Leather Apron

[Michael W Richards]

Hi All,

Yes, it's interesting that earlier the same day [prior to his appearance at the inquest] he had denied in the Echo that he was known as Leather Apron.

[On being taken to the police station] "The Sergeant said to me, 'You are the man whom the women call 'Leather Apron.' This, however, I denied. I do not acknowledge (said Piser to the reporter) that name at all, and I have not recently worn a leather apron.

"Were you not surprised (the reporter at once asked) when he said you were known as 'Leather Apron'?

"Yes. I was not aware that I was known by that name. None of my neighbours have ever called me by it."

However, had Pizer not changed his story at the inquest, he could never have [allegedly] pursued a case for libel against the Star, Daily Telegraph and an American newspaper.

Regards,

Simon

Hi Simon,

Perhaps another angle then......I believe women were interviewed who claimed to have been frightened by someone known as Leather Apron, known for brandishing a knife that he had on him on occasion. I believe his reputation was one of a rogue who shakes down prostitutes while moving about at night in slippers.

Was Pizer held accountable for these claims? Were any charges pressed against him...did anyone formally file a complaint against him? Why were none of his supposed accusers at the Inquest to verify that he was the man they knew as Leather Apron? Did he wear slippers outside?

Seems to me that by agreeing to the nickname at the Inquest he had his name cleared in conjunction with the "Ripper" murders and Im not aware of any negative ramifications for his doing so.

Quite decent of the police to help clear someone like that.

Best regards,

Mike R

[lynn cates]

Piser

Hello Mike. You are asking all the right questions.


"I believe women were interviewed who claimed to have been frightened by someone known as Leather Apron, known for brandishing a knife that he had on him on occasion."

Yes. And you know my take on this.

"I believe his reputation was one of a rogue who shakes down prostitutes while moving about at night in slippers."

Close. The stories were only partly consistent (as in any legend). But, yes, he was supposed to shake down prostitutes and he sometimes carried a knife with him.

I don't recall any one identifying Piser as the villain--except Violenia and Thick. Mrs. Fiddymont nixed him.

Cheers.
LC

[Simon Wood]

Hi Mike,

There had been no "Ripper" murders at the time of Pizer's inquest appearance.

Regards,

Simon

[Bridewell]

I don't recall any one identifying Piser as the villain--except Violenia and Thick.

So one (possibly discredited) civilian witness and one experienced police officer. That's still two people.

Regards, Bridewell.

[Jon Guy]

Hello again Mike

His neighbors, family and friends unanimously denied that he had ever been nicknamed "Leather Apron"[/I].

Interestingly, Pizer`s neighbour, 24 year old Emily Patzwald verbally and physically assaulted Pizer in the street on the morning of Oct 6th.
True to form, Pizer ensured she appeared before the Thames Police Court.

[lynn cates]

nickname

Hello Colin. I don't recall Thick as witnessing any misdoings on Piser's behalf. But he did note the nickname.

Cheers.
LC

[Michael W Richards]

Hello all,

Thats a fair point Simon, "Jack" didnt exist yet, I should have said more Whitechapel murder victims. Its amazing how much retrospection we have to deal with, both modern and contemporary. At the time of the early murders, meaning 1 and 2, they were thought to be a continuation of a string...Annie, Emma and Martha.

Thanks for the re-enforcement Lynn, I do know how you see this situation and by taking a closer look at whether or not Pizer was indeed Leather Apron we can clear the deck somewhat.

Leather apron started out as a physical object, which led to a mythical monster-in-waiting, and concluded with a man answering "yes" to a direct question at the Inquest. An appearance that signaled the end of his fear for his safety on the streets. How come?

If he was Leather Apron there was a backstory just waiting to be written.

My best regards,

Mike R

[lynn cates]

kerygma

Hello Mike. Thanks.

Perhaps the best approach to "Leather Apron" was set out in "The Times." My paraphrase: Sounds like a legend to us, but so many women agree on the details that it must contain a kernel of truth.

Cheers.
LC

[Scott Nelson]

To repeat, ad nauseum, who was "Mickeldy Joe" -- the only person who could confirm Leather Apron's existence? A guy named Michael Joseph? Or was he a concoction of Harry Dam's journalistic imagination?

Researchers should look into Joe's possible existence.

[Jon Guy]

Hi Scott

I`ve been looking for Joseph Mickeldy / Mickledey or an East European name begining with Mickel, mickle or michael.

I don`t see why the name should be invented, as it`s reasonable to assume Piser would have had drinking buddies.

[lynn cates]

confirmation

Hello Scott. Why is "Mickeldy Joe" the only person who could confirm Leather Apron's existence?

Once again, what did Donavan mean when he said he knew Leather Apron well? Was he:

1. Lying?

2. Fantasising?

3. Misreported?

What about the physical description, especially his walk? What did "The Echo" mean on 10 September when they reported that a man answering the description of Leather Apron entered a house in Upper Holloway?

Cheers.
LC

[lynn cates]

inspiration

Hello Jon. But why look to Piser as the only inspiration for "Leather Apron"?

Cheers.
LC

[Jon Guy]

Hi Lynn

But why look to Piser as the only inspiration for "Leather Apron"?

What other options do we have?

[Jon Guy]

Hi Lynn

What about the physical description, especially his walk?

Charles Ludwig had a stiff leg, and his description could be Mrs Fiddymont`s man.

John James had a stiff knee, too.

What did "The Echo" mean on 10 September when they reported that a man answering the description of Leather Apron entered a house in Upper Holloway?

Funnily enough Piser was also known in the lodging houses of that area. But the incident you mention occurred when a couple of girls made fun of Isenschmid been Leather Apron to which he replied in equal seriousness that he was. He even thought that his arrest was due to this incident.

[Jon Guy]

Hi Lynn

This is all I can find on Isenschmid`s gait. Taken from your own excellent research:

Folio 28
Recurrent Mania II,8,C
Nervous and Muscular System:
Motion:
1) Power and Co-ordination of movements in gait and station - Normal
2) Writing and speaking - Normal
3) Tremors, fits - Nil