I don't wear it nearly as often as I thought I would, so I suppose I should let someone else enjoy it.
The Jacket, going by the talon zippers (seven link diamond zipper pulls) is dated late 1940's through the 1950's, and as such is a little on the shorter side, as was discussed in an earlier thread. Because pants, particularly CHP uniform pants, were high-rise, and worn higher around the waist than what you'd normally see in today's riding jackets. it also helped to accommodate the gun belt being worn sitting on a bike.
A historical depiction of the mode of dress.
(measured from bottom of collar, from top is roughly 25")
Pit to pit roughly 22"-22.5"
Shoulder seam to cuff is 23 1/2"
Talon 7 link diamond pull
Main Zipper Pull
Main Zipper bottom
Open Cuff Zip (yes it's supposed to be that way)
Cuff Zipper Closeup
As for condition: this thing is salty. The leather has scuffs and scrapes, and shows a great deal of use from its 60 or so years. Most if not all CHP cut jackets by Cal Leather during this period were horsehide, and while this has the grain of horsehide, it has been so broken in over the years it feels almost as supple as lambskin.
This is no longer a stiff jacket, and I feel I have to stress that, because the expectation when getting a Cal-Leather jacket is that it practically stands up on its own, but time and use has taken the fight out of it, so... BONUS!! You can bend your arms.
All the vintage talon zippers work flawlessly, the fur inside the cuffs is secure, and the only issue with the liner is a small separation from the top of the collar which can be VERY easily fixed.
a few stitches, and that'll fix the only notable condition issue
This particular jacket doesn't appear to have been issued by the department, as it has no stitch holes from patches, or a badge holder.
Price: $300 plus shipping.
The Jacket, going by the talon zippers (seven link diamond zipper pulls) is dated late 1940's through the 1950's, and as such is a little on the shorter side, as was discussed in an earlier thread. Because pants, particularly CHP uniform pants, were high-rise, and worn higher around the waist than what you'd normally see in today's riding jackets. it also helped to accommodate the gun belt being worn sitting on a bike.
A historical depiction of the mode of dress.
(measured from bottom of collar, from top is roughly 25")
Pit to pit roughly 22"-22.5"
Shoulder seam to cuff is 23 1/2"
Talon 7 link diamond pull
Main Zipper Pull
Main Zipper bottom
Open Cuff Zip (yes it's supposed to be that way)
Cuff Zipper Closeup
As for condition: this thing is salty. The leather has scuffs and scrapes, and shows a great deal of use from its 60 or so years. Most if not all CHP cut jackets by Cal Leather during this period were horsehide, and while this has the grain of horsehide, it has been so broken in over the years it feels almost as supple as lambskin.
This is no longer a stiff jacket, and I feel I have to stress that, because the expectation when getting a Cal-Leather jacket is that it practically stands up on its own, but time and use has taken the fight out of it, so... BONUS!! You can bend your arms.
All the vintage talon zippers work flawlessly, the fur inside the cuffs is secure, and the only issue with the liner is a small separation from the top of the collar which can be VERY easily fixed.
a few stitches, and that'll fix the only notable condition issue
This particular jacket doesn't appear to have been issued by the department, as it has no stitch holes from patches, or a badge holder.
Price: $300 plus shipping.
Last edited:
