Two Vintage Cal Leather jackets

[ton312]

I was not seeking these jackets out but they somehow became mine. In truth they were priced so low that I simply couldn't resist.
The CR is really crisp and feels like it wasn't worn much at all. The only tag is hand stenciled on leather at the collar. White canvas pocket bags and Serval/Talon zips. I dig it.
The CHP is actually quite strange. No snaps to hold down the collar or lapels, an angled chest zip and epaulettes and shoulder gussets. Unusual for a Cal. The previous owner added a two way zip which is really odd, given the short length of the jacket to begin with. My first thought was to get rid of it but it's a massive Talon and it functions beautifully. This jacket needs a little pecards but it wears like a 10lb lambskin. It has snaps for a fuzzy collar and it's getting one. Sorry the pics aren't great but y'all get the gist.

 

[Monitor]

I honestly don't know which one I like more and considering one is the most perfect CR imaginable, that says a lot. I wish I had one jacket that'd fit me like that, let alone two. They're perfect. Just shows what Cal is (was?) capable of. The hunt begins.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

Great pickups. The fits on both are spot on! They must have been quite specific with the measurements or you got very lucky!

 

[ton312]

Great pickups. The fits on both are spot on! They must have been quite specific with the measurements or you got very lucky!

Thanks dude. I got lucky for sure. But I was due. I've got like 10 trillion dollars in failed vintage aspirations.

 

[ton312]

I honestly don't know which one I like more and considering one is the most perfect CR imaginable, that says a lot. I wish I had one jacket that'd fit me like that, let alone two. They're perfect. Just shows what Cal is (was?) capable of. The hunt begins.

I know man. Now I feel like I have to give a brand new LAPD a shot. I've contacted them three times and always balked.

 

[Monitor]

Thank dude. I got lucky for sure. But I was due. I've got like 10 trillion dollars in failed vintage aspirations.

Failed by our standards. XD Regular people would wish any of their jackets fit them as well as TFL's worst purchase.

And man, just send this jacket in and tell them to remake it. There's literally nothing you should change on it. Damn Cal... They're really a whole different league. The CR just plain destroys every other I've ever seen to shreds. Makes Brooks, Becks, Bucos and Schotts look like school projects.

 

[ton312]

Failed by our standards. XD Regular people would wish any of their jackets fit them as well as TFL's worst purchase.

And man, just send this jacket in and tell them to remake it. There's literally nothing you should change on it. Damn Cal... They're really a whole different league. The CR just plain destroys every other I've ever seen to shreds. Makes Brooks, Becks, Bucos and Schotts look like school projects.

They really have something with that pattern. It's like we discussed, those shoulder gussets are like 4" deep. They function better than a full action back for mobility while keeping the rest of the jacket quite trim.

 

[ProteinNerd]

Awesome score!
If you find they are a little too snug, I might know a guy [emoji6]

 

[TREEMAN]

The CHP is my favorite of the two............looks like it was made to order !! Total score !!

 

[ton312]

The CHP is my favorite of the two............looks like it was made to order !! Total score !!

No numbers posted in that one. Just described as "large" and "I was a 44" when I ordered it". Price was so low I thought the seller was surely going to message and say they made a mistake. Gamble paid off for once!

 

[technovox]

Absolute score! On both jackets! That diagonal zip chest pocket on the CHP is simply awesome. Never seen anything like it on a Cal Leather, although I have seen epaulets. Somehow it just works.
Of the two, it looks like the CHP fits a little better in the chest. The length and the arms look perfect on both of them.
It constantly amazes me how vintage Cal Leather jackets are sooo under-rated...when the quality of the design, the workmanship, and the horsehide leather on those earlier jackets is just off the charts!

 

[dudewuttheheck]

Thanks dude. I got lucky for sure. But I was due. I've got like 10 trillion dollars in failed vintage aspirations.

Haha well damn, you REALLY got lucky! Those look custom made, especially the cafe racer!

 

[ton312]

Haha well damn, you REALLY got lucky! Those look custom made, especially the cafe racer!

Even a blind squirrel occasionally finds an acorn!

 

[ton312]

Absolute score! On both jackets! That diagonal zip chest pocket on the CHP is simply awesome. Never seen anything like it on a Cal Leather, although I have seen epaulets. Somehow it just works.
Of the two, it looks like the CHP fits a little better in the chest. The length and the arms look perfect on both of them.
It constantly amazes me how vintage Cal Leather jackets are sooo under-rated...when the quality of the design, the workmanship, and the horsehide leather on those earlier jackets is just off the charts!

Absolutely. The hides are just amazing and they hold up forever with no care at all. I'm pretty darn happy. I've owned a bunch of the Cal CHP jackets. This one isn't the nicest but it's somehow the best (for me).

 

[Blackadder]

Great find

 

[Benny Holiday]

A well deserved score Ton! I had to chuckle at the "10 trillion dollars in failed vintage aspirations" comment. A too too familiar story for so many of us!

 

[AeroFan_07]

Nice work Tony...that CHP does look like "10 lb lambskin" or really butter soft yet thick and tough. Very well pre-loved for sure!

 

[Superfluous]

Well done Tony. They compliment each other perfectly.

They say black is the new cordovan.

 

[Edward]

Nice scores. I've not always been keen on the lace-up sides on an mc, but these Cal jackets are winning me round. Could make a nice bike jacket if ever the pound recovers!

 

[Pdxgeo]

score! why buy a new one when that fit...

well done man