leather vests

[Capt. JEB Forrest]

I have a couple leather vests and discussion always breaks out about if/or when they were around.

[St. George]

I've never encountered one in all of my references and never seen one in any museum collection of period clothing.

Besides John Wayne's fondness for wearing one, the only time I ever ran across leather vests were on hippies and bikers - back in the late '60's in LA.

Men of the period wore what was available at the dry goods store in town - those were vests largely made of wool or other patterned fabric.

Now that's what was worn during the era, by folks of that time frame.

If one is just doing C&WAS shoots and not also maintaining authenticity, it doesn't really matter.

Scouts Out!

[Delmonico]

A few wore buckskin and beaded, made by Indian Women on the reservations, but the smooth leather John Wayne/Ben Cartwright type I agree with St George, and I've looked over thousands of pictures.   

[Mogorilla]

I have seen some of the beaded/buckskin vests that would be late in the era, but have also seen some that were Metis and that would have been earlier.   They had some real intricate work, lots of flower motifs.    But, have never seen a leather vest or coat that was not buckskin.   Unless you want to go Steampunk, then you can get the leather hat too.