sweetfights
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The LW J100 is a cafe racer.
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Cross zip nation
- Thread starter J Leather Investigater
- Start date
The LW J100 is a cafe racer.
tmitchell59
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I am not familiar with a 30s/40s cross aviator in suede. I referenced the Sears catalog and found the first use of Aviator style was in the 1940 catalog. Remember that zippers were not commonly used till 1933.
Sears continues the diagonal zip Aviator style until 1948. It disappears and the diagonal zip Motorcyle jacket begins.
This is the 1940 catalog depiction. Through out the years this style was offered it was popular in Capeskin, also available in Horsehide and cowhide.
This is the last year of the Aviator mention, 1948. Note the mention of California. Fur collar, zip cuffs. Never seen one like this.
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tmitchell59
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There are not many Topline jackets, they are nice, but did not last long. I have not seen a Topline in a cross zip pattern, although they probably do exist. I have Topline jackets in Capeskin, Suede, and one in an unknown leather.
Sears made a variety of Suede half-belt jackets with the smooth leather trim. I have seen other suede half-belts from this era with smooth leather trim.
tmitchell59
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Just found this picture in a book I ordered through another thread.
Topline cross zip. Wow!
Topline cross zip. Wow!
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Awesome book, right? I can get lost in it.
tmitchell59
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I just placed my order.
Yes, I just looked at the samples and found that Topline jacket! Most of the jackets in this book will probably never show up again. They are in Strong hands!
I will do a review when I get it.
Nice jacket, congratulations! The detail and symmetry on the D pocket looks great, and the stitching on whole looks spot on.
Marc mndt
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A lot of them are from David himel.
tmitchell59
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I noted that the Sears Topline is Dave Himels. He says he sold many of his vintage jackets to Japanese collectors. I would like him to open his archive. I would guess he has a pile.
One of these was for sale in the classifieds not long ago. I saved the pics. a ridiculously cool jacket. Almost painful to look at because it’s so damn beautiful.
As always T, you are very generous with your vast knowledge. Thank you. I wonder how the suede compared to the Capeskin in thickness and weight?
Looks like the cape and suede were extremely light. Shipping weights were 3lbs ish. I love the descriptions from the old Sears catalogs. No base left uncovered. Such a shame that modern big box retailers put absolutely no stock in producing sustainable goods. At least for the most part. I was pleasantly surprised by the Gap suede trucker I bought. Close to 5 lbs, thick and well made. The exception to the rule. I suppose things that last aren’t good for business.
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Damn... This is something else. Why didn't you get this???
JL could remade this. Just sayin'.
The size was too small. It’s a genuine grail though. Remakes will never match it. That’s the thing. Every remake is essentially “New Coke”. It might taste good at first. But it isn’t the real deal. I just tied a bow on this post.
I found a reference to a 30s unlined Capeskin suede jacket. Himel said that many jackets in the 30s were very light weight wind breakers. No cross zip to be seen though.
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Yep, you're right... But you know what, at least you got something to hunt for now. That's maybe the best part, even if it takes years for another one to appear.
That's a Grail alright and it's actually more you than I thought it possible. But it's really super awesome. Sleeve zips w/ button cuffs. Action back, fur collar. Everything.
Crazy times when you could walk into a shopping mall and buy this. Among many other things.
That it's suede. XD
Nice, otherwise.
Benny Holiday
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I don't know much about it either.
Suede . . . The final frontier . . .
Suede . . . The final frontier . . .
