Original U.S. Indian Wars Old West Era Braintanned Buckskin Fringed Leather Jacket - Circa 1880s
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Original Item: One-of-a-Kind. This is an outstanding late 19th century Old West era fringed buckskin leather jacket, dating to approximately the 1880s. Constructed from what appears to be braintanned buckskin, the jacket retains extensive original fringe along both sleeves and across the back, as well as distinctive hand-worked decorative edging throughout.
The jacket has survived for well over a century and shows the expected age, wear, and fragility of an original buckskin garment from this period. Because the leather is now delicate, this jacket should not be stored on a hanger. If displayed on a mannequin, particular care should be taken to use a form small enough that it does not place tension on the shoulders, seams, or body of the jacket.
The collar has a decorative patterned edge, while the front opening and lower edge of the jacket feature a distinctive zig-zag treatment. Both cuffs are similarly finished with sewn-over zig-zag patterned edges, giving the garment a strong hand-made appearance.
The front closes with five simple leather buttons made from rolled strips of leather. The first, second, and fourth buttons remain tightly rolled in their original form. The remaining closures show more wear and age.
There is a small patch pocket on the right breast. It was made without a flap and does not appear ever to have had one. Two additional pockets are present at the waist, each fitted with a flap. The breast and waist pockets are all decorated along their sewn edges with the same zig-zag pattern seen elsewhere on the jacket, although the projecting points are now heavily worn from use and age.
One of the most visually impressive features is the surviving fringe. Long leather fringe runs down both sleeves and across the back of the jacket. Despite the overall age and fragility of the garment, the fringe remains remarkably complete with no serious overall loss.
Condition is well used and aged. There is substantial surface wear to the leather throughout, consistent with both use and more than a century of storage. A notable tear is present at the left shoulder near the collar. There is also a smaller hole in the back of the jacket near the lower edge. Additional rubbing, thinning, staining, and age-related deterioration are present throughout the buckskin.
Despite these condition issues, the jacket remains unusually complete. The survival of the extensive fringe, decorative edging, pockets, leather closures, and overall form makes it an evocative example of the type of buckskin clothing strongly associated with the American frontier during the late 19th century.
Fringed buckskin garments were worn in a variety of contexts in the American West, including by scouts, hunters, guides, frontiersmen, performers, and individuals who adopted frontier-style dress. Without specific provenance, it is not possible to identify the original wearer or determine precisely how this jacket was used, but its construction and styling are consistent with late 19th century frontier fashion.
A very attractive and characterful Old West era buckskin jacket, retaining far more of its original fringe and decorative detail than is often encountered on garments of this age.
Approximate Measurements:
Collar to shoulder: 12 inches
Shoulder to sleeve: 22 inches
Shoulder to shoulder: 20 inches
Chest width: 22 1/2 inches
Waist: 21 inches
Hip: 23 inches
Front length: 33 1/2 inches
- This product is available for international shipping.
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