Seal Brown Goat Expedition, Highwayman, Raider pics and thoughts

[Navydivedoc]

Long ago lurker and recent returnee to this site. I've searched the site but found very few images of the G&B Expedition in Dark/Seal Goat. Anyone have any to share? I'm thinking of picking one up. Alternatively, I may end up having a Highwayman or LW Suburban made in goat (both of which I've owned in HH). Or maybe pick up a LW Raider. So many choices. I'd love to see what people have or hear any thoughts re: things to think about between those choices. Thanks to all for the depth of knowledge on the board.

 

[dan_t]

Welcome back!
Here's an Aero in seal goat. It is one of their 1930's slim fit half belt's, so not quite a highwayman in design. AT least you can visualise the hide and details etc.

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/show...1930s-Slim-Fit-Half-Belt-Seal-Goat&highlight=

It's certainly a brilliant leather and starting to soften very quickly (particularly considering we're in the middle of Summer in Australia & I haven't had a proper chance to wear it as yet!)

 

[Navydivedoc]

Gorgeous Hide. Thanks for the response. I had a LW G1 about 10 years ago, none since. It's time for another, just not sure which one. That Aero has a lot more grain than I expected. Nice.

 

[Seb Lucas]

If you don't mind the Indy associations an Expo is an excellent jacket. I have goat jackets from Johnson leather and Alexander Leathers and I have had Aero too and I'm just as happy with the Gibson and Barnes jackets as any of the others. They are bullet proof and the G&B goat although a little smooth at first develops some creasing and patina. The goat used by Aero and Alexanders would be preferred on this site because of it's veg tanned, quicker to age look but I'm not all that fussed either way.

 

[RJR]

I favor the G&B as well.Personal preference.

 

[nick123]

I think you'll be more "wowed" by the Aero or Lost Worlds, as they seem to have a little more flair. But that's what you get with the higher prices compared to the G&B. Out of the three, I think the Aero's goat will age the best, with color variation (it's vegetable tanned I think), while the others' goat will stay more or less one color.
But for a seriously great jacket at a more than reasonable price, you can't go wrong with the G&B. You'll have to size down 1-2 sizes, as they're cut huge. Supposedly Lost Worlds also uses a really nice goat.

 

[apba1166]

One more goat option is Langlitz. I had an amazing black goat Cascade years ago and sold it (dumb dumb dumb). It's thick but pliable, great character, a little on the pebbly side (as is LW), which I like. I don't know anything about how it's made or where it's from, but keep in mind, if you have the dough, they will custom make any jacket for you from bombers to variations of mc's to whatnot, and if you happen to ever be in Portland, it'll be an eye-opener to see the hides they have vs. what's listed on their site etc....(same w/Johnson in SF).

 

[Navydivedoc]

Thanks for the replies. How about Johnson leathers? I've found quite a few threads on their custom work, which is pretty impressive for its range. However, I don't think I've seem any Goatskin variants. Anyone have one?

 

[Seb Lucas]

As I wrote above I have a goat from Johnson Leathers. It's dark brown and has a slightly waxy finish. It's nice but I prefer the Gibson and Barnes goat which is a little thicker and tougher.

 

[nick123]

As I wrote above I have a goat from Johnson Leathers. It's dark brown and has a slightly waxy finish. It's nice but I prefer the Gibson and Barnes goat which is a little thicker and tougher.

+1. The Johnson Leather goat's only 2.5oz, whereas the G&B is a little thicker at I think 3oz. It just feels slightly more substantial.

 

[nick123]

Here is my Johnson M-120 in the dark brown goat. I haven't worn it at all lately, but at one point I lived in it.

 

[Navydivedoc]

Thanks for the replies and the pic. I'm talking with Alan now at Johnson leathers about a custom lightweight version of his M200J. He's sending me samples of the 2.5 Goat and the 2.0-2.5 Horween Vermont HH. 3.0 Deerskin as well. I'm looking for a simple, warmer weather jacket than the heavier Aero Highwayman and LW HH A2 that I have now. I'm torn, as I like the softness of the goat but the grain and patina potential of the HH. First world problems...

 

[nick123]

Thanks for the replies and the pic. I'm talking with Alan now at Johnson leathers about a custom lightweight version of his M200J. He's sending me samples of the 2.5 Goat and the 2.0-2.5 Horween Vermont HH. 3.0 Deerskin as well. I'm looking for a simple, warmer weather jacket than the heavier Aero Highwayman and LW HH A2 that I have now. I'm torn, as I like the softness of the goat but the grain and patina potential of the HH. First world problems...

That might be the main dilemma with leather selection. Looks vs feel. You'll find the goat comfortable I think. Mine actually has a bit of color change I can't explain, which is a nice touch, but minor. Haven't handled or seen the other leathers in person, but I know anything Horween is special, and the deerskin is probably not offered by a lot of companies. He can also shave down the thick leathers to a thinner thickness too, but they might still be stiff.

 

[Fanch]

Here is my Johnson M-120 in the dark brown goat. I haven't worn it at all lately, but at one point I lived in it.
View attachment 23988

Nick, that Johnson M-120 would be a great jacket to wear as a daily beater to grab out of the closet on the fly. An alternative would be to have slash pockets rather than cargo pockets that would be essentially a "Fonzie" (Happy Days) jacket.

 

[nick123]

Nick, that Johnson M-120 would be a great jacket to wear as a daily beater to grab out of the closet on the fly. An alternative would be to have slash pockets rather than cargo pockets that would be essentially a "Fonzie" (Happy Days) jacket.

That's exactly what it's become. But that's because I used to smoke cigarettes in it (not one or two, one or two packs a day in it). Not a better way to quickly devalue a garment. So I tossed this one on top of a pile of clothes in the closet, kind of upset at myself, as it stinks. It sat there for maybe half a year in a heap. Pulled out the other day, it was all wrinkled, and have been wearing it since and put it on a hanger and it's getting back to a good state surprisingly. The smell seems to be getting out.

 

[Fanch]

Nick, cessation of smoking will benefit you far more than any jacket. Might be necessary to take it to a specialist in leather cleaning to completely get rid of the odor, which is probably a good idea anyhow since it was been worn so much.

 

[nick123]

Nick, cessation of smoking will benefit you far more than any jacket. Might be necessary to take it to a specialist in leather cleaning to completely get rid of the odor, which is probably a good idea anyhow since it was been worn so much.

I think most of the odor is absorbed in the lining rather than the leather, so I'd have to get that changed out eventually. The leather can probably be remedied with a conditioning. I'd do a light light coat of Pecard's based on what I've read here, but if I was in desperation I'd use a coat of Obenauf's, as that seems to have a heavy beeswax scent.

 

[Fanch]

Nick, when the jacket is dry cleaned by a leather specialist, the lining and knits are also cleaned. Since the Johnson M-120 is obviously an extremely well made jacket, I would entrust it to a professional rather than do it yourself.

 

[nick123]

Nick, when the jacket is dry cleaned by a leather specialist, the lining and knits are also cleaned. Since the Johnson M-120 is obviously an extremely well made jacket, I would entrust it to a professional rather than do it yourself.

Of course. I'd take it to Alan for the reline.

 

[nick123]

But one more vouch for the JL goat, is that you really can treat it bad, and it will hold up. I don't think storing it wadded amidst a pile of clothes was ideal, and it's just fine.