Horsehide leather jacket, comments ?

[fabian89]

Posted a threat a few weeks ago showing a pic of horsehide asking if it was genuine horsehide.

Well, I received the jacket a few days ago. Turned out it is genuine horsehide, but, it is not heavy/stiff horsehide, it is supple, light, similar to the horsehide used in some bombers and few Cafe racer type jackets. Top grain and not overly treated, you can see the wrinkles and even scars I think from he horse. It only weighs 3 pounds maybe. Heavy Duty YKK zippers, good lining.

It is the most comfortable jacket I ever worn, the leather is awesome and I feel like this horsehide is more wearable than the stiff/heavy type. Meaning I can wear it anywhere, anytime, under most weathers.

2 Questions

1.- What do you think?

2.- I might start selling these, what would be a fair price?

Thank you !

 

[aswatland]

Who made this jacket? This café racer looks well made and the leather does exhibit some grain. Personally I'm not a fan of the three piece constriction of the back as it is synonymous with cheap mall jackets.

 

[Bunyip]

Very interesting jacket. I would be interested in learning more about it. Do they sell them in brown?

 

[Seb Lucas]

Who made this jacket? This café racer looks well made and the leather does exhibit some grain. Personally I'm not a fan of the three piece constriction of the back as it is synonymous with cheap mall jackets.

I don't like that either but it is period accurate. I have seen vintage Bates and Harley Davidson cafe racers and others with exactly this middle seam and the yolk. Also the new Aero Board cafe racer has a back seam too (but with a kind of kidney pad rather than a yolk.

How thick is the hide - 2.5oz?

 

[Seb Lucas]

Here's the back of a mid 1960's Bates.

 

[fabian89]

aswatl You're right, I could have it changed into 1 piece. Thanks

Buny Yes, brown and black

Seb Dont know the exact thickness. Overall weight is probably 3 pounds though.


What do you guys think about the pocket zippers? Would these http://image.rakuten.co.jp/both21/cabinet/02801338/img58304956.jpg look better ?

 

[fabian89]

Seb it looks very similar from the back.......

 

[Sloan1874]

As the others say, the leather looks fine but not keen on the back either - Aero's has the seam there to keep the fit close - and I'd prefer to see the collar sewn into the body rather than sat top of it. *edit The talon zippers are much better looking, less 'agricultural'.

 

[fabian89]

Sloan so something like this http://www.selectism.com/files/2014/04/Aero-Cafe-Racer-1.jpg . You're right it would look and probably feel better.

 

[fabian89]

to see the grain from up close, click here http://i.imgur.com/uTocX2A.jpg you can zoom in by clicking the pic

 

[Seb Lucas]

I would prefer that collar as it is very neat and symmetrical. If you remove the back seam and leave the yolk you might end up with a similar jacket to the great Buco J 100. Is there a wind flap?

 

[fabian89]

yes http://i.imgur.com/6hIWPZU.jpg?1

 

[fabian89]

by changing the back into 1 piece, changing the zippers, and fixing the collar...... what would be a fair price for it?

note it is not heavy/stiff/glossy as most Aero or lostworld horsehide racers......

 

[Sloan1874]

Sloan so something like this http://www.selectism.com/files/2014/...fe-Racer-1.jpg . You're right it would look and probably feel better.

Yes, it looks less 'plonked on top'.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Great. I would suggest maybe ending the zipper and flap 2-3 inches before the hemline.

Need to see it in person to talk price, Note, Thursdon Bros sell a classic Brimaco cafe racer copy in a very nice steerhide with YKK zips for $399.00. I had one, it was bullet proof but quite stiff (3oz) with a cotton lining.

 

[fabian89]

Seb good idea

 

[fabian89]

THis horsehide is not stiff though. Its supple, similar to this one maybe http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?48440-NO-NAME-A2-27753

or this http://www.surplusmilitarystore.com...ing-tigers-23rd-fighter-group-jackets.html br

 

[Seb Lucas]

A 1950's jacket with great patina and that back centre seam.





You could also consider not offering the handwarmer pockets (so many cafe racers don't have them). Maybe an inside pocket for one's phone/wallet/Saturday night special.

 

[fabian89]

Seb I tried sending you a message but i get an error saying you mbox is full .....

 

[Seb Lucas]

Oops. I cleared my inbox. Cheers.