

It is lined in what appears to be heavy-duty black cotton twill. It features a kidney panel at the back--again, Connolly leather--which as well as providing protection while riding also ensures that the lining does't fray or sag.

All of the pocket bags are original and in excellent condition. All of the pocket zippers and sleeve zippers are original and have their original pulls. All the snaps are original and function perfectly. The buckle is heavy brass.

This jacket does have some minor patina, as shown--which is just what you want in a jacket like this! (All of its minor imperfections are shown--please see the pictures!) It has also developed absolutely beautiful grain.

It is, overall, in absolutely excellent condition given its age. Beautiful, rare, and incredibly comfortable to wear, this is just $475, or offer, boxed, shipped, and insured in the USA.
 

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Last edited:

tweedydon

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Messages
3,071
Location
Pennington
More pictures!
 

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tweedydon

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More pictures!
 

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tweedydon

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
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Location
Pennington
And yet more pictures!
 

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Guppy

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,339
Location
Cleveland, OH
FANTASTIC EARLY (1980s) AERO LEATHER JACKET!

"Patrolman's Jacket"

Tagged 44. Measurements:

Chest: 21 1/2 (there is leeway here owing to the action back)
Sleeve: 25 (straight down)
Sleeve: 26 (around the curve)
Shoulder: 18 (measured at back)
Length: 25 (from bottom of collar to hem, at back)

This is a fantastic, rare, early 1980s Aero in absolutely wonderful condition!

I believe that this jacket is cut from Connolly steerhide. This leather is both sturdy and luxurious. Its sturdiness is attested to by the fact that it was used in the interior of British Submarine Spitfire fighter 'planes (those that, together with Hurricanes, won the Battle of Britain) during the Second World War. And its luxuriousness is demonstrated by the fact that Rolls-Royce chose it to be the leather they used to upholster the interior of their cars.

The incredible quality of this leather is partly the result of the hide being rose-tanned--a process similar to vegetable tanning except that rose extract is used instead of the typical vegetable oils. (New Connolly leather smells vaguely of roses as a result!) This process is prohibitively expensive..... but the results are worth it: Despite its toughness Connolly leather is so soft that it is a joy to wear a jacket made from it, and it develops the most beautiful grain.

Unfortunately, Aero stopped using Connolly leather relatively early in their history, as it just became prohibitively expensive to use. And now they can never use it again, as the company no longer exists.

None of us will ever experience the pleasure of the faint scent of roses from a new batch of Connolly leather.
1f641.png


But a lucky few of us can still experience the joys of an early Aero leather jacket made from Connolly leather--such as this one!

This "Patrolman's" jacket is cut as a classsic cross-zip motorcycle jacket. It has a (slight) action back for ease of movement, and underarm panels to enable both ease of wear and ease of arm movement. The sleeves are zippered; the jacket closes with its original ailee zipper which still moves beautifully smoothly and--unlike most current Aero zippers!--isn't at all difficult or fiddly to use.

It is lined in what appears to be heavy-duty black cotton twill. It features a kidney panel at the back--again, Connolly leather--which as well as providing protection while riding also ensures that the lining does't fray or sag.

All of the pocket bags are original and in excellent condition. All of the pocket zippers and sleeve zippers are original and have their original pulls. All the snaps are original and function perfectly. The buckle is heavy brass.

This jacket does have some minor patina, as shown--which is just what you want in a jacket like this! (All of its minor imperfections are shown--please see the pictures!) It has also developed absolutely beautiful grain.

It is, overall, in absolutely excellent condition given its age. Beautiful, rare, and incredibly comfortable to wear, this is just $475, or offer, boxed, shipped, and insured in the USA.
I've looked at a few of these over the years and they're always too small in the waist for me. P2P seems small for a size 44, too.
 

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