Sears Motorcylce Jacket History 1949-1963

[jonbuilder]

I’ve already gushed on how much I appreciate your research and how much I would buy/support a Ralph-Pugh and Sears photo history Book. But last point I want to add is that I hope this thread really does bring a lot more love to the Sears range of jackets. I know some of us here have owned some, and no I wouldn’t necessarily say they were the best. But they certainly weren’t the worst. They had a ton of killer designed all decently produced. If anyone looks through this thread and the other Sears thread you made I hope they come away saying wow I never knew. They definitely deserve some love.

I agree Sears sold some fine and interesting jackets. There are easier to find do the vast volume of jackets they sold. Their mail-order catalogs give us a clear picture of jackets being produced during the time period. I own two Hercules jacket, one MC, and one sur coat. On the other hand, Sears did not make jackets and for me will never instill the excitement of finding or owning an original leather jacket from the time period of an actual jacket maker such as Buco, Star Grove, Cal Leather Taubers, California Sports Wear, or any of the smaller jacket makers. I fell the same way about Beck, even though I seen their early examples command high sale prices. I would hold out for a Schott who probably made the early Beck jacket. Going back to Sears their Allstate label is thought to be made by Buco, so an Allstate and Buco jacket of the same design and time period would be identical with the Allstate jacket being more rare. I would rather own the Buco

 

[jonbuilder]

Thank you. The Ralphs-Pugh chapter is about done. I have all the images in chronological order. I need to edit my text. I am also waiting on some information from the company. This will add to what little is known. Put the information in one place.

I think of each installment as a chapter. Sears Motorcycle Jackets, Sears Post-War Leather, 1946-1960, Sears War-Time 40-45, Sears 1930s from Buttons to Zippers. I've got all the catalog pages, a ton of pictures and a few jackets.

I have barely touched on the 30s early 40s jackets. These are my favorites.

But last point I want to add is that I hope this thread really does bring a lot more love to the Sears range of jackets. I know some of us here have owned some, and no I wouldn’t necessarily say they were the best. B

I would say there was a point when all the Catalog companies had high quality products, certainly the mid 30s-mid 40s. Hercules has become the most well known of the labels. They are quality products.

I really want to do a thread on Catalog jacket comparisons. I have some opinions/speculation and would be interested in hearing from others. The Top Three: Sears, J.C. Penney, Wards.

Terry, I am looking forward to reading your posts as you research and work progress.

 

[dannyk]

I agree Sears sold some fine and interesting jackets. There are easier to find do the vast volume of jackets they sold. Their mail-order catalogs give us a clear picture of jackets being produced during the time period. I own to Hercules jacket, one MC, and one sur coat. On the other hand, Sears did not make jackets and for me will never instill the excitement of finding or owning an original leather jacket from the time period of an actual jacket maker such as Buco, Star Grove, Cal Leather Taubers, California Sports Wear, or any of the smaller jacket makers. I fell the same way about Beck, even though I seen their early examples command high sale prices. I would hold out for a Schott who probably made the early Beck jacket. Going back to Sears their Allstate label is thought to be made by Buco, so an Allstate and Buco jacket of the same design and time period would be identical with the Allstate jacket being more rare. I would rather own the Buco

Oh I totally understand. I think a lot of the pricing for Sears jackets comes down to as you said they made a ton, so a ton still exist. I just think they dont get enough credit for their designs and how well built they were. Again, they were not on Cal, Langlitz, or Buco level. But they were very fine jackets. So no I dont think they are incredible, and yes there are a lot of them, so the pricing for them is probably fair. Just saying on the other hand they were using the best designs, sometimes having the best make them for them like Buco/Allstate and so many have survived because they were well built. Didnt you just get a Star off eBay? Cant wait to see that.

 

[jonbuilder]

Sears jackets comes down to as you said they made a ton,

Dan, I think you missed my point, Sears did not make any jackets. I would prefer a jacket with the maker's label over a jacket with the distributor's / marketer's label

 

[dannyk]

Dan, I think you missed my point, Sears did not make any jackets. That is why I would prefer a jacket with the maker's label over a jacket with the distributor's / marketer's label

Ok...sure I get that. I know they had plenty of other makers make their jackets. Im talking about in the general populace, or new collectors who hear the name Sears and dismiss them as mass produced junk. Which they clearly are not. I mean Buco was making some of them. I wish people knew more about that. Im glad you do, and I see why you would rather have one directly from the maker, that all makes sense. I feel like maybe we were just talking past one another? So my point had only been they were using great designs and leather-produced by others I get that, and then slapping their labels on it. Terry here is showing that long history and finding the links to who actually made them. I hope this brings to light the fact they were pretty good. Whether someone wants the actual maker or not is cool,and definitely would have more value.

 

[jonbuilder]

Ok...sure I get that. I know they had plenty of other makers make their jackets. Im talking about in the general populace, or new collectors who hear the name Sears and dismiss them as mass produced junk. Which they clearly are not. I mean Buco was making some of them. I wish people knew more about that. Im glad you do, and I see why you would rather have one directly from the maker, that all makes sense. I feel like maybe we were just talking past one another? So my point had only been they were using great designs and leather-produced by others I get that, and then slapping their labels on it. Terry here is showing that long history and finding the links to who actually made them. I hope this brings to light the fact they were pretty good. Whether someone wants the actual maker or not is cool,and definitely would have more value.

I agree with you 100%

 

[dannyk]

I agree with you 100%

Alright were on the same page now! haha. Thanks for sticking with me.

 

[Tony99]

Some notes through the years.

