40s Sears Topline suede and 40s Windward Suede Horsehide

[Dilkit]

I intend to keep the jacket. But that's interesting to know.

 

[Marc mndt]

Very interesting to see all those capeskin jackets advertised. While it is understandable why you don't find many actual vintage 40s capeskin jackets, as they don't last as long as other leather, I wonder why none of the repro guys hasn't done one. I only see the A-1 capeskin in the repro market.
Cool posts guys.

Eastman does their hartmann jacket in capeskin

 

[dudewuttheheck]

Those are beautiful jackets. How did I miss this thread when it was originally posted?

 

[tmitchell59]

Later 40s Suede Smoking jacket

 

[Davy Crockett]

Another beautiful Jacket!

D

 

[tmitchell59]

Windward Horsehide jacket on the right

Topline in the middle

My understanding is that vintage spring-loaded Crown zips are very desirable and sell for up to $500 apiece when NOS. You may have something there, but I will leave it to TFL experts to opine.

I do buy jackets for "parts"; zippers, labels. This Sportclad was cheap including the Crown spring loaded zipper and the 40s Sportclad label. It is also a very cool wool jacket that fits me, so a bonus all around.

This Fieldmaster has a later 50s early 60s Crown zipper. These zippers became Coats and Clark and are more often seen. The early ones, as on the Sportclad, are of interest for restoration of vintage A2 jackets.

 

[tmitchell59]

Very interesting to see all those capeskin jackets advertised. While it is understandable why you don't find many actual vintage 40s capeskin jackets, as they don't last as long as other leather, I wonder why none of the repro guys hasn't done one. I only see the A-1 capeskin in the repro market.
Cool posts guys.

Yes, Capeskin is well advertised in the 30s/40s and basically fades away by the 50s. Capeskin from this era is fairly delicate and deteriorates into toast!

Great leather for southern California and a Tropical Island! I have no experience with current Capeskin.

This 30s McGregor has a beautiful zipper and appears to be excellent until you look at the shoulders.

This California Sportswear Capeskin is in Mint original condition and probably the finest condition Capeskin jacket from the 30s. It is also around a size 42. This one deserves its' own thread.

 

[jonesy86]

Eastman does their hartmann jacket in capeskin View attachment 243860

An ELMC Californian in russet capeskin might be just the thing for my tropical leather jacket needs.

 

[Dilkit]

Hello TM. That’s interesting re the zip. Do you have any tips on how to keep my topline suede in good condition. I wear it like a normal jacket...very regularly.

 

[tmitchell59]

Hello TM. That’s interesting re the zip. Do you have any tips on how to keep my topline suede in good condition. I wear it like a normal jacket...very regularly.

I see mostly Talon zippers on vintage jackets, but makers used different zippers through the years. The only tip I have is don't get it wet, at least I don't. Sounds like you wear your jacket and that is about what you need to do. I forgot I have a Capeskin Topline jacket right in front of me, just forgot about it. Too small for me, so it is on display. I don't think I have a picture of it. I will do some pics of the Capeskin jackets I own.