Cross zip nation

[Monitor]

Yes, I bought the jacket in the ebay sale. The seller also had a Green wool lined Hercules. I bought it too. I have not measured them, but both are the largest Hercules MC jackets I have owned. One may have a size 46 tag, I just don't recall.

There is a variety in the Hercules line up. I have owned two Standard red quilt lining Horsehide D pocket jackets. I have not owned any of the Steerhide Made In California jackets.

Here is one I sold and called a 44, thought I don't think it had a size tag. This is the standard 50s Sears Hercules MC jacket. I've owned two of these.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/qdVytcujGPMhdDsG8


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I'd so love to have this...

 

[tmitchell59]

I will be interested in hearing your comments on this one. This 42 is the largest size I have seen in this version. One of my wool lined has a made in CA label, also a through belt, horsehide.

Here is a HH version of a through belt with a standard 50s Hercules label. Are they the same?

 

[Wildhorses]

No, not the same as this one. The HH Herc I found is almost exactly the same as the one you bought on eBay, the jacket on the left of your photo (1952 or 1953 maybe, I Don't know). Here are the pics from Etsy, quilt lining is the main difference, and label too :

For the moment I am still dreaming of the perfect jacket, but I know it will be extremely short.
Waist measures close to 20 inches, chest 22, shoulders 18.5 that should be acceptable.
The steerhide still for sale has a totally square baby Pocket, and the zippers on top of the sleeves,
and it has wider shoulders : 20 inches. Otherwise, same jacket. The size 42 is written on the label,
whereas it is not on the HH one.

 

[Wildhorses]

I'd so love to have this...

I understand that. The pics of Terry's 1947 show an AMAZING HH leather, that's the thing I absolutely like. The 1947 has the nicest design, followed by the first through belt. After that, the models changes are not what I prefer.

 

[navetsea]

Hmm, today i got called again, some minor fixes to my first fit, shoulder is wider now and fits me, the waist and lower back still not there yet. The fabrics has gotten crumpley so getting harder to see the fit, i think my right sleeve post (left on the pic) is Ok, the other sleeve post is wrong ( he saw that too), all the pockets etc, still not changed, i asked them to make me cutouts of pocket welts and patch pocket ,beltloop, epaulette, etc. So on the next fitting i can set the position i want them on, while trying the jacket. They still doing those tents, and probably did mine quickly just to please me or something, while I never called, or asking any progress, i rather wait and see more fitting fixes, i think it is still far from approval fit wise, im not in hurry so all is fine.

 

[tmitchell59]

No, not the same as this one.

I look forward to seeing more of this jacket. The two pictured are not the same. More than one maker with the through belt or same maker different configuration. I'm guess two separate makers take on a theme. Post your new jacket in the Sears Motorcycle thread.

 

[tmitchell59]

Two Californians at the Leather Tree.

 

[tmitchell59]

The Californian on the hanger is Chrome Tanned Cowhide, The Unlabeled is more like horsehide. Both are Beautiful. I noticed some faint stich marks on the Unlabeled badge area. The Unlabeled is a little older late 40s, the Californian is 50s.

 

[Wildhorses]

I look forward to seeing more of this jacket. The two pictured are not the same. More than one maker with the through belt or same maker different configuration. I'm guess two separate makers take on a theme. Post your new jacket in the Sears Motorcycle thread.

I will post pics of mine when I get it, in the other thread. It has almost everything I like on a MC Hercules, and if I remember correctly, an other member has posted a photo, wearing a very similar one.

 

[Wildhorses]

Two Californians at the Leather Tree.

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At first I thought you had a baby MC jacket in hand…
Nice collection, especially the one being worn.

 

[JMax]

The Californian on the hanger is Chrome Tanned Cowhide, The Unlabeled is more like horsehide. Both are Beautiful. I noticed some faint stich marks on the Unlabeled badge area. The Unlabeled is a little older late 40s, the Californian is 50s.

I remember not bidding on the chrome-tanned cowhide jacket. Every time I see it I ask myself if I did the right thing lol. It is amazing. I’ve seen a few of the Californian with the patch pocket for sale but never in a large enough size. Another stellar jacket.

