t: Is this a real CHP jacket or a Vanson variation? Worth buying?

[Rick Dalton]

Hi everyone,

I came across this jacket and I’m wondering if it’s an authentic CHP (California Highway Patrol) model or possibly a Vanson variation inspired by it. I’ve attached some photos for reference.

Could anyone more knowledgeable help me identify it?

Also, what do you think about the condition based on the pictures? Is this kind of wear still within “good patina,” or are we looking at something closer to a lost cause? Would you say it's worth picking up — or better to pass?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
Best,

 

[LeatherHunter]

Hi everyone,

I came across this jacket and I’m wondering if it’s an authentic CHP (California Highway Patrol) model or possibly a Vanson variation inspired by it. I’ve attached some photos for reference.

Could anyone more knowledgeable help me identify it?

Also, what do you think about the condition based on the pictures? Is this kind of wear still within “good patina,” or are we looking at something closer to a lost cause? Would you say it's worth picking up — or better to pass?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
Best,

Unsure about the CHP part but that jacket is just getting a little broken in. If it fits and the price is right be hard to pass up.

 

[Rick Dalton]

Unsure about the CHP part but that jacket is just getting a little broken in. If it fits and the price is right be hard to pass up.

Thanks for the input — much appreciated!

Do you happen to know if this could be Vanson’s famous Competition Weight leather? That’s one of the things I’m trying to figure out. The grain and stiffness suggest it might be, but I’m not 100% sure from the photos.

Also, while I get that it might be "just broken in," I wonder about the finish — in some areas it almost looks like the color has worn off entirely. Would this kind of fading normally be considered part of the patina, or does it usually call for re-dyeing or refinishing (not sure what the correct term is in jacket restoration circles)?

Any thoughts welcome — I’m on the fence with this one.

 

[photo2u]

Thanks for the input — much appreciated!

Do you happen to know if this could be Vanson’s famous Competition Weight leather? That’s one of the things I’m trying to figure out. The grain and stiffness suggest it might be, but I’m not 100% sure from the photos.

Also, while I get that it might be "just broken in," I wonder about the finish — in some areas it almost looks like the color has worn off entirely. Would this kind of fading normally be considered part of the patina, or does it usually call for re-dyeing or refinishing (not sure what the correct term is in jacket restoration circles)?

Any thoughts welcome — I’m on the fence with this one.

CHP is a name used by several makers. The most famous maker I know is Trojan. Cal Leathers made a model called LAPD is similar to the so called CHP. The Jacket from Vanson is a solid practical jacket mainly targeted for motorcyclist and law enforcement. The main zipper and waist adjustment make it a nice work tool. It has the vansons CCW pocket and the nice strong belt loops for duty belt. If the price works for you, then the jacket is a winner.

 

[Chevalier]

I agree with the previous responses. The badge holder and duty belt loops at the waist say working motor jacket to me. Those faded spots could be wear or sun fading. Rather than re-dyeing, you might like the way the jacket looks with an overall conditioning, especially if those worn spots are dry. I think working duty jackets are supposed to be uniform dark black, but I personally like the irregular worn in look, especially if the whole jacket is well cared for.

 

[Unrefined Vision]

Thanks for the input — much appreciated!

Do you happen to know if this could be Vanson’s famous Competition Weight leather? That’s one of the things I’m trying to figure out. The grain and stiffness suggest it might be, but I’m not 100% sure from the photos.

Also, while I get that it might be "just broken in," I wonder about the finish — in some areas it almost looks like the color has worn off entirely. Would this kind of fading normally be considered part of the patina, or does it usually call for re-dyeing or refinishing (not sure what the correct term is in jacket restoration circles)?

Any thoughts welcome — I’m on the fence with this one.

I'm no Vanson expert by any means, but judging by the photos looks to have the grain of old school competition weight. You might want to check inside the interior pocket to see if there is a serial number stamped. If so you can call up Vanson and provide them the number. That should help them ID the production of the jacket. I'm not sure the exact year when they switched over to the newer comp weight. Maybe 2018 or earlier should be the comp weight you hear people talk about?

 

[Monitor]

Hi everyone,

I came across this jacket and I’m wondering if it’s an authentic CHP (California Highway Patrol) model or possibly a Vanson variation inspired by it. I’ve attached some photos for reference.

As @photo2u stated, Vanson made these jackets specifically for the CHP, fully adhering all the required standards so it is as official and authentic as it gets.

Could anyone more knowledgeable help me identify it?

It could be the MK2 California but since these jackets were usually bought in batches by different law enforcement agencies, they would often commission slightly different variations of it, such as the Velcro side straps seen here for instance (instead of side laces).

Also, what do you think about the condition based on the pictures? Is this kind of wear still within “good patina,” or are we looking at something closer to a lost cause? Would you say it's worth picking up — or better to pass?ž

I'm not sure if we are looking at the same jacket because the one you posted is literally mint. 9.5/10 if I had ever seen one.
But if you really do see issues with it, perhaps it would be best to pass.

 

[Rick Dalton]

Thank you so much for all the helpful information!
I’m still quite new to this and trying to learn — just don’t want to get ripped off.
I’ve found another option — picture attached.


Do you think it’s worth 400 euros?

 

[Zoltan]

Do you think it’s worth 400 euros?

