On that tack, a few months back The Trad revealed a nice tip on the ACL boards that should have been obvious but wasn't... when buying British goods, especially nicely aged stuff like say, a Barbour jacket, use British eBay. Bolt of lighting time...
"Ahem, a small word of advice that’ll save you a couple hundred bucks – - Go to Ebay UK for your Barbour. Dirt cheap and beat to hell for about $50. Throw in shipping for $30 and you have the real McCoy with distressed character." -Tintin (The Trad)
Excellent advice. Took a little watching but managed to snag a "BARBOUR BEDALE Waxed Country/Riding jacket 38" for 12 pounds sterling, about $20. Insane. Have never owned one until now; in the UK a Barbour has some slightly loaded social conortations (i.e. you may be an upper class twit / Hooray Henry / Sloane Ranger / Yaaah) but no doubt that is just my insecurity showing. Fine, fine piece of kit.
Related tip from Oma that I won't need this time: Distress a Barbour to avoid the ignominy of appearing to have a new one... elastic bands wound round the arms and leave it in the back of the car for the dogs to trample on!
Now the big question.. do I rewax it and go through all that or just wear it as is...