Finds and Deals - Leather Jacket Edition

[handymike]

Vintage Taubers of California Motorcycle Rider Leather Jacket https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/202637093281

This jacket is sooooooo badass!

 

[onghaku72]

I've wanted to post some examples from the Japanese Yahoo Auctions site for some time but thought it might incite problems of some sort. Anyhow, throwing caution to the wind...

There some nice deals on the Japanese Yahoo Auctions site for large sizes (42 and up) because this is way over the average sizing for most Japanese guys. For smaller sizes (US34 to 38 etc) there is way more variety. I live in Tokyo (I'm not Japanese) and typically fit around 34~36 sizing. These sizes are somewhat the norm here but rarer outside Japan like on US eBay.

So if you're looking for smaller sizes check it out…(including Aero, Vanson, Lostworlds etc). Please note that the interface for the website is only in Japanese (use a translator site) and most Japanese sellers won't directly sell to buyers outside Japan. There are third party intermediary "agents" that can help for a fee. But there is another more serious problem here...moldy and mildewy items. Many jacket owners here apparently have zero idea about looking after and storing their jackets especially during the extremely hot and humid summers (winters are reasonably cold and dry). So unfortunately there are some great looking items that have been purchased by people (my theory...) on a whim during winter, barely worn due to 'break-in' impatience.. and then left to rot in moldy wardrobes during summer...only to be palmed off on auction the following autumn. I've seen some almost new standard Aero jackets which look great in photos and are hard resist gambling at starting prices around US$100 or less... but reeking of mold on arrival. Really tragic.

Anyhow I'll attach one vintage US jacket example on I saw auction at the moment... Fixed price around US$400. Looks to be large - otherwise I'd be grabbing it. (Shoulder width 49 body width (under armpit) 59 length 73 sleeve length 60)

Hope no objections with posting pics from the auction? Amazing details... Looks like a 70s Harley Davidson horsehide jacket of some sort.

https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/k330962862

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[onghaku72]

Another current favorite (no hope of wearing it myself.. XL!)

WW2/40s era German bikers jacket... Looks supremely thick...

https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/m317677815

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[Gamma68]

Vintage Taubers of California Motorcycle Rider Leather Jacket https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/202637093281

Someone got a great deal.

 

[JMax]

I've wanted to post some examples from the Japanese Yahoo Auctions site for some time but thought it might incite problems of some sort. Anyhow, throwing caution to the wind...

There some nice deals on the Japanese Yahoo Auctions site for large sizes (42 and up) because this is way over the average sizing for most Japanese guys. For smaller sizes (US34 to 38 etc) there is way more variety. I live in Tokyo (I'm not Japanese) and typically fit around 34~36 sizing. These sizes are somewhat the norm here but rarer outside Japan like on US eBay.

So if you're looking for smaller sizes check it out…(including Aero, Vanson, Lostworlds etc). Please note that the interface for the website is only in Japanese (use a translator site) and most Japanese sellers won't directly sell to buyers outside Japan. There are third party intermediary "agents" that can help for a fee. But there is another more serious problem here...moldy and mildewy items. Many jacket owners here apparently have zero idea about looking after and storing their jackets especially during the extremely hot and humid summers (winters are reasonably cold and dry). So unfortunately there are some great looking items that have been purchased by people (my theory...) on a whim during winter, barely worn due to 'break-in' impatience.. and then left to rot in moldy wardrobes during summer...only to be palmed off on auction the following autumn. I've seen some almost new standard Aero jackets which look great in photos and are hard resist gambling at starting prices around US$100 or less... but reeking of mold on arrival. Really tragic.

Anyhow I'll attach one vintage US jacket example on I saw auction at the moment... Fixed price around US$400. Looks to be large - otherwise I'd be grabbing it. (Shoulder width 49 body width (under armpit) 59 length 73 sleeve length 60)

Hope no objections with posting pics from the auction? Amazing details... Looks like a 70s Harley Davidson horsehide jacket of some sort.

https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/k330962862

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

Very cool Apparel Annex jacket. Very cool.

 

[onghaku72]

Very cool Apparel Annex jacket. Very cool.

