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Cal-Leather
- Thread starter Americanaaa Mark
- Start date
Short of asking Gwen to confirm, I go by the presence of Crown zippers then extremely large lapel—the two tell-tale signs of SG. Other period-correct details have to be there as well: other zippers’ dating, snap dating, burning-thread dating. Then I also pay attention to jeo’s note of single-welt inside pocket.
No stitching inside but there are two vertical stitchings outside, above the inside pocket. Perhaps that’s where the SG label was attached to, but now lost due to the passage of time.
No stitching inside but there are two vertical stitchings outside, above the inside pocket. Perhaps that’s where the SG label was attached to, but now lost due to the passage of time.
Last edited:
Bluechel
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,260
See? Another nuance...agree with all the other details as well.....
Wondering if any of the resident experts can date my latest Cal?
Its got quite a few differences from any of my others which made me wonder if it was older and issued (no gussets or epaulettes, badge holder, talon sleeve zips) but the condition is throwing me as it seems to have had very little wear(which seems unusual for an older, issued one). I checked the website to see if it was one of their current production but those don’t use old hardware.
Details:
Talon main zipper
Talon sleeve zippers
Badge holder
No gussets or epaulettes
Massive lapels
Very stiff, heavy hide (6+ lbs)
No label or signs of removal
Standard sizing in biro—seems vintage sizing as it’s a 21.5ptp but tagged 42R
Any ideas on age and hide (assuming cow)? It’s a cracker whenever it’s from. Need to condition it to properly assess fit but if it works out there may be two Cals on the block soon!
Its got quite a few differences from any of my others which made me wonder if it was older and issued (no gussets or epaulettes, badge holder, talon sleeve zips) but the condition is throwing me as it seems to have had very little wear(which seems unusual for an older, issued one). I checked the website to see if it was one of their current production but those don’t use old hardware.
Details:
Talon main zipper
Talon sleeve zippers
Badge holder
No gussets or epaulettes
Massive lapels
Very stiff, heavy hide (6+ lbs)
No label or signs of removal
Standard sizing in biro—seems vintage sizing as it’s a 21.5ptp but tagged 42R
Any ideas on age and hide (assuming cow)? It’s a cracker whenever it’s from. Need to condition it to properly assess fit but if it works out there may be two Cals on the block soon!
Bluechel
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,260
Standard 70’s Cal CHP? Beautiful condition, nice weight.
Did they keep making them gussetless right through the 70s? It’s the first plain-shouldered variant I’ve come across (my 5th 70s Cal!)… certainly the variation across these is wild compared to any other manufacturer (E.g. Sometimes the pocket seam stitching seems *very* drunk, here less so)!
Bluechel
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,260
Hard to tell if there was any clear date specific time related solely to gussets, will defer to a couple of the great Cal guys here….it’s a nice look
Wanted to share this awesome Star Glove CHP Cross Zip with snap barrel cuffs I just got. I can see why these Jackets are so sought after. The leather is incredible! Definitely the heaviest and highest quality leather I’ve handled. Unfortunately has some leather cracking on the right elbow and way is too small for me. But still an amazing jacket!
Biff42
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,051
It's in great shape with the exception of that cracking. I imagine a small patch could be sewn over that area. I dontbthink it'd be unsightly.
Thanks! I was hoping there was some way to have this repaired. It’s such a killer jacket! The collar, shoulders and the rest of the jacket are in incredible condition. I wonder how just the elbow got dried out? I guess worst case scenario would be chop the arms off and have a sweet vest.
Bluechel
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,260
Send it in for quilted elbow patches!
Biff42
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,051
Exactly, don't butcher it.
Guppy
I'll Lock Up
- Messages
- 4,527
- Location
- Cleveland, OH
This is the way.
That is a great idea! What would you say a repair like that would cost, just ballpark? Also any recommendations of someone who could do such a repair? Thanks!
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Biff42
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,051
Johnsons leather san francisco
Bluechel
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,260
It's JL or Cal-Leather!
AeroFan_07
I'll Lock Up
- Messages
- 7,072
- Location
- Iowa
I would send this straight in to Gwen at Cal-Leathers.
She can do the work for you and it will not be all that expensive. It does seem to take them a little while, overall.
I would recommend calling the show during Pacific time zone business hours and then email Gwen the photos so she knows what to expect.
Guppy
I'll Lock Up
- Messages
- 4,527
- Location
- Cleveland, OH
Send it to Cal, they're still in business. Might be more expensive, they are pricey, but they will do the most authentic and correct work. Johnson is good too, but you might as well go with the original maker.
Thanks for the help everyone! I really appreciate it! After careful consideration, I’ve decided to sell this jacket, as much as I try to force it, this jacket is just too small for me. If it fit, I would not hesitate to get the work done. I will forever be looking to find a jacket exactly like this in my size… the search continues.
