Repro 1930s Sears Original Hercules jackets; whose is best?

[zhz]

BTW, schitzo, I can help you to escape from GFW, if you want, pm me your email address, I will send you the software needed.

 

[schitzo]

Thanks zhz, obviously I respect Chinese law and so am not using freegate myself. But FWIW I hear that one isn't so great and that people who have it still can't upload pics , or even view them half the time.

 

[zhz]

Thanks zhz, obviously I respect Chinese law and so am not using freegate myself. But FWIW I hear that one isn't so great and that people who have it still can't upload pics , or even view them half the time.

I am not using freegate. There are many ways to do it.

 

[Sloan1874]

As far as I'm aware there are two original adverts that show Original Hercules - the one that we all know, with the guy smoking a pipe, is an ad from the mid-30s, which is a little later than the one Aero's is based on - roughly 1933.
This is a similar design to Aero's http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FAI_SK4P-nk/TTKca03RweI/AAAAAAAAA0c/C1Hg36NFJvY/s1600/searshh.JPG though the very ones lacked a matched back seam or a top pocket.

 

[handymike]

I'll stand down on the cuffs. They changed over the years. Areo's is very similar to the earliest ones.

 

[Sloan1874]

And here's the original:

 

[bretron]

Going with BK. Really dig how they went to such lengths with the accuracy. Including the trademark infringing label

I like how they did with a civvy jacket what other makers do with A2s.

 

[ProteinNerd]

Without knowing exactly what makes one Hercules jacket more accurate than another hercules jacket, I think the pictures of the GW show the jacket off better and it looks better (or more appealing too me) so my vote goes for that one.

 

[handymike]

 

[nick123]

And here's the original:

If that's the original Aero did a nice job. Their take captures the spirit of that jacket. On the site I remember reading they recommended getting the Hercules with tumbled black horsehide. Probably because it looks like this!

 

[zhz]

Yes，Aero has the similar cuff to the early mode. But the original cuff looks sharper than Aero's, it is more like a triangle i think.

 

[zhz]

Just wondering, does GW make Hercules? Can anyone share a picture of it please?

 

[tropicalbob]

I had to go for the Aero: first, because I drool over that jacket on a daily basis and, second, because somewhere in the back of my mind I honestly believe that one day Holly and/or Ken (we wear the same size) will remember all the nice things I've said about them and send me a free one.

 

[zhz]

O, found it, Goodyear Imperial...maybe I should vote for this just because of the name...

 

[BuzzTheTower]

Gents,

The Good Wear copy is definitely not an accurate version of the originals we handled. I actually didn't like the original pattern very much. The details are a lot of fun, and I like the cloth rain flap on the back of the inner side of the collar. But, if you look at this size 46 original, it's got a very strange pattern. It may be that it's a big version of a jacket that looks better in a size 38, but on me, this wasn't a very flattering jacket. So, I chose to use a pattern that I like much more.





Also, the jacket was definitely made by Monarch Mfg. of Milwaukee, WI. They had about 400 employees in 1939, and this jacket would have been a contract from Sear-Roebuck. I wonder if other companies had been contracted to make the jacket as well, as we do see differences, or if Monarch was the sole contractor.

This pocket tag is only seen on Monarch jackets. Obviously, I have no legal right to use the name Sears-Roebuck, and I like the Californian label more anyway.



It's a very cool jacket, but to me, the pattern left some to be desired. I'm very thankful to the fellow who sent me the original to copy (yes, I did take a pattern from it). He is a master of original jackets.

p.s. - I didn't vote!

 

[zhz]

Gents,

The Good Wear copy is definitely not an accurate version of the originals we handled. I actually didn't like the original pattern very much. The details are a lot of fun, and I like the cloth rain flap on the back of the inner side of the collar. But, if you look at this size 46 original, it's got a very strange pattern. It may be that it's a big version of a jacket that looks better in a size 38, but on me, this wasn't a very flattering jacket. So, I chose to use a pattern that I like much more.

View attachment 19986

View attachment 19987

Also, the jacket was definitely made by Monarch Mfg. of Milwaukee, WI. They had about 400 employees in 1939, and this jacket would have been a contract from Sear-Roebuck. I wonder if other companies had been contracted to make the jacket as well, as we do see differences, or if Monarch was the sole contractor.

This pocket tag is only seen on Monarch jackets. Obviously, I have no legal right to use the name Sears-Roebuck, and I like the Californian label more anyway.

View attachment 19988

It's a very cool jacket, but to me, the pattern left some to be desired. I'm very thankful to the fellow who sent me the original to copy (yes, I did take a pattern from it). He is a master of original jackets.

p.s. - I didn't vote!

Thanks for sharing John, I think that original just looks big on you, otherwise, it looks amazing.

 

[Sloan1874]

It looks lovely, but the pockets on GW's are on the large side and slightly awkwardly placed for my taste .

 

[tmitchell59]

Also, the jacket was definitely made by Monarch Mfg. of Milwaukee, WI. They had about 400 employees in 1939, and this jacket would have been a contract from Sear-Roebuck. I wonder if other companies had been contracted to make the jacket as well, as we do see differences, or if Monarch was the sole contractor.

that is interesting. I have thought about the makers of all these store labeled jackets, Sears, Penneys, Wards. There is a huge variety, styles. I have a 40s Hercules labeled long coat with the makers label, A Pritzker and Sons. I don't see many tags or markings on most. I have a couple of Monarch sport jackets, they are very nice.

 

[resortes805]

I would kill for any one of these jackets, but I voted for the Good Wear, as I prefer the slight angles on those back panels.

 

[schitzo]

p.s. - I didn't vote!

That's dignified. But it seems you don't need any extra votes.

For me this is an interesting poll and what it shows if nothing else, is that this type of poll absolutely has to be public. This way you can see who has voted twice for their own jacket for example! You can also see and subtract from the final total votes that you know to be completely partisan. In addition, you can see who has actually opened an account just to cast a vote!