Thursday, June 13, 2013

BEDALE OBSESSION

THE ORIGINAL BEDALE WAS DESIGNED BY CHAIRMAN DAME MARGARET BARBOUR AS AN EQUESTRIAN JACKET IN 1980. I LOVE THIS MODEL. IT HAS TWO FLAP CHEST POCKETS (INSTEAD OF THE LATER HAND WARMERS) AND TWO ROYAL WARRANTS, ONE FROM QUEEN ELIZABETH AND THE OTHER FROM THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH. (PRINCE CHARLES DID NOT APPLY HIS UNTIL 1987). THERE ARE SOME SUBTLETIES I LOOK FOR WHEN DECIDING ON A VINTAGE ONE FOR THE COLLECTION. (YES, IT SEEMS IT IS BECOMING A COLLECTION) PATINA AND WEAR ARE THE FIRST THINGS I LOOK AT AND FOR. I LIKE A BIT OF WEATHERING AND FUNK. A GREASY - LEATHERY FINISH IS A MUST. SOME EARLY ONES HAVE YKK ZIPPERS AND OTHERS HAVE THE BARBOUR PULL. I ALSO LOOK AT THE CORDUROY COLLAR, THE LIGHTER IN COLOR THE BETTER. I ALSO CHECK OUT BUTTON WEAR AND LOOK FOR BRASSY FINISHES.
(NUTTY I KNOW) 
I OWN TOO MANY TO MENTION AND MY FAVORITES ARE IN GREEN BUT THERE ARE A COUPLE BLUE ONES FOR GOOD MEASURE. IT SEEMS THAT BARBOUR HAS VARIED THEIR SIZING OVER TIME AND SOMETIMES A 36 FITS LIKE A 38 AND VICE VERSA. THE REALITY IS YOU HAVE TO TRY THEM ON. THE LARGER 38/40'S I USE IN THE COLDER MONTHS, LAYERED WITH BIG SWEATERS OR HARRIS TWEEDS. WHEN I DO REPROOF THE VINTAGE ONES I ONLY USE NEW ENGLAND REPROOFERS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE. THEY CAN FIX, (GET OUT THE FUNK THAT WON'T BUDGE) REPAIR, AND TAILOR ANY BARBOUR-TALK TO AL.
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(MY FAVE)






3 comments:

james at 10engines said...

yes. and no "barbour" stitched on pockets...

Anonymous said...

Got myself that exact jacket only a week ago. Beautifully worn, professionally serviced a couple of times...just perfect! So much better (and cheaper)than what they pass off as a Barbour these days. Just be aware that you might have to size up with this particular model, especially if you have slightly longer arms.

bob said...

Big fan of New England Reproofers. Brought my poor Border back to life. As a "Johnny Longtorso" I need the extra length of the Border, but the Bedale sure looks nice too.