Morecowbell
Member
Hi - new member here, just acquired an original Bronco A-2 and wanted some advice on how to care for and preserve it - I'm in love, so go easy on me!! I absolutely love the look of this jacket but as you can see it is worn and has a few issues. I'd like to be able to wear it without increasing the damage so have some questions:
First - is there anything I can or should do to the leather to condition/oil/moisturize it? Seems like it needs a long drink after all these years but don't want to do the wrong thing with it.
Second - is there any way to tell if its Horsehide or Goat?
Third - I'm kind of intrigued by the idea of having it gone over and "stabilized" by a professional. Maybe having it relined and re-cuffed in the correct materials, having the shoulder tear and the collar wear through repaired, etc. while keeping the character intact. Was wondering if there are recommendations of people who do this?
Fourth - I know fit is personal but I was wondering if there's any rule of thumb translation table for these sizes to modern day standards? I wear a 40 suit jacket and this is a 42 and I wouldn't want it any smaller. My wife thinks its small, but it definitely fits me in the shoulders and I think the sleeve length is good. The arms are a little tight and overall its certainly tighter rather than the typical loose fit of today, but as I wear it a little it seems to be loosening up a bit - anyway, I know the originals feel tight by today's standards so was just wondering.
Thanks for any thoughts or advice!
Clay
First - is there anything I can or should do to the leather to condition/oil/moisturize it? Seems like it needs a long drink after all these years but don't want to do the wrong thing with it.
Second - is there any way to tell if its Horsehide or Goat?
Third - I'm kind of intrigued by the idea of having it gone over and "stabilized" by a professional. Maybe having it relined and re-cuffed in the correct materials, having the shoulder tear and the collar wear through repaired, etc. while keeping the character intact. Was wondering if there are recommendations of people who do this?
Fourth - I know fit is personal but I was wondering if there's any rule of thumb translation table for these sizes to modern day standards? I wear a 40 suit jacket and this is a 42 and I wouldn't want it any smaller. My wife thinks its small, but it definitely fits me in the shoulders and I think the sleeve length is good. The arms are a little tight and overall its certainly tighter rather than the typical loose fit of today, but as I wear it a little it seems to be loosening up a bit - anyway, I know the originals feel tight by today's standards so was just wondering.
Thanks for any thoughts or advice!
Clay