Grail find: 1950s Buco J-24L

[mendelboaz]

It's safe to say my leather jacket journey is over. Thanks to the wonderful Finds and Deals thread, and the eBay link posted by @Coriu, I somehow managed to score a vintage Buco J-24L from (I'm guessing) the 1950s, in steerhide and in my size (40), for a mere $255 plus shipping. The seller only wanted to ship to the United States, however, but thanks to @handymike this jacket was able to make its way over to the Netherlands.

As soon as the jacket reached my doorstep, all the dreams I had when I started out on this leather jacket collecting hobby and my eyes first landed on pictures of the Buco J-24, were fulfilled. The Buco J-24 has, in my eyes, always been the most iconic and quintessential 1950s motorcycle jacket, and actually owning one someday seemed like something too outrageous to actually happen. Needless to say I'm still having a hard time believing this bad boy is actually hanging in my house.

Now for picture time. A huge thanks to @Marc mndt for helping me give this jacket a fresh coat of Urad leather conditioner, I had a blast watching you joyfully giving this jacket the care that it needed. It looks a lot better now! This jacket is a teacore lover's dream.

Before:

After:

Before:

After:

 

[mendelboaz]

Fit pics are a must as well, of course:

And a pic with Marc, who helped me give this jacket new life, while he looks at me with envy:

 

[handymike]

BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!
Congratulations on your wonderful find. I'm happy to have been a part of this.

 

[Jules Myers]

Damn, that’s gorgeous! Congratulations.

 

[Marc mndt]

I was totally blown away by this jacket. Not because if its construction quality though. Pretty much every German mc jacket from the same era I've handled was better made. Then what exactly blew me away? These are the three things that are absolutely awesome about this jacket:

1) Leather. Awesome patina obviously. The hide is very dense without being stiff. Perfect temper.

2) Pattern. The best patterns make the weight of a heavy jacket disappear the moment you put it on. And that is exactly what this Buco does. Great ease of movement as well. My ELMC Roadstar is bigger and lighter than the Buco, yet the Buco feels more comfortable to wear.

3) Design. I don't think I have to explain this one.

What do I not like about this jacket?

It's not mine.

Awesome find and deal @mendelboaz . Congrats.

 

[Salmosalar]

It's safe to say my leather jacket journey is over. Thanks to the wonderful Finds and Deals thread, and the eBay link posted by @Coriu, I somehow managed to score a vintage Buco J-24L from (I'm guessing) the 1950s, in steerhide and in my size (40), for a mere $255 plus shipping. The seller only wanted to ship to the United States, however, but thanks to @handymike this jacket was able to make its way over to the Netherlands.

As soon as the jacket reached my doorstep, all the dreams I had when I started out on this leather jacket collecting hobby and my eyes first landed on pictures of the Buco J-24, were fulfilled. The Buco J-24 has, in my eyes, always been the most iconic and quintessential 1950s motorcycle jacket, and actually owning one someday seemed like something too outrageous to actually happen. Needless to say I'm still having a hard time believing this bad boy is actually hanging in my house.

Now for picture time. A huge thanks to @Marc mndt for helping me give this jacket a fresh coat of Urad leather conditioner, I had a blast watching you joyfully giving this jacket the care that it needed. It looks a lot better now! This jacket is a teacore lover's dream.

Before:

After:

Before:

After:

Amazing! Your Grail Quest is over!

 

[ton312]

Unheard of price in this day and age! Really nice jacket and it fits you to the nuts. Can’t beat an original. Many have tried. Well done. Simply superb!

 

[Carlos840]

That's a really nice jacket, and a perfect fit!
I am seeing a lot of busted seams on this jacke though, i really hope it isn't a sign the thread is weak and it doesn't get worst if you really wear it a lot.

 

[TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead]

That's a really nice jacket, and a perfect fit!
I am seeing a lot of busted seams on this jacke though, i really hope it isn't a sign the thread is weak and it doesn't get worst if you really wear it a lot.

most likely cotton thread. Had the same issue with my 1950s Cal. Just breaks down over time. Obviously in the hands of a good tailor, should be able to reinforce the stress points with a blended thread and will last another good 50 years.

 

[sweetfights]

A grail jacket for sure!!!!
Many congratulations.
Looks like it was made for you.

 

[JMax]

 

[Tom71]

Don’t know what to say. It’s not just the jacket, it’s the aura. If it’s not a grail, it‘s a legend for sure. What a find in your size! Wear in good health!

 

[Brandrea33]

Epic find, congratulations to you and wear it in good health

 

[BloodEagle]

You're smiling in those pics, and so you should be - looks fantastic, fits great, the patina is perfect and the very agreeable price is the icing on the cake. Well done that man.

 

[TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead]

Bet we're going to see some new faces in the Finds and Deals thread

This might be one of the greatest for sure as far as rarity to price to condition, etc.

 

[Peacoat]

Excellent find. You did well. Nice of Marc to come over and help you out.

 

[AbbaDatDeHat]

It's safe to say my leather jacket journey is over. Thanks to the wonderful Finds and Deals thread, and the eBay link posted by @Coriu, I somehow managed to score a vintage Buco J-24L from (I'm guessing) the 1950s, in steerhide and in my size (40), for a mere $255 plus shipping. The seller only wanted to ship to the United States, however, but thanks to @handymike this jacket was able to make its way over to the Netherlands.

As soon as the jacket reached my doorstep, all the dreams I had when I started out on this leather jacket collecting hobby and my eyes first landed on pictures of the Buco J-24, were fulfilled. The Buco J-24 has, in my eyes, always been the most iconic and quintessential 1950s motorcycle jacket, and actually owning one someday seemed like something too outrageous to actually happen. Needless to say I'm still having a hard time believing this bad boy is actually hanging in my house.

Now for picture time. A huge thanks to @Marc mndt for helping me give this jacket a fresh coat of Urad leather conditioner, I had a blast watching you joyfully giving this jacket the care that it needed. It looks a lot better now! This jacket is a teacore lover's dream.

Before:

After:

Before:

After:

You’re there!!
Class act to the helpers!
B

 

[AbbaDatDeHat]

Thinkin you felt like this...

 

[tmitchell59]

Very nice Buco! and an Excellent presentation! I am a bit ashamed as I think this came from my home town in Illinois?

You wear it well and you got a great deal. The Buco Steerhide really browns up.

 

[Benny Holiday]

Great to see this superb old Buco being appreciated and admired. Enjoy!