Wow! Thanks for the ID. I was even able to find an (exact?) matching one on Etsy where the label is clear.

For anyone interested, just search here:
https://www.etsy.com
(highway patrol motorcycle jacket by apparel annex)

Like the Japanese seller in the original post, I saw the outline left from the Harley patch (removed at some point) and mistook the maker as such.

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[handymike]

Eeek! Yahoo Japan...big mistake

 

[JMax]

Wow! Thanks for the ID. I was even able to find an (exact?) matching one on Etsy where the label is clear.

For anyone interested, just search here:
https://www.etsy.com
(highway patrol motorcycle jacket by apparel annex)

Like the Japanese seller in the original post, I saw the outline left from the Harley patch (removed at some point) and mistook the maker as such.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

If that jacket on Etsy were less expensive I would be all over it. Not because it is not a $500+ jacket, it certainly is, much more even, but only because they seem to usually go for less. I have been watching the one on Etsy for a while. Though if you like this style go with a Cal.

 

[onghaku72]

Eeek! Yahoo Japan...big mistake

Well I've been lucky and unlucky with Yahoo JP. There are some gems but it would be almost useless for someone buying from outside Japan. It's fun to browse vintage stuff from as far back as the turn of the 20th century. There are regular examples of truly vintage coats, jackets etc which date to like 1890 that are in surprisingly good condition. More practically though, I've picked up a couple of genuine Filson vests that are in good condition - and 4 times less than the current retail prices.

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[onghaku72]

If that jacket on Etsy were less expensive I would be all over it. Not because it is not a $500+ jacket, it certainly is, much more even, but only because they seem to usually go for less. I have been watching the one on Etsy for a while. Though if you like this style go with a Cal.

I wonder that between different similarly styled vintage jackets, the individual wear characteristics of a specific jacket appeal (to me at least) way more than the quality of a particular maker. It's subjective but that same jacket on Etsy has way less character than the one on Yahoo, don't you think?

I just want to buy the *patina* and "apply" it somehow to my LW jacket (which I'm already totally happy with as far as the design goes).

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[Carlos840]

I've wanted to post some examples from the Japanese Yahoo Auctions site for some time but thought it might incite problems of some sort. Anyhow, throwing caution to the wind...

There some nice deals on the Japanese Yahoo Auctions site for large sizes (42 and up) because this is way over the average sizing for most Japanese guys. For smaller sizes (US34 to 38 etc) there is way more variety. I live in Tokyo (I'm not Japanese) and typically fit around 34~36 sizing. These sizes are somewhat the norm here but rarer outside Japan like on US eBay.

So if you're looking for smaller sizes check it out…(including Aero, Vanson, Lostworlds etc). Please note that the interface for the website is only in Japanese (use a translator site) and most Japanese sellers won't directly sell to buyers outside Japan. There are third party intermediary "agents" that can help for a fee. But there is another more serious problem here...moldy and mildewy items. Many jacket owners here apparently have zero idea about looking after and storing their jackets especially during the extremely hot and humid summers (winters are reasonably cold and dry). So unfortunately there are some great looking items that have been purchased by people (my theory...) on a whim during winter, barely worn due to 'break-in' impatience.. and then left to rot in moldy wardrobes during summer...only to be palmed off on auction the following autumn. I've seen some almost new standard Aero jackets which look great in photos and are hard resist gambling at starting prices around US$100 or less... but reeking of mold on arrival. Really tragic.

Anyhow I'll attach one vintage US jacket example on I saw auction at the moment... Fixed price around US$400. Looks to be large - otherwise I'd be grabbing it. (Shoulder width 49 body width (under armpit) 59 length 73 sleeve length 60)

Hope no objections with posting pics from the auction? Amazing details... Looks like a 70s Harley Davidson horsehide jacket of some sort.

https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/k330962862

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

As @JMax said, this is an Apparel Annex jacket.
IMO it is far too expensive. I bought a CHP in perfect condition last year for $199, @ton312 also had one in the same condition that he paid even less for ($170 i think).
The one you posted is pretty beat up, has patch holes in the back, a rotten collar and is twice as expensive!
I would pass...

