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Vanson! Vanson! Vanson!

TartuWolf

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,536
Location
Tartu, Estonia
Now here's an interesting specimen:
1755457450806.png

1755457432198.png
 

Zoro

Practically Family
Messages
698
Location
Europe
Welp, that only decreases its value... Unless unlike us, you wouldn't need to ask the question :p
 

AeroFan_07

I'll Lock Up
Messages
7,072
Location
Iowa
This should be incoming in about a week, but it's also a Vanson model I am unfamiliar with. Fingers crossed here that this jacket may be Horsehide, given the blue plaid lining, for sure it's at least Comp-Weight Cow, which is nothing to neigh at. :)

Note no belt, only two simple handwarmer pockets:
1755574377609.png
 

Bluechel

One Too Many
Messages
1,261
This should be incoming in about a week, but it's also a Vanson model I am unfamiliar with. Fingers crossed here that this jacket may be Horsehide, given the blue plaid lining, for sure it's at least Comp-Weight Cow, which is nothing to neigh at. :)

Note no belt, only two simple handwarmer pockets:
View attachment 724045
Never heard the “blue plaid lining “ theory, tell me more….
 

unhatted

Practically Family
Messages
570
Location
UK
This should be incoming in about a week, but it's also a Vanson model I am unfamiliar with. Fingers crossed here that this jacket may be Horsehide, given the blue plaid lining, for sure it's at least Comp-Weight Cow, which is nothing to neigh at. :)

Note no belt, only two simple handwarmer pockets:
View attachment 724045
Pretty sure this is the same as mine shown here: https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/vanson-jacket-appreciation.116356/post-3168266

Good luck with finding more information though—I sent photos and serial to Vanson and they had no idea what model or leather it was or when it was made, though I think am fairly sure it’s comp weight cowhide (mine is a red plaid lining fwiw). I did manage to find a similar custom one made for Aerosmith which dates it to around ‘93… (https://reverb.com/uk/item/81862572...eather-1993-1994-jacket-owned-by-gilby-clarke)

Regardless, it’s a cracking jacket, the most minimal Vanson X-zip I’ve found, with the vertical handwarmers giving it a distinct character from the C and E models.
 

Bluechel

One Too Many
Messages
1,261
Pretty sure this is the same as mine shown here: https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/vanson-jacket-appreciation.116356/post-3168266

Good luck with finding more information though—I sent photos and serial to Vanson and they had no idea what model or leather it was or when it was made, though I think am fairly sure it’s comp weight cowhide (mine is a red plaid lining fwiw). I did manage to find a similar custom one made for Aerosmith which dates it to around ‘93… (https://reverb.com/uk/item/81862572...eather-1993-1994-jacket-owned-by-gilby-clarke)

Regardless, it’s a cracking jacket, the most minimal Vanson X-zip I’ve found, with the vertical handwarmers giving it a distinct character from the C and E models.
The serial number wasn’t in their records?
 

AeroFan_07

I'll Lock Up
Messages
7,072
Location
Iowa
Pretty sure this is the same as mine shown here: https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/vanson-jacket-appreciation.116356/post-3168266

Good luck with finding more information though—I sent photos and serial to Vanson and they had no idea what model or leather it was or when it was made, though I think am fairly sure it’s comp weight cowhide (mine is a red plaid lining fwiw). I did manage to find a similar custom one made for Aerosmith which dates it to around ‘93… (https://reverb.com/uk/item/81862572...eather-1993-1994-jacket-owned-by-gilby-clarke)

Regardless, it’s a cracking jacket, the most minimal Vanson X-zip I’ve found, with the vertical handwarmers giving it a distinct character from the C and E models.
Nice! Like the styling and overall "vibe" of that jacket. Actually, really like the red plaid as well.

I'll do a more complete review when I have it in hand. No issues whichever leather it is.
 

Unrefined Vision

One of the Regulars
Messages
102
Posted in the WJAYWT but wanted to go over in a bit greater detail.

Another unknown jacket and discontinued pattern. Kim's best guess over at Vanson is that it's an older version of the model B before it's multiple updates to what it is today. Has the "Vanson Associates" label from what my search of the internet says is from an early era of the company from some time in the 80's. @Bluechel was that you who mentioned this on the Vintage Leather Jackets forum? Another example of the very same jacket was sold in the classifieds section a few months back posted in the link below. Happy to say the jacket I just received is in absolute mint condition. Like a jacket frozen in time from 40 year ago.

