Sears Motorcylce Jacket History 1949-1963

[tmitchell59]

Sears is credited as the largest supplier of traditional cross zip Motorcylce jackets. Not surprising given their huge retail presence in the 1950s. This visual history will look at the catalog pictures and descriptions by year and include contemporary pictures of the catalog jackets. I have many pictures, but not sure if I have a pic of all the styles. I am counting on this forum body to address those gaps. I often miss details that others don't.

1949 is the first year that the Sears catalog shows a traditional motorcycle jacket. Wool lined with black horsehide. The catalog describes red, green, black lining. The wool lined jackets only last a couple of years. Wool lining was quickly replaced with the “new” nylon lining which was the all the rage. Buco dropped their early wool lined jackets for the new material. Wool linings in jackets seem to end around this earlyl 50s replaced with more modern material

1949
This jacket in the Allstate sections appears to be a Buco? A different jacket than pictured in the Fashion section of the catalog.

This jacket is from the fashion area of the catalog. Note the wool lining.

These jackets have the older label. Red, green, black wool lining.

 

[tmitchell59]

1950

First ladies MC jacket

Same jacket as 1949

1951

Interesting Twill jacket. I believe it is only in the 51, 52 catalogs. I have never seen one. This is the first year of the "new" Hercules label.

Note the jacket is now described with a kidney panel and wool lining. I have not seen a kidney panel jacket with a wool lining. Also note they describe these jackets as coming with a detachable collar, not as an extra. I see very few of these collars.

1952

I need help if anyone has material. I do not show a leather motorcycle jacket only the Twill. Thanks to a fellow Lounger here are some 1952 images.

1953

A steerhide jacket is now available. The Horsehide jacket has the red quilt lining and the most often seen today. I am not familiar with the Steerhide jacket

 

[tmitchell59]

1954

Horsehide jacket with red Quilt lining

. Allstate jackets

New Steerhide model with fancy braided trim

 

[Guppy]

Fantastic, Terry. I hope you continue to add to this, along with other knowledgeable members. This thread deserves to be pinned.

 

[tmitchell59]

1955

Allstate jackets

Small sized jackets.

White trimmed.

 

[jonbuilder]

1954

Horsehide jacket with red Quilt lining

View attachment 250138

. Allstate jackets



View attachment 250145
New Steerhide model with fancy braided trim

View attachment 250140 View attachment 250141 View attachment 250142 View attachment 250143 View attachment 250144

Very Interesting Terry, I was not aware of the flab pocket motorcycle jacket by Sear under the Hercules label like Buco's J-27. I own a D pocket with the Hercules Outerwear label and red quilt lining with a single row of studs on the kidney band. Nice mid-weight leather I assume horse. Size 42 with a 22" back that covers my high waisted Vanson sport rider pant's belt. #5 Serval main zip, Diamond pull Serval pocket zips, and Talan sleeve zips. Heavy brass snaps with detachable collar snaps and top zip sleeves

 

[jonbuilder]

Photo of Hercules label

and back

 

[jonbuilder]

Picture of Hercules from the front Belt loops work with 2-1/4" wide belt

 

[Peacoat]

Good job, Terry. Thanks for taking the time to research and post.

 

[itsallgood]

1952

I need help if anyone has material. I do not show a leather motorcycle jacket only the Twill.

In a different thread, I posted a page from the 1952 holiday catalog. It includes a motorycle jacket.

Here's the link, it's in the second image.

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/post-war-sears-hecules-jackets.81828/page-4#post-2698386

 

[tmitchell59]

1956

3 Pages of kids and youth in leather jackets. First use of Fraternity Prep label. Youth sizes. I don't know when Boyville begins. This may the first.

1st Fieldmaster mention (the jackets in the ad have the Hercules label) The jackets pictured on the previous years Hercules labeled jackets. Note it is Hercules Fieldmaster. I believe I have seen a label of this sort. Transitioning in a new Line.

 

[tmitchell59]

1957

Allstate jackets continue, but no ladies jacket. Could be pictured in woman's clothing.

Continued Youth sizes

Fraternity Prep Jackets continue

First vertical zip jacket. Both jackets in Steer. No D pocket. I need to put a link here to an excellent thread on the Sears vertical zip jackets. If not here I will put it close by. That thread has pictures of several variations. The Fieldmaster name has yet to show up on a leather jacket.

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/sears-vertical-zip-map-pocket-motorycle-jacket.94252/

 

[tmitchell59]

1958

The D pocket returns. Was not pictured last year. This one is proudly advertised as Horsehide.

Economy and Fancy both in Steerhide. I don't recall seeing the vertical pocket often and not with the Hercules label as this are pictured. I will have to go back to that thread to refresh myself.

The Fancy model has the braided pocket trim. This jacket shows up several times and I seldom see this for sale.

 

[tmitchell59]

1959

Standard Black D pocket Horsehide jacket. Note the price on the Cap.

I am not familiar with either of these jackets. Both are Steerhide. I just don't recall seeing these models.

The jacket pictured on the model below is carried through the 60s. I have never seen it with a Hercules label. Either Fieldmaster. Oakbrook or Appalachian Tanned and Tailored label.

 

[tmitchell59]

1960

Fieldmaster name/label. NO Horsehide, No mention of leather type.

1961

Only one Motorcycle jacket

1962

1st use of the Oakbrook label. Fieldmaster label on the motorcycle jackets.

1963

Generic SEARS label. No Horsehide

 

[tmitchell59]

I was not aware of the flab pocket motorcycle jacket by Sear under the Hercules label like Buco's J-27

I too was surprised by that jacket. I have not seen a Allstate in that style. Pretty rare I'd say

 

[tmitchell59]

In a different thread, I posted a page from the 1952 holiday catalog. It includes a motorycle jacket.

Thank you! I posted your pics. 1952 is my birth year, not sure how I missed that year.

 

[Blackadder]

I too was surprised by that jacket. I have not seen a Allstate in that style. Pretty rare I'd say

Here is the actual jacket.
https://gramho.com/media/2227772461532213815

 

[tmitchell59]

Here is the actual jacket.
https://gramho.com/media/2227772461532213815
View attachment 250263

Wow! thank you! The first one I have seen and worth seeing! Very few Allstate jackets show up. They were higher priced over the other Sears jackets also shown in a different section of the catalog.

I was able to place your pic in the thread!

 

[tmitchell59]

Some notes through the years.

1949 1st mention nylon lining 1st MC jacket
1951 “new” mc jacket with collar
1951 1st use of 50s Hercules label
1953 new mc in steerhide plus hh
1954 new Mc in steer with W style with riveted belt
1954 New styles in MC section including female maybe Allstate l
1955 New style in hh rivited simple front for young men
1955 White trim MC jacket
1956 Fraternity prep MC jackets sized for boys
1956 1st fieldmaster MC jacket
1957 steerhide in new styles
1958 Traditional looking HH with collar also steerhide econo
1959 HH Standard MC jacket-more steerhide
1960 MC jackets tradtional and econo. No mention of HH
1961 same as 1960
1962 Oakbrook name