Sears Vertical Zip Map Pocket motorycle jacket

tmitchell59 · Mar 15, 2021

Marc mndt said:
Me too, 3% discount. I felt especial because I was granted a discount... till now

I'm still thinking on this one. I was hoping for something more than 3% discount! This one looks as interesting as any that are posted in this thread.

Appalachian jackets are not the highest quality in the Vintage market, but they made some very interesting jackets. This one has the look.

If it hangs around I may make an effort, but for now no one seems interested.

tmitchell59 · Mar 15, 2021

This is a later Steerhide Police jacket I sold. Too small. I think they got the great patina, wear through because of a cheaper finish process.

Joxi · Mar 16, 2021

That’s my Map Pocket listing.
Sorry for the 3% discount guys!

I mentioned being firm on price in
the description, but thought I’d
take baby steps on dropping the price
slowly, as it’s hard to let this one go.
Wont keep it up long , but you’re
welcome to message there. Willing to
consider your offers :]

tmitchell59 · Mar 16, 2021

Joxi said:
That’s my Map Pocket listing.
Sorry for the 3% discount guys!

I mentioned being firm on price in
the description, but thought I’d
take baby steps on dropping the price
slowly, as it’s hard to let this one go.
Wont keep it up long , but you’re
welcome to message there. Willing to
consider your offers :]

You did an excellent job of presenting the jacket. Makes me want it and no way could it wear it. Issues are the zipper and the size. Zippers can be replaced, but size can not be changed.

It would be interesting to know whose name is on the label, Hercules or Appalachian. I vote for Appalachian.

In the small world of Leather Jacket Collecting this jacket has a place.

Joxi · Mar 16, 2021

tmitchell59 said:
You did an excellent job of presenting the jacket. Makes me want it and no way could it wear it. Issues are the zipper and the size. Zippers can be replaced, but size can not be changed.

It would be interesting to know whose name is on the label, Hercules or Appalachian. I vote for Appalachian.

In the small world of Leather Jacket Collecting this jacket has a place.

Thanks Terry

Ya know, I’m going to try to take
it into the sunlight to see if I can
decipher the label. I have another,
but the leather label is in brown.
not sure which jacket is older.

I can say the back pocket
has a larger opening on this
black label one, with a diamond
zipper pull. Wish it fit me

Once I figure out how to
post listings here, I’d be
happy to list for less to Fedora
Lounge members. With that said,
I don’t want to advertise in this thread.

But if anyone had normal jacket
questions or pic request that I can contribute to the thread, feel free.
Just wish I knew more about these Map Pockets.

tmitchell59 · Aug 26, 2021

Interlude-

c92e1955-c7bc-40e4-992c-000ac63efabe-jpeg.356851

aeacfc5f-f8ae-4e43-a92d-973587e457a4-jpeg.356850

Love seeing that Appalachian T&T label. They were one of Sears most consistent suppliers when making a variety of Jackets under the Sears Hercules, Fieldmaster, Oakbrook label. Probably Fraternity Prep too, but I have not examined/owned one.

At this point I'm assuming they made all the Vertical zip jackets; labeled as Hercules, Fieldmaster. I believe there is a variety pictured in this Vertical Zip Thread. I have a fuzzy lined Horsehide, Fieldmaster coming soon. I have one I call 51 Scarsdale, purchased there then. I'm convinced my 51 is an Appalachian T&T by the construction of the shoulders, the leather. I don't know what to call the construction, but it is different and noticeable.

The jacket pictured looks later 50s/early60s. I've owned very similar labeled Appalachian Labeled Police jackets (both are most likely pictured in this thread) I date the Similar lined/labeled jacket to late 50s. I believe there is a variety of different linings pictured in this thread.

I see the Fuzzy lined as late 50s even early 60s. I've owned several Fuzzy lined AT&t/Oakbrook/Fieldmaster jackets which are pictured in the Sears catalog. I will reference the pages.

I continue to guess on what other jackets they made for Sears in the Motorcycle or Sports jackets. I have theories, but lack evidence. I just had an Idea!

I better stop here. I've got to sort out this New Idea.

tmitchell59 · Aug 28, 2021

The Fieldmaster arrived today. A welcoming home for this rather battered Beauty. "a Face only a Mother Could Love" that's what my old mom use to say. I've got three like this of recent.

I didn't quite think of myself as a collector until I bought these basket cases. Yes, I've got down to bits and pieces like all collectors do. Always pressing on, digging deeper.

People often comment on "what an old jacket would say?", "what has it seen?" Owning, wearing one, are the best way to feel those answers. For me taking pictures are sharing those answers is another. The Beauty of this Fieldmaster is not it's Fine Conditon but it's original condition. It that regard it is Timeless.

I do have room for this relic. It has a place. I'll call it another of my old moms sayings; "rode hard and put away wet"

tmitchell59 · Aug 28, 2021

Jacket P#rn

Guppy · Aug 28, 2021

Patches on the wrists is something I haven't really seen before... interesting choice to place them there. I guess they'd compliment knuckle tattoos.

tmitchell59 · Aug 28, 2021

Guppy said:
Patches on the wrists is something I haven't really seen before... interesting choice to place them there. I guess they'd compliment knuckle tattoos.

