Finds and Deals - Leather Jacket Edition

[ojaw]

That Im not sure. I'm US-based and can only advise on the market for that jacket here.

Having purchased goods from Japan post-tariffs, I can tell you that the shipping prices (time two: one for domestic Japan and then Japan-to-US shipping) make all but a really good deal cost-prohibitive with the tariffs.

There are supposed to be tariff carve-outs for made in USA goods being repatriated, but that sounds like a hassle and not worth the time to contact the Japanese shipper.

As a Canadian it is almost always cheaper for me to order directly from Japan than to get the same item from the US.

 

[Leather Walker]

Similar Golden Bear cross-zip in size 40, for a bit cheaper ($200). This one has the label, etc.

Ebay View attachment 766116

I really like GBs even though I don’t own one. While checking out the listing, I spotted that typical, frustrating issue you see on so many Talon zips:

I’m not sure if I could fix that at home, it looks pretty chewed up.

 

[greenc]

I really like GBs even though I don’t own one. While checking out the listing, I spotted that typical, frustrating issue you see on so many Talon zips:

I’m not sure if I could fix that at home, it looks pretty chewed up.

@Leather Walker if you live in North America I've got a guy that will replace a main zipper for $50. If the zip is all that's standing in your way with this, and $50 seems reasonable and doesn't put the jacket outside of what you'd like to pay I can send you his information.

 

[Peter Mackin]

Thank you @Biff42, I appreciate the thought. Would the jacket at that price be better suited to a TFLer in Europe? Perhaps less duty and tax? Are Vansons prevalent in Western Europe or are they harder to come by?

Definitely harder to come by,and certainly more expensive. I currently own 4 beauties, ive previously sold 2 model E size 44s and a size 44 Enfield. Traded a immaculate size 42 chopper.

 

[AeroFan_07]

Branded CHP "44" $200 BIN or offer, few details and not the best photos

https://www.ebay.com/itm/376893231999?

 

[AeroFan_07]

Branded traditional crosszip "42" also black fading to brown $165 BIN
https://www.ebay.com/itm/397316634996?

 

[Chevalier]

Yep. I have a soft spot for horsehide Taubers CRs...and with this kind of patina, size and price...I just couldn't pass it up. Thanks for the heads-up BLM!

@technovox If you have the time, it would be great to see a post about this jacket. I love the classic Taubers, too. They don’t come around that often.

 

[photo2u]

@Leather Walker if you live in North America I've got a guy that will replace a main zipper for $50. If the zip is all that's standing in your way with this, and $50 seems reasonable and doesn't put the jacket outside of what you'd like to pay I can send you his information.

Please share the info with everyone here. There is always a need for a good repair person. Personally, I do it by hand and encourage others to try it first. It is not very difficult. But others would rather have a pro do it.

 

[photo2u]

I really like GBs even though I don’t own one. While checking out the listing, I spotted that typical, frustrating issue you see on so many Talon zips:

I’m not sure if I could fix that at home, it looks pretty chewed up.

It can be repaired. The male pin is ready to be expanded to accept the new material. Several methods will probably work well for this particular one. But I think you might know very well what I am referring to?

 

[Leather Walker]

@Leather Walker if you live in North America I've got a guy that will replace a main zipper for $50. If the zip is all that's standing in your way with this, and $50 seems reasonable and doesn't put the jacket outside of what you'd like to pay I can send you his information.

Thanks a lot, I really appreciate it. I’m based in Barcelona, though. If I were dealing with this in person, I’d rather try to repair the original zipper than replace it.

It can be repaired. The male pin is ready to be expanded to accept the new material. Several methods will probably work well for this particular one. But I think you might know very well what I am referring to?

Yeah. That’s how I see it too -there’s enough fabric behind the pin to rebuild the area with some careful stitching.

Whenever I see zippers in this condition, I always wonder how someone can notice the damage being done and just keep using it like nothing’s wrong. In fact, the fact that the fabric tear is that high up makes me curious—what does that actually mean? The zipper would’ve stopped closing with a much smaller tear than that, so how did it end up getting this bad? Mysteries.

 

[Cavalier]

Definitely harder to come by,and certainly more expensive. I currently own 4 beauties, ive previously sold 2 model E size 44s and a size 44 Enfield. Traded a immaculate size 42 chopper.

@Leather Walker if you live in North America I've got a guy that will replace a main zipper for $50. If the zip is all that's standing in your way with this, and $50 seems reasonable and doesn't put the jacket outside of what you'd like to pay I can send you his information.

Where is the repairer located?

 

[greenc]

Where is the repairer located?

@Cavalier the jacket repair specialist is located in North Carolina. I was introduced to him through the Vintage Leather Jackets forum. Let me drop him a note to ask if he’s cool with me putting his contact info on the public forum.

 

[Biff42]

@Cavalier the jacket repair specialist is located in North Carolina. I was introduced to him through the Vintage Leather Jackets forum. Let me drop him a note to ask if he’s cool with me putting his contact info on the public forum.

If you can, please add some pictures of his repair on a jacket you own.

$50 is ridiculously cheap and I wonder what quality of repair you're getting at that price point.

I have Johnsons do my zipper replacements and they look phenomenal. Even carefully hitting the same row of stitches on the front so you can't tell the zip was replaced.

 

[greenc]

If you can, please add some pictures of his repair on a jacket you own.

$50 is ridiculously cheap and I wonder what quality of repair you're getting at that price point.

I have Johnsons do my zipper replacements and they look phenomenal. Even carefully hitting the same row of stitches on the front so you can't tell the zip was replaced.

@Biff42 I've had four zipper replacements done by this gentleman and they're all terrific - he follows the original stitch holes as you mentioned. He can also replace linings, knits, panels, etc.

He really is quite talented. Let me ask him.

Chris

 

[Bluechel]

@Biff42 I've had four zipper replacements done by this gentleman and they're all terrific - he follows the original stitch holes as you mentioned. He can also replace linings, knits, panels, etc.

He really is quite talented. Let me ask him.

Chris

Ok I need this!

 

[blm14]

yeah me too geez I paid like $175 for a brand new RIRI zipper in manhattan lol

 

[greenc]

yeah me too geez I paid like $175 for a brand new RIRI zipper in manhattan lol

Terrific, let me reach out to him and make sure he's cool with it. I'll be back in touch.

 

[murphykobe]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/317696908709

Seems like a nice cafe racer with talon zippers

 

[NAB]

Grais-looking 50s cross zip (Dan-Jac per listing) in good shape. $200.

www.depop.com/products/bellandblue-1950s-dan-jac-black-leather

 

[Leather Walker]

I don't know if this has already been shared, but just in case:

60s~70s Taubers, size 36, BIN $250: eBay