feltfan
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- Oakland, CA, USA
Nice. Looked like they have a lot of old/vintage jackets? Do they stock and sell vintage?
the row of jackets hanging from up top are their "museum" pieces. They take them on road shows. I think I saw on their website that they had a couple for sale though. And I'm sure if you ping Gwen about what you're looking for, she might be able to flag one down for you if it ever comes through her shop. But there's always a good supply on Ebay in various conditions and prices.Nice. Looked like they have a lot of old/vintage jackets? Do they stock and sell vintage?
the row of jackets hanging from up top are their "museum" pieces. They take them on road shows. I think I saw on their website that they had a couple for sale though. And I'm sure if you ping Gwen about what you're looking for, she might be able to flag one down for you if it ever comes through her shop. But there's always a good supply on Ebay in various conditions and prices.
Went back and picked up my jacket. They did a great job replacing/matching just the male side of the zipper so I was able to keep that gorgeous Talon head. They also patched up an inside pocket, some liner patches, and a lot of loose stitching. Jacket is ready for another 100 years. As a reminder, they work on all leather jackets, so if you need a repair, alteration, etc. have confidence in contacting them.
I also got some company history sorted out. Think there was a separate thread on this somewhere.
Star Glove started off in the 1920s. After WW2, two employees bought the company-- Gary Garibaldi and Archie Frischling. Shortly thereafter they landed the LAPD jacket contract and rebranded to Cal Leathers 1948ish. Gary passed away in 1964 and Archie kept running the business. He then passed it on to his son. About 20 years ago Gwen bought it and essentially brought it back to life (set up shop in her dads upholstery warehouse, etc.). So essentially 3 owners over the past 100 years.
Gary served in a bomber squadron and was shot down twice. Gwen has some cool nose art from the planes he served in. She wants to do some sort of flight/bomber jacket inspired piece and use the art. Gary was more of the sales guy and Archie was more of the designer/creative. For those that don't know, Ventura area is well known for their agriculture. Lots of strawberries, tomatoes, etc. Gary's family mostly grew little starter plants to sell to farmers, but Gary was the one break out sibling. After the war, he went to work for Star Glove which was mostly making gloves for the local market. He and Archie hatched a plan to buy the company, which they did, and the rest is history.
Ha, I was thinking the same. I think mine, at least in the category of the old school American made classics-- Buco, Cal Leathers, Schott, TaubersGreat post. Thank you. Cals are Mount Rushmore-type jackets to me.
Shortly thereafter they landed the LAPD jacket contract and rebranded to Cal Leathers 1948ish.
that's a beauty, Terry.Someone needs to do a Cal Leather Illustrated History. You got a lot of information now. I've seen plenty of their jackets here. I'd read it!
I've got one Cal Leather for the Book
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Shortly thereafter they landed the LAPD jacket contract and rebranded to Cal Leathers 1948ish.
Someone needs to do a Cal Leather Illustrated History. You got a lot of information now. I've seen plenty of their jackets here. I'd read it!
I've got one Cal Leather for the Book
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That is pretty damn amazing right there! I am always on the lookout for a nice size 46 LAPD and they do not come up very often. I’m sure a size 52 only appears once in a blue moon!Here you go. A 52, but I'd ask for measurements because we know, those numbers don't mean much.
Vintage LAPD - Black Horsehide — Cal-Leather Jackets (cal-leather.com)
A PVC Cal?Someone needs to do a Cal Leather Illustrated History. You got a lot of information now. I've seen plenty of their jackets here. I'd read it!
I've got one Cal Leather for the Book
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A PVC Cal?
Magnum Force!
Hell's ya. lol.