I will have to do some fit pics, I think I can get it on. The lining is pretty thick. I don't have any knuckle tattoos to show. I know nothing about Harley patches. They will just stay on the jackets, as the way it came.

Yamahana · Oct 2, 2021

This Appalachian I picked up earlier is in remarkably good condition. Leather has some color fade but that just enhances the patina and character, no rips, tears or holes. The lining is also great with very little wear, no rips, tears or holes here either. The only weak link in my opinion is the belt and buckle which are very flimsy/cheap.

As typical for many motorcycle jackets of this era, very short at only 21” back length.

Yamahana · Oct 2, 2021

Main zipper

map pocket zipper..

sleeves

the zipper in the back fold isn’t really a pocket, just opens up into the back panel between leather & liner.

Sleeves also very short at 23”. I think a portion of it has been folded tucked in to shorten it. The sleeve lining tends to hang out past the cuff.

Guppy · Oct 2, 2021

Yamahana said:
Main zipper
View attachment 365887
map pocket zipper..
View attachment 365888
sleeves
View attachment 365893
the zipper in the back fold isn’t really a pocket, just opens up into the back panel between leather & liner.
View attachment 365894
Sleeves also very short at 23”. I think a portion of it has been folded tucked in to shorten it. The sleeve lining tends to hang out past the cuff.
View attachment 365895

I wonder what the purpose is for the back zipper, if it's not intended to be a pocket...

oneterrifichog · Oct 2, 2021

I went through this thread quickly so there may be some mention of it already but LW has this Appalachian up right now as their newest item y'all might want to check it out on there site. Someone purchased a size 42 so if you are on FL how about posting it once you get it.

Guppy · Oct 2, 2021

oneterrifichog said:
I went through this thread quickly so there may be some mention of it already but LW has this Appalachian up right now as their newest item y'all might want to check it out on there site. Someone purchased a size 42 so if you are on FL how about posting it once you get it.
View attachment 365924 View attachment 365925
View attachment 365926

It's been posted before, but Carlos840 commissioned it. He was kind enough to message me about it when it was on its way to him. It's exciting to see a modern reproduction of this style, and I hope in time more makers will add their own take on the style.

Carlos840 · Oct 2, 2021

Let me add fit pics to this thread, i have been wearing it a lot since these pics where taken and the grain has really popped out.
In use it is a very nice jacket, the "sandwich pocket" (as Stuart calls it) is super practical, you can fit a bottle of wine in there comfortably.

tmitchell59 · Oct 3, 2021

Yamahana said:
This Appalachian I picked up earlier is in remarkably good condition. Leather has some color fade but that just enhances the patina and character, no rips, tears or holes. The lining is also great with very little wear, no rips, tears or holes here either. The only weak link in my opinion is the belt and buckle which are very flimsy/cheap.
View attachment 365882 View attachment 365883 View attachment 365884 View attachment 365885
View attachment 365886
As typical for many motorcycle jackets of this era, very short at only 21” back length.

Sorry, I missed this post and had been waiting. Sure looks nice. I'm trying to date these jackets. Mine above with the Red lining was said to have been purchased in NY 1951. I'm not so sure of that date.

I know the Fieldmaster labeled jackets did not arrive until later 50s early 60s. The Horsehide version of the Vertical was never listed in the catalog.

This Steerhide is the first Vertical zip in the Sears catalog 1957

Yamahana · Oct 4, 2021

Guppy said:
I wonder what the purpose is for the back zipper, if it's not intended to be a pocket...

I realized I’m wrong about this back zipper. It does open up into a large area in the back but there’s a cloth lining sewn in between the diamond quilted nylon liner, same cloth lining used in the other pockets.

it’s just that it makes for quite a large pocket. It’s sewn into these back seams.

Makes for such a large pocket that at first I thought it just opened up into the jacket itself

navetsea · Oct 4, 2021

I have such large pocket on the back of jackets, when the jacket is not worn in theory it is useful, but when worn then our back is full of bones and nothing really fit inside other than a flat object, like spine protector foam or perhaps a folded raincoat. probably the real benefit is to be able to replace the elastics of the full action back yourself or without breaking open any lining seams once they sag out .

tmitchell59 · Oct 4, 2021

Yamahana said:
I realized I’m wrong about this back zipper. It does open up into a large area in the back but there’s a cloth lining sewn in between the diamond quilted nylon liner, same cloth lining used in the other pockets.
View attachment 366385
it’s just that it makes for quite a large pocket. It’s sewn into these back seams.
View attachment 366387
Makes for such a large pocket that at first I thought it just opened up into the jacket itself

I know Buco did these back pockets. Does anyone know another Brand that did this?

Just to duplicate the popular Buco?

Perhaps they only used this on the Appalachian labeled jackets? I haven't looked to see. I do know it is not on all the Vertical zips and I believe Appalachian made them all.

Sears Vertical Zip Map Pocket motorycle jacket

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New in Town

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Practically Family

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One Too Many

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