It is worth what you are prepared to pay. Had a custom bike jacket made to my spec, design in roo leather for £1300 11 years ago, was it worth it? Absolutely. Still looks fresh because I went for a classic design. Your CHP is also a classic design, new they are around £700 in UK. If condition is good and you want it go for it. Try 350?

 

[Monitor]

Thank you so much for all the helpful information!
I’m still quite new to this and trying to learn — just don’t want to get ripped off.
I’ve found another option — picture attached.


Do you think it’s worth 400 euros?

Without any doubt. 400 Euros is a very good price for this jacket, especially since you're in Europe. 500 would be okay, too for this particular Vanson in this condition.

Vanson's law enforcement jackets are a notch above the regular biker stuff with seemingly small but exceptional and complex features & details that came about during the golden age of leather jackets and that due to regulations couldn't have been phased out. I had their NYC cop jacket that while superficially simple looking, had some very intricate touches I never saw them implement into any of their civilian styles. But that is beside the point. . .

 

[Albe64]

Thank you so much for all the helpful information!
I’m still quite new to this and trying to learn — just don’t want to get ripped off.
I’ve found another option — picture attached.


Do you think it’s worth 400 euros?

I do not think it's worth 400, just because I'd never put those money on a modern jacket...and this is surely modern (black zipper, velcro, etc...). With that budget I'd go buy a CAL (even from the '80s). However, Vanson is a solid brand and their price list is surely more expensive than this

 

[Rick Dalton]

Thank you so much for all the helpful information!
I’m still quite new to this and trying to learn — just don’t want to get ripped off.
I’ve found another option — picture attached.


Do you think it’s worth 400 euros?

Still wondering about this — any thoughts appreciated!

 

[Rick Dalton]

Without any doubt. 400 Euros is a very good price for this jacket, especially since you're in Europe. 500 would be okay, too for this particular Vanson in this condition.

Vanson's law enforcement jackets are a notch above the regular biker stuff with seemingly small but exceptional and complex features & details that came about during the golden age of leather jackets and that due to regulations couldn't have been phased out. I had their NYC cop jacket that while superficially simple looking, had some very intricate touches I never saw them implement into any of their civilian styles. But that is beside the point. . .

Monitor — you're the best, thanks!

Just to double-check — are you referring to the second jacket I posted (the one in the reply with the photo)?
Albe64 mentioned it might not be worth it since it's not true vintage, and suggested I look for a vintage Cal instead. I'd love to, but finding one in EU that fits a 6'3" guy is proving very difficult...

Appreciate all the insights!

 

[Monitor]

Monitor — you're the best, thanks!

Thank you!

Just to double-check — are you referring to the second jacket I posted (the one in the reply with the photo)?
Albe64 mentioned it might not be worth it since it's not true vintage, and suggested I look for a vintage Cal instead. I'd love to, but finding one in EU that fits a 6'3" guy is proving very difficult...

What Albe64 means is that it's not worth to him but buying a Vanson is objectively a wiser choice than gambling on an old Cal, as cool as Cal is. Beside being consistent in quality - Something that Cal certainly wasn't - and not old enough to be plagued by typical old clothes ailments, Vanson's updated pattern is, in my opinion, superior to Cal's, which is, for obvious reasons, quite crude.

On top of that, Vanson sells better than Cal since only leather jacket enthusiasts will be aware of the existence of Cal CHP while anyone with a motorcycle is potential Vanson customer.

 

[JMax]

Vanson Force. Here is my perforated version.

If you ride, nothing is better imo.

 

[Monitor]

Vanson Force. Here is my perforated version.

View attachment 705151

If you ride, nothing is better imo.

RiRi's on this one!

 

[JMax]

RiRi's on this one!

Haha. I swapped the main zip. I think it looks sweet. Normally these come with all black hardware. I recall Lenzip.

 

[Monitor]

Haha. I swapped the main zip. I think it looks sweet. Normally these come with all black hardware. I recall Lenzip.

Ah! Much better in any case.

 

[Rick Dalton]

Vanson Force. Here is my perforated version.

View attachment 705151

If you ride, nothing is better imo.

You're right — good eye, it's a Vanson Force.
A little disappointed it's not the classic CHP, and it’s not a direct continuation of that heritage.
But to be fair, it's still listed as a leather motorcycle police jacket on their website, and it does seem to keep that old-school shape — so maybe it is, in a way? The even sell it with badge-holder set to front.

I noticed it's listed at a lower price than the MK2 version — just wondering why that is. Is it still made from the classic old-school competition weight leather?


Do you think it was actually issued? A real working jacket?
What do you think?

 

[Rick Dalton]

You're right — good eye, it's a Vanson Force.
A little disappointed it's not the classic CHP, and it’s not a direct continuation of that heritage.
But to be fair, it's still listed as a leather motorcycle police jacket on their website, and it does seem to keep that old-school shape — so maybe it is, in a way? The even sell it with badge-holder set to front.

I noticed it's listed at a lower price than the MK2 version — just wondering why that is. Is it still made from the classic old-school competition weight leather?


Do you think it was actually issued? A real working jacket?
What do you think?

I've just realized it must have been an issued jacket — there are visible marks on the left shoulder, likely from removed patches indicating rank or police department/unit.
I'd like to think it was actually used by a real highway patrol officer, maybe some years ago after all.
Just hope it has the same flavour as the CHP — and that the lapels are wide enough.
Smaller lapels, like on some Schott models (cool as they are), just aren't quite what I'm looking for.