Sears Motorcylce Jacket History 1949-1963

Thank you for your generous comments, they make the work worth the effort! When I got into Vintage guitars I got in deep, compiled a lot of data, pics, cross references, etc. I've shared that on the Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum or UMFG. When I retired Guitar trading retired also. I can own a lot of leather jackets for the cost of a couple of guitars. I've got plenty of guitars.

I do what I do because it interest me. I buy what interest me. I like the connections that are uncovered. I like learning. I have many questions and much speculation.

You are correct about the Money! I can do what I do and say what I say and Know what I know because I have paid for my education! I pass along some nice jackets in the process and hopefully some fun/interesting history.

I believe much information on vintage leather jackets is in Japan. They own the largest share which probably came from David Himel and a host of other pickers. You learn a lot having the jackets in your hands. Japanese were also very involved in the vintage guitar market. I continue to search for bits and pieces, like a puzzle.

I am currently working on a Ralphs-Pugh visual history. It is already an interesting story as I have been in contact with a member of the family. He sent me a picture of a Catalog he had framed on the wall at Ralphs-Pugh Co. He had a picture of a cloth jacket and tales of his mother having a leather jacket at her house. He is tracking down other leads. I'll post it all in the Ralphs-Pugh thread. At least it is a connection with the past.

I have thought of a Catalog jacket project. Compare the Hercules, Sportclad, Windward. You learn a lot owning the jackets. I could share a few thoughts.

 

Perfect!

Notice the complete lack of anything resembling a Cafe Racer in 1949-1963 catalogs. I have 65, 70, 75 pages with no CR style jacket pictured. I have seen them, but know nothing about them. Look forward to seeing and learning about them

 

My wool lined and the jacket you pictured are the same except for the Styled and Made in California phrase on the label.

There is actually another variation on the wool lined that has a sewn in half-belt in the back. I forgot about it.

 

Yes. I don't know why but many postwar jackets have the blackened metal parts including zippers.

It appears my jacket has the zippers on top the sleeve instead on the side as the ebay jacket.



Here is the other variation with the sewn in half-belt

 

Through Belt model in Horsehide.

 

Steerhide, Made and Styled in California through belt.

 

? but Probably. I think the pictures are from ebay.

 

Thank you. The Ralphs-Pugh chapter is about done. I have all the images in chronological order. I need to edit my text. I am also waiting on some information from the company. This will add to what little is known. Put the information in one place.

I think of each installment as a chapter. Sears Motorcycle Jackets, Sears Post-War Leather, 1946-1960, Sears War-Time 40-45, Sears 1930s from Buttons to Zippers. I've got all the catalog pages, a ton of pictures and a few jackets.

I have barely touched on the 30s early 40s jackets. These are my favorites.

But last point I want to add is that I hope this thread really does bring a lot more love to the Sears range of jackets. I know some of us here have owned some, and no I wouldn’t necessarily say they were the best. B

I would say there was a point when all the Catalog companies had high quality products, certainly the mid 30s-mid 40s. Hercules has become the most well known of the labels. They are quality products.

I really want to do a thread on Catalog jacket comparisons. I have some opinions/speculation and would be interested in hearing from others. The Top Three: Sears, J.C. Penney, Wards.

 

OK, I own the green plaid wool lined jacket often pictured here. Yes, I got it from a lady on ebay.