Vtg Monarch Milwaukee Leather jacket

[jacketjunkie]

Had been looking for a mid-length zipped jacket as alternative to my buttoned Teamster and I saw this on ebay, liked the pocket configuration and thought I'd give it a try. Condition is pretty good. Lining is fully intact, leather has no hole. Few scratches and the usual colorloss around the edges, pretty great shape overall. The elastic parts in the waist are still very strong, as you can see down in the fit pictures, it's heavily waisted fitted. Color is more red than brown, if I had to compare, I'd say Aeros tumbled cordovan comes closest. It's not heavy weight either, even though the jacket is one of my longer styles, it's probably the lightest. I'd guess it's 2-2.5 oz hide. Seller claims it's from the 40s.. I am no expert on that but it does not have the period-typical half-belt on the back and it's freakishly good condition make me assume it's not that old. Maybe late 50s? 60s? I don't know. If anyone can make a more educated guess, it's very welcome.








I'm very happy with the fit keeping in mind I bought this used from ebay. The collar needs some reshapening because due to the fold over of the top end of the zip, it currently looks a bit crazy seventies, but I think if I wear it in the rain a few times fully zipped up and then let it dry in the desired shape, it should be good.









Something else to note about this one is the stitching: on every seam except for the shoulder-to-sleeve-part, the seams are top-stitched rather than folded over. I think it looks great that way, even though the stitching itself is a bit wonky here and there.


Thanks for looking, questions and help on dating it welcome as always.

 

[handymike]

Looks cool! I totally agree with you on the seams- classy.

 

[ton312]

Love the color. Looks like a cordovan type shade. Fit looks great too. Nice one JJ.
I would hazard a guess at early 50's on the date.
PS- I like your yard. Reminds me of mine a bit!

 

[nick123]

You guys seriously crack me up with your beautiful yards. Stupendous. And nice jacket! It looks really great on you.

 

[TheGuitarFairy]

nice! looks really good on you.

 

[Woodyear]

Those seams are called French seams. Extremely strong seam made by first stitching the two panels together in the middle in a conventional seam, then folding back the two flaps that are formed and stitching an interfacing piece of fabric down the entire length of the seam on both sides. So if any one of those stitch lines failed that seam would hold, if two went you would have a blow out. Also, to me I believe thats a seventies jacket, call it an un-educated guess but between the back panels, the elastic and the collar I think it's a safe bet.

 

[handymike]

Yeah, I can see where you get that 70s vibe, but the liner color is late 40's to early 50's.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Yep - wonky seams and lighter leather - that's how the genuine old ones came. Love them. I agree with Mike about age. Good find! Fits great.

 

[TREEMAN]

Great find..looks great !!

 

[tmitchell59]

Nice Monarch! That label is post-war, later 40s early 50s. I have several Monarch leather jackets, two with this label. They made a variety of leather jackets with and without a Monarch label. They are high quality jackets. Lounge member Dave Sheeley is very knowledgeable about these jackets and uses originals for his reproductions. I just sent Dave my unlabeled Monarch half belt to assist in a reproduction he is working on.

This is the third one of this style I have owned. One had an earlier Monarch label. These are just a bit older than the jacket posted here.

This jacket, also horsehide, is from the same era as posted. It has a very tailored fit.

 

[jacketjunkie]

Thanks for all the kind words and help on dating it. I guess with TMitchells post it's settled then, late 40s early 50s.. I'm actually even more amazed at the cindition then, must have been top quality back then indeed, something that may also be indicated by the sophisticated sewing. The second one jacket Terry posted in fact looks like the exact same jacket just with a different pocket set up.

 

[tmitchell59]

The second one jacket Terry posted in fact looks like the exact same jacket just with a different pocket set up.

Yes it probably is. Dave Sheeley has shown me the similarities in Monarch patterns through the years. It is how he can identify an unlabeled Monarch. A pocket change here and there to make a very different jacket.