The whole thing began innocently enough. I was fresh out of college, and in Paris for the first time. It was early October, and chilly in the vintage/antique outdoor market that Saturday morning. As I ducked into a stall to get out of the drizzle I saw her. She was on the larger side, but I felt myself falling for her right away. She was older, had quite a few wrinkles, and smelt of cigarettes but it didn’t matter to me. I was 24, and I had to have her! She wasn’t cheap, but we worked it out, and I brought her back to the states. We lived in New York where she got lots of complements, and became muse to RRL. I met others, but none quite compared. We had history. I fixed her up when her buttons fell, and slathered her with oil when she felt dry.
Time passed. I moved to California and got married. My beauty didn't quite fit in. She was too hot and too heavy for the warmer climate. When the kids were born she was moved out to the garage. Eventually I donated her in the hopes she might find another. I’ve secretly pined even though I knew we were all wrong for each other now.
Last year @Rabbit posted photos of his German find on the SJC forum, and I felt the old feelings returning. Then a few months ago he posted it for sale here. You guys know how it is…I debated for some time. Could it work out?
I dove in.
She arrived a few days ago, and wow! Here we go again…
This time it’s even better
She’s got all the bells and whistles I’m used to PLUS a few more. She fits like a glove, and is thinner than my first so I think we can make it work here in the sunny Southland. She’s built like a Panzer, and though she shows quite a few wrinkles and her skin is heavily patina’d I think she looks fantastic for an 80 year old. She might eventually need a little nip-and-tuck, but that’s fine by me. I’m looking forward to getting to know her better.
Thanks @Rabbit!
So, on to the pics:
This one isn’t my ex, but basically the same- 1950’s French Barnstormer (taken from eBay)
My New Friend (1930's German):
Here is Rabbit in the new coat:
and here she is with her new Beau… Me! (I should probably be smiling)
Details:
I love how the backer buttons have the Star of David…considering it’s origins I really appreciate the touch.
Check out the hide!
The leather is a bit thin at the elbows, but wow, what graining.
Thanks for your time Gents!
Time passed. I moved to California and got married. My beauty didn't quite fit in. She was too hot and too heavy for the warmer climate. When the kids were born she was moved out to the garage. Eventually I donated her in the hopes she might find another. I’ve secretly pined even though I knew we were all wrong for each other now.
Last year @Rabbit posted photos of his German find on the SJC forum, and I felt the old feelings returning. Then a few months ago he posted it for sale here. You guys know how it is…I debated for some time. Could it work out?
I dove in.
She arrived a few days ago, and wow! Here we go again…
This time it’s even better
She’s got all the bells and whistles I’m used to PLUS a few more. She fits like a glove, and is thinner than my first so I think we can make it work here in the sunny Southland. She’s built like a Panzer, and though she shows quite a few wrinkles and her skin is heavily patina’d I think she looks fantastic for an 80 year old. She might eventually need a little nip-and-tuck, but that’s fine by me. I’m looking forward to getting to know her better.
Thanks @Rabbit!
So, on to the pics:
This one isn’t my ex, but basically the same- 1950’s French Barnstormer (taken from eBay)
My New Friend (1930's German):
Here is Rabbit in the new coat:
and here she is with her new Beau… Me! (I should probably be smiling)
Details:
I love how the backer buttons have the Star of David…considering it’s origins I really appreciate the touch.
Check out the hide!
The leather is a bit thin at the elbows, but wow, what graining.
Thanks for your time Gents!
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