ELMC Californian

[tmitchell59]

Picked this up in the classifieds. I have eyed this jacket for some time and took a chance. Never owned an Eastman leather.

[video=youtube;2Lep03g1tmo]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Lep03g1tmo[/video]

 

[handymike]

Score!

 

[Carlos840]

Very nice! There is a black one on it's way to me! Can't wait...

Your video is very helpful, the leather looks pretty thin and flexible, it looks like it would make a great summer jacket, just what i wanted.

 

[Cooperson]

That's a keeper!

 

[pawineguy]

Nice looking jacket, great pick up. Hide looks terrific, like the graining.

 

[ProteinNerd]

Looks great. Can you compare the veg tanned leather ELMC uses to either Shinki or Vicenza?

 

[bn1966]

Very Nice! Very Jealous!

 

[tmitchell59]

Your video is very helpful, the leather looks pretty thin and flexible, it looks like it would make a great summer jacket, just what i wanted.

The leather is lighter weight and nice for warmer weather.

Can you compare the veg tanned leather ELMC uses to either Shinki or Vicenza?

Sorry I have no experience with Shinki or Vicenza. I would think someone could comment. I do have BK HH and it is nothing like their leather. It is a lighter leather.

 

[Carlos840]

I haven't handled the jacket yet, but i have samples from both the American Walnut and the black one...
Both are very flexible and supple, around 1mm thick, they both have a lot of grain and creases.
The American walnut is a top finish applied on a light brown leather, so it will show scratches and will become lighter on rubbing points.
The black one is dyed black all the way through.
The leathers are a lot more matte in real life than in pictures, they have really little sheen and feel oily rather than the waxy or shiny finish i saw before on other leather jackets.
Although it is definitely thinner than an Aero or equivalent, it doesn't feel thin in a cheap way, it feels like it will drape nicely and be a great leather for hotter months.
At least that's what i thought before seeing the video posted by the OP, and it looks like i was right!

To me the BK leather was a lot shinier and cardboard like, almost felt like it was varnished. This is soft like a pair of fine gloves.
The closest thing i can think of is the Lewis Leather, although the lewis is pretty much grain free, they have the same kind of thickness and softness...



That's all i can say from the two samples i have in hand. Once i get the jacket (a couple weeks) i will post a full review.

 

[Monitor]

Gorgeous, gorgeous leather, and the jacket is just as beautiful. But this is really something, alright. Definitely a keeper, I agree.

 

[Fanch]

That Californian looks great from a company probably better known for their military repros. Fantastic find.

 

[tmitchell59]

Here is a link to more pics.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Looks great..!!
HD

 

[nick123]

Love it.

 

[Monitor]

Can't access the additional photo gallery, forbidden it tells me, but what's posted here is among the best leather I've ever seen!

 

[Superfluous]

LOVE the ELMC Californian!!! I tried one on at Inspiration. The leather and cut are fantastic. If it was a hair longer, I would own one.

Congrats!!

 

[Bunyip]

Thats a great score! I really like that jacket. There has been a couple of great ones on ebay in the last 6months, sadly, never in my size.

 

[technovox]

I'm loving the look of that leather! Beautiful stuff...Nice Score!

 

[tmitchell59]

Can't access the additional photo gallery, forbidden it tells me, but what's posted here is among the best leather I've ever seen!

The link is open now, thanks for the heads up. The google page changed and I didn't get things set correctly. It is nice to see close ups on the page that I can't seem to do here.

I've been wearing the jacket, it is nice for a very cool spring. I've bought a lot of leathers the last few months; the BK Dodger, two Buzz Rickson, Aero Original Hercules, plus a few vintage.

this is a nice weight and feel for warmer days as is the Dodger. I'm wearing this jacket tonight. Really is a nice one.

Would this leather be close to Shinki or other horsehides? I have Victory and Liberty from BK and it isn't like either of my examples. It looks to be more like Shinki or the Vicenza?

I like most jackets so I'm not much of a critic. I certainly don't feel cheated. I don't have a taste for the smell of this one. The BKs smell so good, just right.

 

[nick123]

Smell is an odd thing. I've had jackets I haven't cared for the smell of when they arrived, but then grew on me over time. The best smelling jacket I've ever owned, oddly, was a Gibson Barnes G-1 I had a few years ago. It had a very chemical smell to it, but for some reason I really gravitated towards it.

I really like the jackets you've picked up lately. Especially those two Buzz coats and this ELMC. I hope you hang onto them. You should have kept that French horsehide Windward though! But you've pretty much made it to jacket heaven I think.