Rick Dalton
One of the Regulars
- Messages
- 174
Hi everyone,
I’m hoping to tap into the collective knowledge of the Lounge to help identify a vintage Vanson jacket I've been looking at, and to get your expert opinions on its condition.
At first glance, the jacket has all the hallmarks of a classic Vanson C2: the asymmetrical zip, three main zippered pockets, the snap coin pocket, and the integrated belt with a buckle at the front. It also features the older "Boston, Mass." tag, dating it to before the move to Fall River.
However, here is the detail that's throwing me off: the back panel. Unlike the standard C2, which features a distinct horizontal lower seam (the drop kidney back), this jacket has a completely clean, one-piece lower back panel below the bi-swing gussets.
Condition Concerns: While I absolutely love a heavily broken-in jacket where the lighter core shows through the top coat, I have some concerns about the extent of the wear on this one. Some of the abrasions on the seams, cuffs, and edges look quite heavy.
Additionally, there is a Harley-Davidson Willie G Skull patch on the sleeve
I strongly suspect this is a custom addition by a previous owner. I’m not a fan and would definitely want to remove it if I buy the jacket.
My main questions for the Vanson experts here:
Thanks in advance.
I’m hoping to tap into the collective knowledge of the Lounge to help identify a vintage Vanson jacket I've been looking at, and to get your expert opinions on its condition.
At first glance, the jacket has all the hallmarks of a classic Vanson C2: the asymmetrical zip, three main zippered pockets, the snap coin pocket, and the integrated belt with a buckle at the front. It also features the older "Boston, Mass." tag, dating it to before the move to Fall River.
However, here is the detail that's throwing me off: the back panel. Unlike the standard C2, which features a distinct horizontal lower seam (the drop kidney back), this jacket has a completely clean, one-piece lower back panel below the bi-swing gussets.
Condition Concerns: While I absolutely love a heavily broken-in jacket where the lighter core shows through the top coat, I have some concerns about the extent of the wear on this one. Some of the abrasions on the seams, cuffs, and edges look quite heavy.
Additionally, there is a Harley-Davidson Willie G Skull patch on the sleeve
I strongly suspect this is a custom addition by a previous owner. I’m not a fan and would definitely want to remove it if I buy the jacket.
My main questions for the Vanson experts here:
- The ID: Is this one-piece back a specific, known variant of the C2 (perhaps a Japanese market exclusive), or was omitting the lower back seam a common custom request during the Boston era? Could this simply be a vintage Vanson Thunderbird? The clean, one-piece lower back panel seems to point in that direction.
- The Wear: Looking at the photos, do these heavy abrasions look like honest, natural patina that the competition weight leather can easily handle, or would you consider this excessive wear/a structural red flag?
- The Patch: Does anyone have experience removing patches from vintage Vansons? Should I be worried about permanent scarring, large stitch holes, or a noticeable difference in leather fading underneath?
Thanks in advance.
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