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/vintage-vanson-44-black-cafe-racer-250-white-label.118317/

VansonAssociates1.jpg

VansonAssociates2.jpg

VansonAssociates3.jpg


From the company's beginning all the way until now the quality is always top notch. Paid a little over $600 for this jacket off of Ebay, but it's in great condition. My favorite back style for a leather jacket is with the lower kidney panel and shoulder action back. Additionally, this has two vented shoulder gusset panels. Put it all together plus to this day gloriously supple leather and this makes for a hard to believe level of comfort. Maybe the most comfortable and mobile jacket I've ever worn. Having gotten into a little more substantial jackets as I've learned, like Schott and Simmons Bilt Shinki jackets, this is as easy to wear as the thin leather designer brand jackets I first tried years ago. It definitely feels a little lighter than my model B (pictured below), but it's a Vanson, and the grain is there, so I am sure the quality of leather is too. Has a quilted lining in the body and sleeves too. Makes it warmer, definitely enhances the comfortable feel, and also makes the sleeve feel less spacious. The measurement through the bicep area still looks and feels more substantial as Vansons often are relative to other brands, but the lining makes it feel more fitted.

VansonB-1 copy.jpg

VansonB-3 copy.jpg

VansonAssociates4.jpg

VansonAssociates5.jpg

VansonAssociates6.jpg

VansonAssociates8.jpg

VansonAssociates7.jpg


Check out the big Talon zipper. Looks brand new. Tag says 44, but feels like the perfect size. For reference I am a size 40 in all current Vanson patterns. To me it looks like a Comet with added shoulder action back. If anyone has insight into the jacket feel free to share, would be great to hear. Lastly, in hand and on body the jacket feels great, and the leather quite supple. Would anyone recommend conditioning, and if so how to go about doing it? The jacket has been around for a while, and I'd love to enjoy it for years to come!

-cheers
 

unhatted

Practically Family
Messages
570
Location
UK
Did anyone ever ID this model? I’ve just acquired its striped sibling!

View attachment 723437

I was a bit worried it might be a bit sporty for my non-riding wear purposes (I had to remove the armour), but actually the body length and fit look great to me, though as ever the sleeves are a bit long and narrow-wristed, and the lack of hand warmers may take some getting used to! Been after a striped CR for a while, so getting a Vanson that fits the bill was an unexpected delight…
Got the details on this one:

“That looks to be a custom run that was made for Gorgeous Bikes in London. It is based on the Mule, which we used as a base jacket for customization. It's not a one-off piece, it looks like a whole run was done for this jacket.

The notes I have are:
Add velcro for CE armor
DRFS Stripes on shoulders and sleeves (basically sleeve stripes like the Drifter w/ Stripes)
Outside leather patches @ shoulder, sleeve cap elbow like MH01
Neck tab and wrist tabs like MH01
Delete vent @ sides / closed side seams
Add black on black cloth ovals on shoulders

It completed production in January of 2010, and is actually competition weight - it's just a much less intricate jacket than the Model E - much less leather overall, so it's going to be lighter weight.”

One less mystery Vanson at least!
 

El Marro

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,980
Location
California
This should be incoming in about a week, but it's also a Vanson model I am unfamiliar with. Fingers crossed here that this jacket may be Horsehide, given the blue plaid lining, for sure it's at least Comp-Weight Cow, which is nothing to neigh at. :)

Note no belt, only two simple handwarmer pockets:
View attachment 724045
If it were horsehide it would almost certainly bear the label that says horsehide…
I agree that it is unusual and cool looking jacket. Almost looks like a Comet, but with a cross zip collar And handwarmer pockets.
 

TartuWolf

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,536
Location
Tartu, Estonia
If it were horsehide it would almost certainly bear the label that says horsehide…
I agree that it is unusual and cool looking jacket. Almost looks like a Comet, but with a cross zip collar And handwarmer pockets.
Actually these are rather common in JP. It's a collaboration with some JP shop. I've seen them in various colors. Rather uninspiring in my opinion, just a really stripped down casual minimalist cross-zip for the JP casual market. I highly doubt it's horsehide.
"[Japan Exclusive] VANSON C2 Rider's Jacket "
Looking forward to your fit pics and thoughts though!
 

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