erikb02809
One of the Regulars
- Messages
- 262
- Location
- Newport, RI
$1300 is a lot; I can understand being concerned about errors. However, more importantly, how does it fit? I imagine, like any jacket, as the decades pass the jacket will naturally age and with it acquire all sorts of other blemishes.
I used to work for a couple of grouches, and always worry that what I read and what I write is going to come off grouchy because I'm so used to reading grouchy memos. I'd like to stress, I'm typing this with a conversational tone (internally), non-contentiously, and have enjoyed reading everyone's responses. I also consider myself happy generally happy w/Thurston Bros' customer service and can respect their pov on the spots, although I'm not sure I agree with it.
Those 3 spots are through the topcoat and I'd say top "layer" of the leather, but do not pass completely though the entire hide - hard to see because of the flash, but they're the color of un-dyed leather, not brown, and are not mere indentations. The one furthest from the bottom of the jacket seems like it's some sort of funky pore, the middle one looks like a needle hole that didn't penetrate completely through, while the bottom one is almost like a small gouge. While the spacing of them gives the appearance that it was a runaway sewing machine, the difference in character of each spot when you really get your eyeball up to them in person makes me think it's not. I have no idea what is actually going on w/those spots or why they're actually there though.
Other than those 3 spots and a couple other marks in less conspicuous spots that I think probably were made by a sewing machine, the jacket is pretty great. The fit is excellent. And I'm well aware that wear and tear, and developing a patina, is part of the appeal of having a leather jacket. And while I think leather should be sturdy (see my recent-ish comments on Jejupe's Pegasus horsehide thread, for example) - plastic perfection? Nope.
Wear and tear is one thing. I don't expect the jacket to stay perfect forever. And handmade? Yeah, I'll buy into the fact that nothing made by hand is ever going to be perfect. There are a couple of slightly funky stitches on this one that I'm aware of, but am cool with. But I do not presently nor have I ever owned a leather jacket with 3 marks like that, especially in what I would consider a conspicuous spot (nevermind on a brand new one that cost over $1300), and I'm pretty sure no amount of wearing a jacket would result in wear and tear with marks like that. For example, I've got a beat to heck cross-zip I've had since high school (20 years ago) - it's got plenty of fading and scuffs, but zero spots like that.
When I emailed Carrie w/my concerns about the spots, she said those were common in leather jackets (although they're the first I've encountered over 3 Vansons, 1 LW, and 2 Pegasus), and would blend in over time. The number of posters here echoing that sentiment shows that that's a reasonable stance to take, and I never thought it wasn't. However, the fair number of posters who agree that those spots shouldn't be there, especially not on a jacket at this price point, is at least re-assuring that my OCD isn't totally out of control lol.
I'll be happy if my request for an exchange that I emailed tonight is accommodated, but will not consider it unreasonable if it is not. However, those spots really bug me. Upon reflection over the course of the evening, I'll probably end up selling the jacket at a loss if I'm stuck with it, which depending on who you ask, is more of an erikb02809 problem than it is a problem w/the jacket, lol.