Cal-Leather

[jchance]

Thanks for this response - it really helped me understand leather more. No, I've never tried to cut leather but I was wondering how hard it would be to sew a patch on a leather jacket. I'm guessing you can't use regular sewing needles?

To sew a patch on leather jacket, you’d need strong tools for the job: leather needle (thicker than sewing needle), strong thread, and a leather punching tool (low tech would be a kitchen fork) to pre-pierce the holes.

 

[The Lost Cowboy]

To sew a patch on leather jacket, you’d need strong tools for the job: leather needle (thicker than sewing needle), strong thread, and a leather punching tool (low tech would be a kitchen fork) to pre-pierce the holes.

Thanks for answering so many questions. You have increased my knowledge quite a bit. I've been meaning to look for a YouTube tutorial for the patch. Happy 4th to you.

 

[AbbaDatDeHat]

Sorry but a awful lot of weird theory going on in this thread lately.
Cal mystery arm rolls from heat hanging in a closet(Reddit), stretching jackets “to the desired length you want”, “ stretching out 2 sizes in the chest”and on and on.
Get a clue! Try this on a vintage Cal and ruin your jacket!!
Sad, a newby will read these as wisdom.
What’s next?? Are we gonna start asking Siri and Alexa about our Cals(or anything)?
Speak from experience then post away.
That’s what this thread is about.

Makes me wonder if some people ever even owned a Cal or even saw one.
Enough
B

 

[JMax]

Definitely don’t try stretching an old Cal to gain a couple inches of space. The thread may not hold. Horrifying sound lol.

 

[Will Zach]

You can wet-stretch a newish jacket made of thinner, softer hide. No problem. It has been described on TFL and it works, up to a point. But to entertain stretching a 60 year-old Cal is so insane it is not even worth commenting on. Back to the topic though - I don't need another Cal, I really don't (have three, including one with a red label), but the post by @Destruct made me reach for a PM button. But I stopped myself. Lol. Love those Cals.

 

[Destruct]

Yeah, I think I’d rather move it on than risk messing with it, especially considering its condition

 

[Rick Dalton]

Definitely don’t try stretching an old Cal to gain a couple inches of space. The thread may not hold. Horrifying sound lol.

How gentle should we really be with our Cal jackets — especially the older ones?
As you know, I have this lightweight one from the early '70s, and I was hoping to wear it regularly and not baby it too much (no abuse, of course).
For example — is it fine to wear it in light rain now and then, or to fold it and set it down somewhere when out and about? I’m just wondering how tough these jackets really are, and whether regular, active use could shorten their life.

 

[El Marro]

I’m just wondering how tough these jackets really are, and whether regular, active use could shorten their life.

Of course it could and you should wear it anyway. This is a jacket after all, and one that came from a prolific maker of good tough jackets. The fact that so many of them are still out there in great shape after 60 and 70 years tells you that they were made to be worn hard.

 

[jchance]

For those who own Star Gloves (or perhaps Red Label Cal), what color is your pocket lining? Is it green canvas like the pic below? I’m trying to identify an unlabeled Star Gloves.

 

[Wildhorses]

^^ My unlabeled one with Crown zip has the same green canvas pocket lining. I'd like to know too.

 

[jchance]

A modified Cal for better functionality but it ruins the look and the leather.

 

[jchance]

Leather Forever was a 1970s store in San Francisco, California that sold Cal Leather jackets, among other brands. Here are two catalogues from them.

early-mid 1970s:

1977:

 

[jchance]

I've recently bought this jacket, it's currently in transit.

but i have a feeling its been made by Cal from the signature horizontal stitching at the zip pockets, and i've seen a star glove with similar neck corduroy lining on the collar. It's an unusual one.

Thoughts? Cal?

It could be of a 1950s German style

 

[jchance]

Cal under Fashion Clothing Co. Deluxe Uniform label. YKK main zipper, which could be a replacement.

Custom straight-zip Cal with straight back kidney panel and snap sleeves.

 

[Bluechel]

Cal under Fashion Clothing Co. Deluxe Uniform label. YKK main zipper, which could be a replacement.

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Custom straight-zip Cal with straight back kidney panel and snap sleeves.

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This was sold out of the UK on eBay back in early September and the YKK was a messy replacement, but these **L sizes are very hard to find!

 

[Biff42]

Here's an ad for the archive. Sorry if it's already posted, but I'm not going through 19 pages to confirm

Also, here's the pullover version of the CR. it's pretty sick IMO.

 

[Bluechel]

Here is that Star Glove straight zip that was on eBay a few weeks ago @Will Zach I couldn’t resist. It’s only just arrived.

Condition of the jacket is really good, leather hadn’t been cleaned and was very stiff, I’ve conditioned it with some urad tenderly. It should soften up like my cross zip did.

The crown zipper is sluggish and stiff, i think the teeth need cleaning. They’ve oxidised a little. I’m anxious when using these crown zippers, I know they are prone to breaking, I guess that’s why you don’t see many around on jackets anymore.

I’m not a big fan of epaulets but they don’t bother me as much now i see them. It’s always tempting to cut them off but I won’t.

It’s a heavy *******, it feels like a tank. I imagine it protects you well in a motorcycle crash.

Well I think this is my last Cal / Star Glove jacket for a while now. I’m just about to check myself into a leather jacket rehab clinic.

This forum has been feeding my addiction too long.

Until next time!

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Ah yes! A double welt pocket with a clear Star Glove label...excellent research material.

 

[Leigh H]

Just adding this to the Cal thread, but i think we finally have a way of identifying the Starglove jackets vs cal leather.


There should be stitch markings from the Starglove label on the inside of the inner pocket.

Vs the early Cals with the red labels were glued not stitched for some crazy reason, so they have no stitch markings on the inside inner pocket.

Hope this helps!

 

[Bluechel]

Just adding this to the Cal thread, but i think we finally have a way of identifying the Starglove jackets vs cal leather.


There should be stitch markings from the Starglove label on the inside of the inner pocket.


View attachment 752876
View attachment 752878 View attachment 752879 View attachment 752880


Vs the early Cals with the red labels were glued not stitched for some crazy reason, so they have no stitch markings on the inside inner pocket.

View attachment 752882 View attachment 752883

Hope this helps!

Could be! Never sure if it's totally foolproof, interested in everyone's take. Logical though...

 

[photo2u]

Just adding this to the Cal thread, but i think we finally have a way of identifying the Starglove jackets vs cal leather.


There should be stitch markings from the Starglove label on the inside of the inner pocket.


View attachment 752876
View attachment 752878 View attachment 752879 View attachment 752880


Vs the early Cals with the red labels were glued not stitched for some crazy reason, so they have no stitch markings on the inside inner pocket.

View attachment 752882 View attachment 752883

Hope this helps!

I like your thinking. It makes lots of sense. Furthermore, I have seen only four different types of linings with SG. Mouton and three fabric. Weave in the fabric just like the one in the image, checker and smooth.