 

[tmitchell59]

At first I thought you had a baby MC jacket in hand…

Magic! Your new Hercules is much anticipated. I will search that thread again.

ve seen a few of the Californian with the patch pocket for sale but never in a large enough size. Another stellar jacket.

The Recent sale was a 21 inch. These are Fine jackets, the buyer got a good deal. The California Sportswear Company history has alluded me. They were a significant maker from the early 30s through the 1970s and I've found little information. So far the jackets tell the story.

 

[tmitchell59]

I remember not bidding on the chrome-tanned cowhide jacket

I now have a variety of California Chrome Tanned Californians. While those two are out I will reach for a couple of more and do a comparison. It will be an interesting look.

I don't know why they put California Chrome Tanned on the label. I'm not sure the significance. Chrome Tanning wasn't a new development when those jackets were made. Another curiosity.

Note this Pink mountain label is on a jacket from the mid 1950s not the 1930s. It has been thought the pink mountain label was 1930s. This is not the only example like this. Another curiosity.

 

[Wildhorses]

The Sears Hercules MC is at home, I like it a lot. I Don't know if it really is a size 42, it's written 42 on the detachable belt only, that may not be the original one for this jacket. But The shoulders measure around 18,75 inches at back, sleeves 25,
chest 47 ! I have plenty of room, exactly like my first standard size 38 Aero HWMN. Just shorter at back, at 22,5
Some other pics posted in the Sears Hercules MC thread.

 

[jonbuilder]

Some pics of the Ralphs Pugh, after some Pecard :

I will wager that is some fine steer hide excellent

 

[jonbuilder]

The Sears Hercules MC is at home, I like it a lot. I Don't know if it really is a size 42, it's written 42 on the detachable belt only, that may not be the original one for this jacket. But The shoulders measure around 18,75 inches at back, sleeves 25,
chest 47 ! I have plenty of room, exactly like my first standard size 38 Aero HWMN. Just shorter at back, at 22,5
Some other pics posted in the Sears Hercules MC thread.

More like a vintage Hercules size 44 about the size of my Hercules MC which is size 44

 

[jonbuilder]

I now have a variety of California Chrome Tanned Californians. While those two are out I will reach for a couple of more and do a comparison. It will be an interesting look.

I don't know why they put California Chrome Tanned on the label. I'm not sure the significance. Chrome Tanning wasn't a new development when those jackets were made. Another curiosity.

Note this Pink mountain label is on a jacket from the mid 1950s not the 1930s. It has been thought the pink mountain label was 1930s. This is not the only example like this. Another curiosity.

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I have always been confused about what dates the pink mountain label was used

 

[jonbuilder]

I now have a variety of California Chrome Tanned Californians. While those two are out I will reach for a couple of more and do a comparison. It will be an interesting look.

I don't know why they put California Chrome Tanned on the label. I'm not sure the significance. Chrome Tanning wasn't a new development when those jackets were made. Another curiosity.

Note this Pink mountain label is on a jacket from the mid 1950s not the 1930s. It has been thought the pink mountain label was 1930s. This is not the only example like this. Another curiosity.

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Terry, I would look forward to watching if you decide to do a video with your Californian MC jackets

 

[Wildhorses]

More like a vintage Hercules size 44 about the size of my Hercules MC which is size 44

The Ralphs Pugh is heavy steerhide. I have to say I sent it back to the seller, as I can't wear a jacket with 19,5 inches shoulders, 35 inches waist and 22 inches back. The seller was not disappointed, as he received a conditioned jacket, fully wearable now.
And about the Hercules, I think too it's a 44, especially with the measurements of waist and chest. I'm fine with it, I will be able to layer, and I have longer sleeves and a longer back. The horsehide is heavy, pliable, a great find.

 

[J Leather Investigater]

I came across this cool motorcycle jacket that looks like a golden bear. It is tagged male hide- Chicago. Very cool jacket with legit talon zippers, inner suede waist band , and nice tough steerhide. I have grown partial to this crosszip. I wanted to share it also to see if anyone has heard of it "malehide" leather Chicago.