Original Indian Motorcycle Jackets

[JMax]

A few more—

 

[handymike]

I think @Mysteryo has both jackets.

 

[Yamahana]

Typical throat latch

I have a couple of Fidelity “Indian Ranger” jackets, one of them which is an older one and unfortunately too small has this throat latch on the collar the other doesn’t. Something I haven’t seen very often.
Does your HorseHide Fidelity have the throat latch @JMax?

 

[JMax]

I have a couple of Fidelity “Indian Ranger” jackets, one of them which is an older one and unfortunately too small has this throat latch on the collar the other doesn’t. Something I haven’t seen very often.
Does your HorseHide Fidelity have the throat latch @JMax?

None of my Fidelity have had the throat latch. I’ve not seen it on these jackets either. Cool that yours does and good to know.

 

[Yamahana]

None of my Fidelity have had the throat latch. I’ve not seen it on these jackets either. Cool that yours does and good to know.

I’ll take a pic of mine when I get a chance to add to this thread. I think there’s too many similarities with the Fidelity to be a coincidence.

 

[JMax]

I’ll take a pic of mine when I get a chance to add to this thread. I think there’s too many similarities with the Fidelity to be a coincidence.

I totally agree. And both are from Boston right? It just fits. But like OP said, one just never can be 100 percent sure. Part of the fun.

 

[Antique Indian Motocycles]

This Fidelity is a wonderful jacket in mint condition. Congrats!
Comparing this model to a 1940s Indian Ranger I see differences. Indian used wool plaid lining as it was common in the late 40s. The belt on Rangers was sewn to the back panel with a different design and they used a mix of brass and nickelled zippers.

I totally agree. And both are from Boston right? It just fits. But like OP said, one just never can be 100 percent sure. Part of the fun.

This Fidelity is a wonderful jacket in mint condition. Congrats!
They may be sisters from the same father but not twins.....

 

[JMax]

That’s a good way to put it…related but not twins. Would you post a pic of how the belt is attached on the true IR? I’d be interested to see that.

 

[Aloysius]

This Fidelity is a wonderful jacket in mint condition. Congrats!
Comparing this model to a 1940s Indian Ranger I see differences. Indian used wool plaid lining as it was common in the late 40s. The belt on Rangers was sewn to the back panel with a different design and they used a mix of brass and nickelled zippers.

Not always. Aero, when re-lining Mysteryo’s 1947 IR with wool, saw that its original lining had been quilted.

 

[Antique Indian Motocycles]

Sure.Will take some fotos.

 

[Antique Indian Motocycles]

 

[Antique Indian Motocycles]

 

[JMax]

View attachment 368019

Ah yes. Thank you.

 

[Antique Indian Motocycles]

Other differences are the open gussets on the sleeves. Pretty unique back then.

 

[JMax]

Other differences are the open gussets on the sleeves. Pretty unique back then. View attachment 368028

I’m staring at that crown.

 

[Yamahana]

Fidelity throat latch

 

[Antique Indian Motocycles]

I’m staring at that crown.

My Indian Ranger is the 1948 DeLuxe model. It has nickelled Crown spring zippers at the sleeves. It doesn't hang off, the spring holds it back. Good stuff.
Pocket zippers are brass Conmar and main was brass Talon. I replaced it because it was crocked and too short.

 

[Antique Indian Motocycles]

Is there a thread on pre war motorcycle riding gear ? Can´t find stuff like breeches, kidney belts or riding hats.....
Could start on this topic soon....what do you think?

 

[JMax]

That would be cool. I know nothing except for what little is in one of my leather jacket books.

Crown zips are great. Tough, make a nice sound and are easy on the eyes.

 

[Yamahana]

Is there a thread on pre war motorcycle riding gear ? Can´t find stuff like breeches, kidney belts or riding hats.....
Could start on this topic soon....what do you think?

Be a great idea, I’d love to see it. Those kidney belts with the spot work are so cool.