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Finds and Deals - Leather Jacket Edition

TartuWolf

One Too Many
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1,214
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Tartu, Estonia
Epic small Vanson two-tone CR in France. 700eu though.
https://www.vinted.com/items/341044...e-s-cafe-racer-d-pocket-horsehide-made-in-usa
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Marc mndt

I'll Lock Up
Messages
7,324
Excelled made lower quality Horsehide labeled jackets, but this does not look like one. I belive the label is original, just lower quality materials.
The early ones don't look too bad.

Note that the horsehide label is stitched while the Excelled label looks glued on. That's why you always see these jackets with the hh label only and people don't know the maker / brand.

IMG_7694.jpeg
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IMG_7696.jpeg
 

tmitchell59

I'll Lock Up
Messages
7,747
Location
Illinois
The early ones don't look too bad.

Note that the horsehide label is stitched while the Excelled label looks glued on. That's why you always see these jackets with the hh label only and people don't know the maker / brand.

View attachment 543540 View attachment 543541

View attachment 543542
Yes, I had one like this, glued label, same HH label. It looked good, nice and Shiney. I had positive comments when pictured, but in hand a lesser feel. It sold on appearance not quality.
 

Claybertrand

One Too Many
Messages
1,548
Fidelity Steerhide Perfecto S

@Claybertrand another label. Early steerhide. Reminds me of the 50s steer commonly seen on the superb Windwards. Nice.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1452729586...CJi9omFSVa&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

View attachment 543677
There is more to this company than the many Cafe Racers they made. They have some history. This is yet another older label and older jacket. Maybe they deserve their own thread if for no other reason----to inform the public WHO MADE THEM since I would guess 90% more of their jackets do not even have a Fidelity label in them.
 

Claybertrand

One Too Many
Messages
1,548
There's one listed right now. You're right, doesn't look premium. Still nice though.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2257510030...pid=5338596370&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1
I have seen a couple of nice Excelled jackets. Both of them early ones. I think of that company as similar to Reed and Fidelity in that they once made decent stuff then they veered into higher production and/or fashion level jackets and sorta watered down what they once were quality wise. Not that they were ever necessarily super premium, but their earlier offerings and later ones are night and day.
 
Messages
10,631
I have seen a couple of nice Excelled jackets. Both of them early ones. I think of that company as similar to Reed and Fidelity in that they once made decent stuff then they veered into higher production and/or fashion level jackets and sorta watered down what they once were quality wise. Not that they were ever necessarily super premium, but their earlier offerings and later ones are night and day.

Agreed, with one quibble— Fidelity HH is premium. And that older steer is more than decent imo.
 

Claybertrand

One Too Many
Messages
1,548
Agreed, with one quibble— Fidelity HH is premium. And that older steer is more than decent imo.
That is accurate IMO. Of the three companies I mentioned, the nicest old stuff I have seen are a few Reed CRs and the old Fidelity jackets. I actually think that Fidelity is the higher end of the three quality and reputation wise. Even their later steerhide isn't terrible for the price point you can find them for. Their Cafe Racers are nice jackets for what they are. It just seems like they made several MILLION of 'em and everyone who sells them thinks they're these ultra rare vintage MC jackets. I have not handled a vintage Fidelity HH jacket or the older steer, but they appear to be nice and of higher quality than the modern stuff. And they do probably make the best damn hanger loop in the business!!! The iconic riveted chain is almost always still intact where a leather one would have failed long ago.
 

tmitchell59

I'll Lock Up
Messages
7,747
Location
Illinois
This is small and splendid! Late 1940s Windward label with the correct Talon zipper. Top Grain label is distinctive. I've never seen a jacket like this in any label. Originally thought Roughwear but the pockets are different. The fancy seams looks like Monarch.
 

Claybertrand

One Too Many
Messages
1,548
This is small and splendid! Late 1940s Windward label with the correct Talon zipper. Top Grain label is distinctive. I've never seen a jacket like this in any label. Originally thought Roughwear but the pockets are different. The fancy seams looks like Monarch.
I was thinking RoughWear myself. I don't have any experience with Monarchs in person. Something about those front pockets made me think RoughWear even though they aren't those rounded edged ones that you have on one of your RWs. Part of it is the graining but for some reason the look made me think RW first. I have never seen a back like this before. Don't RoughWears have French seams also??

Really cool jacket whatever it is. The early Windwards are rare and special.
 

tmitchell59

I'll Lock Up
Messages
7,747
Location
Illinois
This album has many pictures of the Excelled I Sold. I had many positive comments on the look of the jacket, the shinney finish. The detail pictures show a much lesser quality hide. I'm comparing it to most catalog MC jackets. They do look nice from a distance. I also had one of their half-belts. A great fit, but basically a cheap jacket, also horsehide. Serious wear on this one, but looks excellent.

https://goo.gl/photos/9YP9oMi7HUPhg6n4A
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https://photos.app.goo.gl/oAObfwXWaI2ZwTYK2

Excelled half belt unlabeled Horsehide. I like the look of this jacket, but the materials and workmanship were lacking.

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Nacho

Practically Family
Messages
598
That is accurate IMO. Of the three companies I mentioned, the nicest old stuff I have seen are a few Reed CRs and the old Fidelity jackets. I actually think that Fidelity is the higher end of the three quality and reputation wise. Even their later steerhide isn't terrible for the price point you can find them for. Their Cafe Racers are nice jackets for what they are. It just seems like they made several MILLION of 'em and everyone who sells them thinks they're these ultra rare vintage MC jackets. I have not handled a vintage Fidelity HH jacket or the older steer, but they appear to be nice and of higher quality than the modern stuff. And they do probably make the best damn hanger loop in the business!!! The iconic riveted chain is almost always still intact where a leather one would have failed long ago.

They also have this stretchy loop hanger during the late 70s. Doesn’t hang very well so yeah the chain is still the best in the business hands down. The steer on this thing is quite nice though. Supple, lightweight and very easy to wear.

IMG_5261.jpeg
 

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