The Marlon Brando Durable

In this video, I go over the exact version of the durable jacket that Marlon Brando wears in the 1953 movie, The Wild One. There were many different versions of the durable motorcycle jacket, but this is the exact version with all the correct details. Please feel free to follow me on Instagram ‪@LeatherJacketJawn‬  www.instagram....
#leatherjacket #horsehidejacket #vintageleatherjacket #durable #code33 #marlonbrando #durablejacket

[@kevinericsongs]

wow what a great jacket-that is something special! i was a member of the old film jackets forum and that durable was the holy grail of jackets to find..beautiful!

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

Thank you!

[@RoadToHeritage]

Such beautiful jackets

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

Thanks Ryan!

[@alred6568]

Nice video. There are several other differences that were not pointed out. By looking at jacket construction and materials I am beginning to think who actually crafted the Brando model. Finally, I do not believe either of those jackets are the one used by Brando in the movie the wild one.

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

Like what?

[@alred6568]

@@LeatherJacketJawn Snaps and other details. Those snaps were an evolution of the one made in the movie. The collars were different also since they had to be secure differently.

[@tsuyoshinyc2]

What beautiful jackets! I wish I had one.. What I assume is that Schott copied the Durable Marlon Brando design and started selling them as 618 Perfecto after the movie. The success of the movie enabled Schott to retail those motorcycle jackets by own under their brand name in terms of making a profit. Prior to 1953 the demand for motorcycle jacket was small and Schott was relying on manufacturing OEM jackets. Am I right?

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

The model number 618 only came out much later in the 50’s once they released their “Ribbon” steerhide label. Before that no one knew what the horsehide “perfecto” jackets were called. Prior to 1953 Schott was making both jackets for themselves as well as Beck but most likely not the jacket we know today as a 618/613. That jacket seems like it came out only after the Wild One. Beck came out with their 999 (the first version 999 did not have a coin pocket) in 1950. It seems more Becks were selling than Schotts before the early/mid 50’s. It also seems that the Schott branded jackets were perhaps distributed by Beck as well since Beck had a well established catalog. Schott only came out with their own catalog well into the 60’s.

[@tsuyoshinyc2]

@@LeatherJacketJawn Thank you for your reply. Very educational. Two questions remain in my mind: 1. What is the company for the Durable label? 2. Do you think Schott was one of the manufacturers for Durable jackets? My assumption is no, so that Schott was able to copy the Durable design and sell it by own and through the Beck distribution. Any thoughts ?

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

@@tsuyoshinyc2 There were a few different manufacturers that made the Durable jackets. One of them was American Sportswear Co. (100% verified) another was Ideal Sportswear (not 100% but still fairly certain) and there were probably at least one or two other makers that I have yet to identify. Schott was definitely not one of the makers. I also believe that Durable was the first to put a star on the shoulder and everyone else copied them but I can’t prove it.

[@tsuyoshinyc2]

@@LeatherJacketJawn Thank you. I enjoy your videos watching as well as hearing all the info as they are very educational. One of the historically important American heritages IMO. Let me know if you ever want to sell your Durable in size 38!

[@Otenphotography]

Amazing 🤘🏻👏🏼🎸😎

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

Thank you!!

[@fredguerra4917]

Love the jacket. But the price is so high for an original one. All those durables are solid. I must agree with Alfred, several details on your jacket are not consistent with the one Marlon wore in the movie. Personally, I do think the original jacket had a reddish quilted lining. Those quilted linings began to show up in 1951. Kind to think about it, the jacket could have been built in 52 or earlier.

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

Like what?

[@fredguerra4917]

Look at the collar. There are two female l24 snap sockets. I do see the properly located l24 studs. The third socket (back of the neck) is not placed in the correct location. That is not the way jacket makers would produce jacket back on the day. Also the belt is not like the one in the movie. You can clearly see in Brando's jacket in color images that his jacket had a rounded pointed belt ( common in those years) rather then the pointed one in your jacket. The two different durables you have are made by a different makers. It is clearly seen in the construction method and the different machines used to put it together. Lastly, could Brando have used different jackets in the movie? Some angles of the belt in the movie appear to show a pointed end belt. At any rate, a good friend of mine in Claremont California can help identify the jacket. He had one that was partly damage and was keeping for a parts jacket. He was the one who pointed the theory of having more than one jacket in the set for the movie. He is by far the most knowledgeable person I know about zippers and hardware. Hope he does share some of his views about Brando's jacket.

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

@@fredguerra4917 that’s incorrect. The movie jacket belt is exactly like mine, pointed. No Durable ever had a rounded belt. Besides the snaps for a mouton collar my jacket is exactly the same as the Johnny jacket with all the correct details. Message me on IG and I’ll show you.

[@alred6568]

@@LeatherJacketJawn Did you look at some images available on line? There is plenty of images of Brando showing close ups of the neck area. Yours have two l24 snap socket clearly visible. Brando did not. He had two l24 studs which are very different at the lower location. Brando's snaps are visible at certain angles just as they should for that jacket. Perhaps those l24 sockets were added along with the one in the neck? Brando's jacket only visible socket is at the center of the neck next to the studs. That means two j24 snaps one on top of each other. Lastly, the rounded pointed belt is a fact clear and simple. Just look at the color images available. Sorry, but do not want to cause trouble. Just pointing the facts that can help anyone interested in the subject. Your jacket is very cool but I do not believe is the same as the one used in the movie. Lastly, there are images of Brando wearing his jacket showing a quilted lining. If you like I can send you links.

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

@@alred6568 I guess you don’t read. I already acknowledged that the button snaps are not present on the Brando jacket. You’re also wrong about the belt. No such thing as pointed rounded. They are pointed, all of them. How many originals do you own? I own seven! I think I would know. But whatever you say mister know it all