warbird
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,171
- Location
- Northern Virginia
I have this leather jacket that has been in my family for many years and was passed down to me when I was 14, nearly 30 years ago. It is a California in horsehide. The leather is in decent shape, though a bit rough in spots. I have had the stitching replaced in several areas over the years including the sleeves. However the lining is very rough shape. But I have been unable to find anyone who can replace the lining. It is beyond simple repair. But I don't want to simply shove it in a closet and never wear it. My uncle flew in the Army Air Corps and said he wore it most of the war preferring it to the issued jackets which were at times in short supply. I also have the 13" Russell Moccasin boots he wore and then my grandfather wore for many years as his hunting boots. I still wear those boots, which have been resoled numerous times, to hunt birds every year.
I also want if possible to have the sleeves lengthened if possible. My great uncle who wore in for many years had the sleeves shortened, so there is extra leather up there, but it may end up looking strange as it has worn differently than the other leather. My shoulders got larger over the years and so the sleeves are a bit too short. I still wear the jacket, but I have to baby it because of its age and the weak points.
I also want to buy a replacement jacket, something similar in size 44. This is more of a 42. No luck thus far finding something similar on the bay. I have looked at a couple of the smaller makers, but can't see chunking own a grand for one. Actually I could see it, but the wife wouldn't be able to.
I also want if possible to have the sleeves lengthened if possible. My great uncle who wore in for many years had the sleeves shortened, so there is extra leather up there, but it may end up looking strange as it has worn differently than the other leather. My shoulders got larger over the years and so the sleeves are a bit too short. I still wear the jacket, but I have to baby it because of its age and the weak points.
I also want to buy a replacement jacket, something similar in size 44. This is more of a 42. No luck thus far finding something similar on the bay. I have looked at a couple of the smaller makers, but can't see chunking own a grand for one. Actually I could see it, but the wife wouldn't be able to.
