Leather jacket - dating and cleaning advice?

kittenteethvintage

kittenteethvintage

VFG Member
I've got a leather jacket from Wilsons Leather that I cannot find any match to online. I would guess that it is maybe 80's, but would love input from the community here if anyone is more familiar. The style number is 4223, and it says it was made in Korea if that provides any clues.

Also- there appears to be some white paint marks on some of the usual wear-points. Given their locations, I have to wonder if they are not paint, but rather scuffs? They just look so much like paint to me but I don't have too much experience with leather jackets so perhaps scuffing is a common issue on these areas (cuff, front zip area, etc). So- if it's paint what's the best way to remove? If it's scuffing, what to do?
jacket (2).jpg
cuff (2).jpg
label (2).jpg
wilsons (2).jpg
zip (2).jpg
 
try tarrago universal cleaner. then use black leather paint. just be careful with acetate lining.

I have a leather/fabric combo blazer that I will be painting/touching up. I will post pictures. Mine was dry-cleaned though.
 
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kittenteethvintage said:
I've got a leather jacket from Wilsons Leather that I cannot find any match to online. I would guess that it is maybe 80's, but would love input from the community here if anyone is more familiar. The style number is 4223, and it says it was made in Korea if that provides any clues.

Also- there appears to be some white paint marks on some of the usual wear-points. Given their locations, I have to wonder if they are not paint, but rather scuffs? They just look so much like paint to me but I don't have too much experience with leather jackets so perhaps scuffing is a common issue on these areas (cuff, front zip area, etc). So- if it's paint what's the best way to remove? If it's scuffing, what to do?
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Hi,

Are you sure you have a Wilsons leather jacket not and item giving the appearance it might be?

( see your photo of label and my two from genuine Wilsons leather jackets, spot the difference? )

Your jacket is not great quality but appears to be in reasonable condition, 70s onwards I think based on style of font.

What to do? don't spend to much money on it, Katarzyna's advise is the best way forward, although I use Huberd for all my leather clean/restore.
 

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I agree, that looks like scuffing on the leather.

I think 70s or 80s on this jacket. A logo/label font may change... Avantbo, I can't see your whole jackets, but I see they say made in China - that would almost certainly make it newer than made in Korea from what I know.
 
Thanks. Avantbo, I am confident that it is truly a Wilsons Leather jacket, as I have seen this label before and the quality in person is par to other Wilsons I've had in the past. Perhaps the pics do not do it justice. Regardless, I have also seen the label you have posted and it is definitely from a more modern piece than the one I currently have on hand.

Thanks for the input!
 
You really need to establish if it's scuffing or paint on the surface before deciding what to do about the marks, as they need different approaches. If you can't tell by eye, perhaps try a magnifying glass. Look under good lighting.

If scuffing you need some kind of leather colouring polish/paint to cover the scuffs.

If paint you are need to try removing the paint somehow without damaging the leather. It will depend if it's water based or oil/emulsion paint I think.
 
Oh I totally agree with the late 70s early 80s dating by the experts. This has a distinct Bodie & Doyle feel to it :)
As regards the paint/scuff... one easy way is to run your finger across, if it marginally dips in its a scuff and if it sits on the surface it will be proud. Also if you wet your finger and place it on a scuff it will go darker (as it absorbs it) and white paint will stay the same.
 
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