1949 1st mention nylon lining 1st MC jacket
1951 “new” mc jacket with collar
1951 1st use of 50s Hercules label
1953 new mc in steerhide plus hh
1954 new Mc in steer with W style with riveted belt
1954 New styles in MC section including female maybe Allstate l
1955 New style in hh rivited simple front for young men
1955 White trim MC jacket
1956 Fraternity prep MC jackets sized for boys
1956 1st fieldmaster MC jacket
1957 steerhide in new styles
1958 Traditional looking HH with collar also steerhide econo
1959 HH Standard MC jacket-more steerhide
1960 MC jackets tradtional and econo. No mention of HH
1961 same as 1960
1962 Oakbrook name

Hello Terry, I'm new to this thread but love these old Sears Jackets. Thankyou for sharing your research & photos. I am confused with the Oakbrook label date My Oakbrook D pocket (see photos) has a black lining with steerhide tag, removable belt & detachable collar. Also the cigarette pocket is stitched on outside, like the early Hercules. I've seen other Oakbrook jackets with red lining, also black lining but they have sewn half belts & cigarette pocket is on inside of the D if that makes sense...am thinking mine is an earlier version or variation...not sure.

Yes, there is much to learn in this chronology. I seem to glean something new each time I look at it. I haven't even read all the description.

Use of steerhide through the years has always interested me. 30s/40s jackets horsehide is dominant, with a lot of capeskin and suede. I have 30s Steerhide Police jackets that always seemed odd to me. Most of the Ralphs-Pugh jackets I've seen are Steerhide.

There was year where there was no Horsehide jacket listed. The only leather is Steerhide. Later there are descriptions that just talk about "hides" no mention of leather type. The Steer jackets are less money while the Horsehide is exalted as the "Best" for more money.

When I think of 50s Sears motorcycle jacket it this one; Black Horsehide, Red Quilt lining.
View attachment 250378
The jacket became the Oakbrook by 1962. They are Steerhide. I am impressed with the Oakbrook jackets, consistently looking good. They produced a ton of them.

I was surprised to see how many steerhide models they made through the years. How they came and went. Different styles. Today I don't see them. The Oakbrooks are most popular.

I just don't see that many in Steerhide

This is a very nice example and currently in my possession. I've owned another just like it. They are well made jackets. I'll have to dissect this jacket while I have it.

View attachment 250378

Hi Terry, fantastic information...here is my Oakbrook..not sure if the year, as it has detachable belt, collar & steerhide label

 

[tmitchell59]

WOW!!! Very interesting, never seen one like it. Having technical issues. More after I get issues resolved

 

[Monitor]

View attachment 252457
Hello Terry, I'm new to this thread but love these old Sears Jackets. Thankyou for sharing your research & photos. I am confused with the Oakbrook label date My Oakbrook D pocket (see photos) has a black lining with steerhide tag, removable belt & detachable collar. Also the cigarette pocket is stitched on outside, like the early Hercules. I've seen other Oakbrook jackets with red lining, also black lining but they have sewn half belts & cigarette pocket is on inside of the D if that makes sense...am thinking mine is an earlier version or variation...not sure. View attachment 252455 View attachment 252456 View attachment 252455 View attachment 252455 View attachment 252456

Hi Terry, fantastic information...here is my Oakbrook..not sure if the year, as it has detachable belt, collar & steerhide label

The style is of the earliest Hercules version. Heh, is it possible it's a repro by Oakbrook? Seems like a 60's jacket in any case. Either way, my favorite variant of the style.

 

[Tony99]

The style is of the earliest Hercules version. Heh, is it possible it's a repro by Oakbrook? Seems like a 60's jacket in any case. Either way, my favorite variant of the style.

 

[Tony99]

I am thinking it is the 1st or 2nd style of Oakbrook as it has 50s style Talon zippers...and I've also seen the same with a red lining...then the half belt style & different label came in..but am not sure..

 

[tmitchell59]

I am thinking it is the 1st or 2nd style of Oakbrook as it has 50s style Talon zippers...and I've also seen the same with a red lining...then the half belt style & different label came in..but am not sure..

Look to be a Hercules labeled through belt jacket with a different lining and Oakbrook label. Look back at the images here of the through belt jackets. Perhaps the earliest variation of the Oakbrook label.

I have seen many Oakbrooks with their original fur collar, but typically in the red lined addition.

Nice example of an odd duck! Thanks for sharing the images.

 

[Peacoat]

Time to bring this work back to the top.

 

[jonbuilder]

Am I dreaming or is there a vintage Sears jacket & catalog thread stared by Terry. I been looking for such a tread this morning and can not find it. Found a jacket on eBay claimed to be from 1920s with a leather Hercules label I would like to post

 

[Peacoat]

I'm sure @tmitchell59 monitors this thread, but I have tagged him to make sure he sees it.

Edit Note: I have gone back and looked at all of the threads Terry has started, and didn't see anything similar to what you have described. Not to say he didn't, but that I didn't find it.

 

[TheOldFashioned]

Am I dreaming or is there a vintage Sears jacket & catalog thread stared by Terry. I been looking for such a tread this morning and can not find it. Found a jacket on eBay claimed to be from 1920s with a leather Hercules label I would like to post

Perhaps you're thinking of this thread:

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/post-war-sears-hecules-jackets.81828/
​

Regarding a leather Hercules label, on Page 3:

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/post-war-sears-hecules-jackets.81828/page-3#post-2482275​

 

[tmitchell59]

Found a jacket on eBay claimed to be from 1920s with a leather Hercules label I would like to post

I think I know the jacket your are referring. amazing jacket.

 

[jonbuilder]

Not a Motorcycle jacket but sears with old Hercules label I found interesting.

 

[jonbuilder]

I am confused but I thought there is a sears jacket tread Paralleling this Sear motorcycle jacket tread? Half belts jackets and long half belts, what sears called sur coats were topics discussed.