What jacket(s) are you wearing at the moment?

[Chandler]

FYI, I know almost nothing about these jackets. I thought it was from WWII, I may be mistaken. Do you know if this is authentic flight jacket from that era or is it off the rack - post war?
Thanks in dvance for your response.

Distressed leather jacket very commonly sold in US shopping malls in the 80s. Far from original WW2 issue.

 

[mulceber]

That's the thing, I'm not totally sure it's distressed. The pics are bad, but the zipper looks wrong for the '80s and I normally see those cheesy mall jackets with a map lining. I could actually see someone having just really abused that one. But yes, if it's distressed, definitely '80s.

 

[Chandler]

That's the thing, I'm not totally sure it's distressed. The pics are bad, but I could actually see someone having just really abused that one. But yes, if it's distressed, definitely '80s.

I had an acquaintance who wore one in the 80s and 90s (maybe still does) who always wondered why I thought my ELC was more authentic.

I'd bet good money that's a "distressed" leather jacket from that time period. It has the same even wear.

(the very dark knits are a giveaway, too -- looks just like the jacket that acquaintance had. Berman's Leather, I believe. )

 

[Chandler]

Just tried this on today after many years of sitting in a trunk. Yes, I know it needs some TLC, but the character is as good as it gets for me. I'm not sure of what this style is referred as, I know its from WW II, my uncle wore it in Indian theatre.

BTW -- do you have a pic of the back of this jacket? I'd bet there's a horizontal seam across the shoulders.

 

[mdd24273]

80s "civilian" jacket?

Nah! not a chance , I wore it in the mid 70's. Maybe it's not from WWII but it's definitely 40's or 50's jackt. It's label says "Styled by COOPER SPORTSWEAR MFG. CO, INC NEW JERSEY

 

[Micawber]

White 'Cooper' label = civilian.

 

[Chandler]

...and I normally see those cheesy mall jackets with a map lining.

I'm not sure, but looking at the pic with such a light lining, it may have the "escape map," just very faded out.

 

[Grant]

Anyone else jonzing for winter? Finally got the Eastman Perry out of hibernation.

 

[Chandler]

It's label says "Styled by COOPER SPORTSWEAR MFG. CO, INC NEW JERSEY

"Styled," but does it say where it was manufactured?

 

[mdd24273]

These are the identifying characteristics from the coat. The Label ""Styled by COOPER SPORTSWEAR MFG. CO, INC NEW JERSEY", and a right fron pocket tag that says "1781 size 40" see image and I also included a pic of the back of coat. Thanks for helping me date this coat.

 

[leper-colony]

Not exactly a mall jacket.

 

[Chandler]

Not exactly a mall jacket.

Can't say I agree. The "wear" looks a little too contrived.

As said, it looks identical to a mall jacket I was very familiar with.

 

[bseal]

I believe your personal jacket is quite old and indeed a civilian jacket that may have flown in Korean Conflict missions. This one shares some features with your trunk find:

Vintage 40s 50s HORSEHIDE LEATHER Bomber JACKET MOTORCYCLE AMC Sportswear | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Vintage 40s 50s HORSEHIDE LEATHER Bomber JACKET MOTORCYCLE AMC Sportswear at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Solely for educational purposes, here is an original military contract. Compare and contrast.

Vintage 1940s WWII A-2 Leather Flight Jacket Size 44 WW2 USAAF Army Air Force | eBay

Horsehide in good supple condition for its age. WW2 Depot re-dye USAAF A-2 Flight Jacket. Neck wear as seen in last two close-up pictures, a small hole in center of collar leather from wear. I have tried to list all the faults and issues that I can see.

www.ebay.com

And lastly, another famous trunk find in 1994 a la Tarantino:

 

[mdd24273]

Thanks "bseal" and others for the input. It is a treasure for me. I've always loved and admired it. I need to get it restored though, as I'm planning to gift it to my daughter. It needs some repair for a tear on the left breast that I did as a dumb 18 year old, and of course it needs to get re-conditioned.
From what you've seen, should I keep the brown elastic on sleeves and waistband, or get it replaced? And do you have a place you'd recommend to restore?
Also, someone in the thread above mentioned the zipper could tell them something about it's authenticity. Here is a pic, the engraving on the zipper says "TALON".
Thanks again.

 

[bseal]

Thanks "bseal" and others for the input. It is a treasure for me. I've always loved and admired it. I need to get it restored though, as I'm planning to gift it to my daughter. It needs some repair for a tear on the left breast that I did as a dumb 18 year old, and of course it needs to get re-conditioned.
From what you've seen, should I keep the brown elastic on sleeves and waistband, or get it replaced? And do you have a place you'd recommend to restore?
Also, someone in the thread above mentioned the zipper could tell them something about it's authenticity. Here is a pic, the engraving on the zipper says "TALON".
Thanks again.

Authentic Talon. I wouldn’t replace the knits, your uncle put-’em there. Others like Chandler might (ok, he usually does) disagree.

 

[mulceber]

Yeah, I'd leave the knits as they are. They seem solid enough. Looks like you've got yourself a "private purchase" jacket, either from during or after the war. Some restoration might be in order, and definitely some conditioning, but it looks to be in pretty good shape.

 

[bseal]

And here’s one of Chandler’s absolute favorite wearers:

This is how he knows.

 

[mdd24273]

Thank you all, I appreciate the input. You brought a big smile to my face, today. I think Uncle Joe would be smiling too.

 

[Chandler]

And here’s one of Chandler’s favorite wearers:

This is how he knows.


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Not sure what your obnoxious point is, but yeah a real "authentic" jacket there, but still not like what was popular from malls in the 80s -- which looked just like the other jacket.

 

[Chandler]

Others like Chandler might (ok, he usually does) disagree.

Seems like lately you only want to disagree with me. Having a bad week Skeezix?

Not sure why you're so hell bent on hoping this rather bad civi jacket is such a collector's item, got a few available on eBay you're hoping to pass off?