California Sportswear Co Speed King (Horsehide Leather Jacket)

[photo2u]

Any fit images?

 

[semolina_pilchard]

I love the Idaho leather company. They produce excellent quality products. I believe they have been in business since the 30's? So it is very possible it is original to the jacket. My biker/police jackets have a huge belt loop openings. A 2.5 belt will fit just fine. In the past, I purchased several of their belts at a Pomona meet here in S. Cal. Old school top grain leather. Hard to see that now as more and more American tanneries sadly are no longer operating.

Yeah I had a quick search online and seems they go back to the 30s with a different name, and became Idaho Leather Co in the 50s. Perhaps they were a supplier to leather jacket makers.

 

[semolina_pilchard]

No longer the "patch Pocket". I owned 3 of these, I believe you owned one? I just mailed off one today. I'm keeping one that is quite clean too, but has only a CSC horsehide tag.

This was a popular model, perhaps the name helped!

I have never seen anything like the hang tag you found!. Priceless! I have a couple of CSC boxes and perhaps a sign and lots of jackets!

Was this not advertised in the auction?

These pieces and parts, paper, advertising, is a joy equal to a jacket. I have a nice collection of catalogs, advertising. Someone has a salesman sample CSC leather jacket. I would love to own that.

I bought the other type from you, without the patch pocket, but realised I prefer this style.

Would love to see some photos of the boxes and sign that you have!

In the listing he said that he did not know the model name, so mustn’t have looked in the zip pocket or forgot about it. Couldn’t believe it when I found that. I know what you mean, having the tags makes them even more special. My first vintage leather jacket was a Windward Car Coat that came with tags, and the two of them are really special.

Probably famous last words, but I feel like I can put the buying on ice for a while as I’ve got lucky with a few recently and they are difficult to top.

Speedking is a great name, as @AHP91 said

 

[semolina_pilchard]

Absolutely incredible find. The tag alone (and it's also excellent condition) is quite the verification piece. I suspect that is a whole lot rarer these days than the jackets themselves. Amazing find and I hope it does fit you - really a museum quality piece there.

Thank you, it is a real beauty and luckily it fits as well

 

[semolina_pilchard]

OP … did you buy this jacket to wear or is it more of a collectible?

I did buy it to wear it but I have to say the condition shocked me even though it was described as such. I will wear it for sure.

 

[semolina_pilchard]

Honestly im not sure if i could bring myself to wear. Seems almost too nice to do it. Incredible find!

I know what you mean! It feels amazing on though and deserves to be worn

 

[semolina_pilchard]

Incredible! Congrats.

Thanks man!

 

[Bahabp100]

Wow, great information, thanks! It might well be that it came with the jacket then.

Even Schott uses outside contractors for some belts .

 

[Leigh H]

Wow wow wow! what a grail jacket!
Mint condition!

Congrats!

 

[photo2u]

I was lucky enough to find this California Sportswear Co 'Speed King' motorcycle jacket on eBay. I immediately made an offer and it was automatically accepted.

Here's the description from the seller:

I am offering one of those "Unicorn" items that your never, ever find: An original California Sportswear Company - Horsehide Motorcycle Jacket. There is not ONE flaw in the interior quilted lining, around the insides of the cuffs, or at the neck. The pockets are as perfect and clean as the day it was made. There is NOTHING that could be considered a "flaw" on the horsehide shell of the jacket. The original horsehide belt appears never to have been worn or even buckled for that matter. Yes...it is SEVENTY YEARS OLD, and looks nearly new. All of the Zippers work and the small metal rings are still intact. To find a nicer one, you'll have to visit the Smithsonian or the Harley Davidson Museum. I am not sure what "model" it is, but it is a thing of beauty. There are virtually no creases and very few if any real signs of wear. There are some "shiny" areas here and there, but those are simply from moving it from closet to closet over the last seventy years.

I bought this from an old buddy of mine decades ago to wear riding my '51 Panhead, but I was never really thin enough to wear it comfortably. So it has hung in a bag in various closets since I was in my late mid-thirties. This is SERIOUS motorcycle jacket. It will take at least a year of so to break it in and that is if you wear it a LOT. I have had several over the years and this is the heaviest horsehide I have ever seen, yet it is very supple and not stiff. My asking price reflects the condition and rarity of this jacket and I don't apologize for it in the least.

It was accurately described, to say the least. It looks like new. I think it's a 1950s jacket, so to receive a >70 year old jacket in this condition - I am astounded.

Here are some photos to do more of the talking:

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Hi, I was wondering you can share a trace of the front pocket. I want to add to my mouton thread so that everyone can see or use in their project. I am including a PDF file that contain a 1" graph paper to help with keep the dimensions more uniform. The way I would do the trace is by placing a graph paper over the pocket and lightly go over with the side of a pencil and quickly shade over the entire surface. The original image of the pocket will stand out.
Here is a link to the referenced thread. https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/leather-jacket-fur-mouton-collar-attachment-pattern.108468/

Please take good care.