Californian questioD

[Willybob]

I know GW makes a Californian Ventura. Did Aero make one at one time called a Californian? I don't see that model listed on there site. Any info would be appreciated.

 

[marmalademan]

They did one in russet buffalo by that name and I think our @Plumbline has one, or certainly did at some point.

IMHO that was the best leather they've ever had alas it's nowhere to be seen these days (except for our classifieds in which as we speak is listed a size 40 50s HB at an unbelievably low price!)

 

[Grayland]

Aero USA offered the Californian model. I would imagine that Aero could still option out a half belt as a Californian - since they made it for Aero USA.

 

[Cooperson]

Aero did do a Californian, I owned one in their midweight russet jerky horsehide.

 

[handymike]

The ones I've seen had wrist straps.

 

[Cooperson]

The ones I've seen had wrist straps.

Correct Mike, they had cuff straps and a breast pocket if I remember correctly. I asked Aero to leave them off, for a cleaner look, this was back in 2010. I kept it for a couple of years before trading it back in for a deck jacket.

 

[Willybob]

Thanks for the info guys. Mine is buffalo and has wrist cuff straps. It has an odd collar tag I've never seen before so I was wondering if it was an older model.

 

[ton312]

Thanks for the info guys. Mine is buffalo and has wrist cuff straps. It has an odd collar tag I've never seen before so I was wondering if it was an older model.

View attachment 131047

Please post more photos!

 

[hondurasdave47]

@Carrie @ Thurston Bros. , to your knowledge, does Aero still offer this style?

Thanks!

Dave

 

[Willybob]

It's a wonderful jacket. The leather is reported to be buffalo and has amazing grain. There are no other tags attached. I have two other Aero jackets and the workmanship is consistent with Aero quality.

 

[handymike]

Looks good!

 

[Willybob]

 

[Fanch]

My Californial Ventura was a collaborative effort between John Chapman and Himel Bros Leather Company when John sent the patterns of an original jacket in size 44 to Himel for one dark brown and three black jackets for Himel to make in Shinki horsehide. I bought the only brown he had for sale. John said he forgot to send the wrist straps which was fine with me. One of the best jackets I have ever owned.



This was John's original listing:
http://www.goodwearleather.com/pages/sale_ventura_collab_002.html

 

[handymike]

I think the Aero is a 50s HB with a couple of tweaks, no?

 

[ton312]

I think the Aero is a 50s HB with a couple of tweaks, no?

Certainly looks like it. Handwarmers are set at a different angle and the HB itself has the straps tightening toward the front. I really like that feature and wish I'd have spec'd it on my HB.

 

[Willybob]

You may be right. It's a one piece back with no action pleats. The half belt is a good 2 inches lower than the one on my 50s LHB Aero. I know the cuff straps are a Californian trait but I don't know if the backs vary much. And a YKK Aero zip pull. Never seen one before.

 

[Fanch]

My GW/Himel Ventura does have an action back with a Talon zipper.

 

[Superfluous]

My Californial Ventura was a collaborative effort between John Chapman and Himel Bros Leather Company when John sent the patterns of an original jacket in size 44 to Himel for one dark brown and three black jackets for Himel to make in Shinki horsehide. I bought the only brown he had for sale. John said he forgot to send the wrist straps which was fine with me. One of the best jackets I have ever owned.

View attachment 131144 View attachment 131145

This was John's original listing:
http://www.goodwearleather.com/pages/sale_ventura_collab_002.html

 

[handymike]

I think Fanch got the best of both worlds on that jacket!

 

[Willybob]

Aero did do a Californian, I owned one in their midweight russet jerky horsehide.

Cooperson. Thank you for your input. When was yours built. Im trying to zero in on when Areo had them in the rotation and when mine was made.