MikeyB-17
Well-Known Member
I’m sure I’m not the only one here who doesn’t spend their entire life wearing Eastman/Aero/Real McCoys/Goodwear/Buzz Rickson etc. I’ve owned examples of most of them over the years, but sold them all, and especially nowadays I have to cut my coat according to my cloth. I’d love to own examples of the aforementioned, but, especially with prices what they are today, it ain’t happening. Nonetheless it seems that there do exist some fine jackets, maybe not hand-sewn with top-quality zips/linings etc. , which may not be high end, but have the look and I think are a viable alternative for the budget-conscious. I therefore present a few I’ve trawled up, mainly in charity shops, which I’ve been very happy with. I’ll start with my latest acquisition from the charity shop down the road, which has prompted this thread. Chinese made, in the style of a 30’s/50’s bike jacket, not unlike a half-belt but without a half-belt, and by the thickness of the leather actually designed for biking, although it has no armour. I am prepared to bet it would do every bit as good a job to protecting my hide as a modern bike jacket. Big front patch pockets with hand warmers, and an inside pocket. It had a back belt at the bottom which has been cut off. Polyester quilted lining, and probably the main thing that lets it down, an unmarked, fairly lightweight zip (although I think I’ve had less trouble over the years from this type than repro Talons and the like!) It has storm cuffs too. The leather would probably stop a .38 calibre round. Size large, a little big especially in the sleeves, but nonetheless at £15 I’m well pleased.
Next, a jacket I’ve had a few years, this was quite pricey at £45 but I had to have it. By Lee Cooper, a UK company I believe who tried to be a British Levi’s. In the style of Barbour bike jackets, shed loads of pockets, very comfortable man-made lining, decent brass zip and press stud pockets. I don’t know what the leather is, but it’s thin, smooth and incredibly tough. I had to restitch a seam and could barely drive a needle through it. A well-worn item, very practical.
Finally another jacket I’ve had for quite a while, not often worn as it’s too heavy for day to day use. Charity shop, eight quid. Barnstormer style but with no belt. Brown leather, probably steer, again very likely bulletproof. Quilted polyester lining, two big front slash pockets, inside pocket. Marked a size small, fits me perfectly despite my being a large 42. Can’t imagine how big a large must be!
I won’t go into the other bargains I’ve had, the Schott Perfecto for £40 from Ebay, the nearly new Barbour Border for £20, or my label-less Dynel collared G-1 for £40. My most-worn jacket is probably a Schott car coat, which came from Ebay for £55. So you don’t have to spend hundreds to have style!
Next, a jacket I’ve had a few years, this was quite pricey at £45 but I had to have it. By Lee Cooper, a UK company I believe who tried to be a British Levi’s. In the style of Barbour bike jackets, shed loads of pockets, very comfortable man-made lining, decent brass zip and press stud pockets. I don’t know what the leather is, but it’s thin, smooth and incredibly tough. I had to restitch a seam and could barely drive a needle through it. A well-worn item, very practical.
Finally another jacket I’ve had for quite a while, not often worn as it’s too heavy for day to day use. Charity shop, eight quid. Barnstormer style but with no belt. Brown leather, probably steer, again very likely bulletproof. Quilted polyester lining, two big front slash pockets, inside pocket. Marked a size small, fits me perfectly despite my being a large 42. Can’t imagine how big a large must be!
I won’t go into the other bargains I’ve had, the Schott Perfecto for £40 from Ebay, the nearly new Barbour Border for £20, or my label-less Dynel collared G-1 for £40. My most-worn jacket is probably a Schott car coat, which came from Ebay for £55. So you don’t have to spend hundreds to have style!