You can see both of them there:

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/apparel-annex-leather-tailors-chp-jacket.94489/

 

[ton312]

As @JMax said, this is an Apparel Annex jacket.
IMO it is far too expensive. I bought a CHP in perfect condition last year for $199, @ton312 also had one in the same condition that he paid even less for ($170 i think).
The one you posted is pretty beat up, has patch holes in the back, a rotten collar and is twice as expensive!
I would pass...

You can see both of them there:

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/apparel-annex-leather-tailors-chp-jacket.94489/

LOOOL....I actually forgot about that one! They are nice jackets but I wouldn't spend over $200 on one myself.

 

[Mandarin]

This seller has a 10 year old stock of LW jackets that was destined to the japanese market .
Their value is lessened because of storage (light oxydation, creases), but they're new.
Only problem is they're mostly small sizes.
https://www.ebay.fr/itm/Lost-Worlds...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

 

[Gamma68]

This seller has a 10 year old stock of LW jackets that was destined to the japanese market .
Their value is lessened because of storage (light oxydation, creases), but they're new.
Only problem is they're mostly small sizes.
https://www.ebay.fr/itm/Lost-Worlds-Buco-J27-Highway-Patrol-Police-Leather-Jacket-Size-38/192771340074?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649 View attachment 162661

Small sizes work for me. Thanks for posting.

 

[JMax]

Vintage 1930-50s California Leather Black Horsehide Police Motorcycle Jacket USA https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/264259343954

 

[onghaku72]

As @JMax said, this is an Apparel Annex jacket.
IMO it is far too expensive. I bought a CHP in perfect condition last year for $199, @ton312 also had one in the same condition that he paid even less for ($170 i think).
The one you posted is pretty beat up, has patch holes in the back, a rotten collar and is twice as expensive!
I would pass...

You can see both of them there:

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/apparel-annex-leather-tailors-chp-jacket.94489/

Carlos, it's way too large for my sizing so I've absolutely no intention buying. The beat-up part is actually what many would pay for though. Agreed IMO also, it's ambitious as a starting price! I guess the question of how much it's worth paying, for many people, is not how new/perfect the item is but how much wear/"character" it has. In Japan, I believe a lot of buyers are willing to pay more for the character/patina and history of an item. There are (otherwise nothing special current edition) jeans with nice wear that also sell for more than the current off-the-shelf price! Particularly if they're from the US it seems. A bit crazy.

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[JMax]

LOOOL....I actually forgot about that one! They are nice jackets but I wouldn't spend over $200 on one myself.

I think not paying over $200 has more to do with the fact that they regularly go for less, for whatever reason, rather than sub-$200 quality. IMO they are better than that. Similar to how Bates jackets can be had for relatively cheap, for some insane reason. Not saying AA are Bates, but they certainly aren’t some sub-$200 jacket. Or do you think they are? Seriously asking- you know your stuff (as does Carlos).

 

[handymike]

Here's an Apparel Annex @ $174...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/113695684385

 

[ton312]

I think not paying over $200 has more to do with the fact that they regularly go for less, for whatever reason, rather than sub-$200 quality. IMO they are better than that. Similar to how Bates jackets can be had for relatively cheap, for some insane reason. Not saying AA are Bates, but they certainly aren’t some sub-$200 jacket. Or do you think they are? Seriously asking- you know your stuff (as does Carlos).

No I think you are probably right although I will say I don’t find them to be made quite as well as Bates or Cal, Langlitz etc...(as contemporaries). Bates have somehow lost value since my time as a collector, which I find remarkably strange.

 

[dannyk]

No I think you are probably right although I will say I don’t find them to be made quite as well as Bates or Cal, Langlitz etc...(as contemporaries). Bates have somehow lost value since my time as a collector, which I find remarkably strange.

Nothing against Bates quality. They are a great company. And I only speak for myself they just aren’t as refined looking. Something about Bates even their new stuff still looks very 80s-90s to me. A bit clunky/chunky to my eye. Which isn’t to say the truly vintage things aren’t great but I think that’s what plays into why the often go for so little comparatively to the expensive as all hell stuff we all buy. But it may carry that opinion with it. Also Rin Tanaka wasn’t drooling over them in his books.