Montgomery Ward (Windward) Motorcycle Jacket History 1947-1963

[JMax]

I just noticed the side zips on this Windward MC jacket. I do recall seeing these on this style of jacket. It does appear on MW labeled jackets made by California Sportswear.

I don't recognize this a CSC jacket. Looks like a Kurland/Sportclad, but the epaulets are different.

I will keep my eyes open of the side zips.

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Back design and liner do match Kurland. Screams East coast to me.

 

[Horace Debussy Jones]

Cool. I just wish I had a time machine and enough old money to go back and score a few of these. I had something like this when I was a lad of about 9 or 10. EXTRA small I guess as it fit me quite nicely. One thing I've always wondered about is the "general's" stars on the epaulets. I think my jacket had 3 stars so I was a 3 star, bicycle, bad boy whenever i donned it. Was there a reason for the stars? Just decoration maybe?

 

[tmitchell59]

Back design and liner do match Kurland. Screams East coast to me.

I have not seen these zippers in this style. I left out not above.

same epaulets? same grainy + hide = same maker? also note 2 piece sleeves, same as a Sportclad

Kurland/Star just didn't do the box stitching on the Windward jackets?

also the 2 piece sleeves.

I've have successfully confused myself, that is a minor accomplishment!

this is a Sportclad

 

[JMax]

I have not seen these zippers in this style. I left out not above.

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same epaulets? same grainy + hide = same maker? also note 2 piece sleeves, same as a Sportclad

Kurland/Star just didn't do the box stitching on the Windward jackets?

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also the 2 piece sleeves.

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I've have successfully confused myself, that is a minor accomplishment!

this is a Sportclad

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Kurland didn’t do box stitching on the epaulettes of their other MC jackets. Mostly seen on their jackets with the stitched D pocket. The jackets we both own. I’m not sure the epaulettes were straight cut, or as straight cut, but I recall similar stitching.

 

[tmitchell59]

Note button end cut vs pointed end . the earliest jackets have the snapped removable throat latch with straight cut ends.

 

[tmitchell59]

I love these Blondes, I've lusted after @JMax jacket in silence. Now I have this Windward which is too small, but oh so nice. This is one serious Blonde. East Coast looking to me, Star Sportswear/Kurland

 

[JMax]

Definitely something about blondes- not a Windward but…

 

[tmitchell59]

Definitely something about blondes- not a Windward but…

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Thanks for bringing out the Blonde. The collar looks nice. Is it? the last couple have real condition issues, falling apart. The Durable is in pretty good condition.

 

[JMax]

Thanks for bringing out the Blonde. The collar looks nice. Is it? the last couple have real condition issues, falling apart. The Durable is in pretty good condition.

Yes, it could use a cleaning but the collar is good to go. I still kick myself for not picking up that Durable a while back that sold for $300 or so. I can’t even remember why I hesitated. I look forward to seeing more of yours. I like that particular design.

 

[tmitchell59]

Yes, it could use a cleaning but the collar is good to go. I still kick myself for not picking up that Durable a while back that sold for $300 or so. I can’t even remember why I hesitated. I look forward to seeing more of yours. I like that particular design.

I don't recall the $300 Durable. Mine does not fit, probably a size 40, Too thick in the middle currently so zipping is on hold.

The jacket is as good as anything I have handled. The leather reminds me of the infamous Victory leather that Bill Kelso used. It is a cut above and that has nothing to do with the movie.

 

[Leigh H]

Montgomery Ward Admiral Byrd box

 

[tmitchell59]

1950s

 

[Balaram]

A very lucky online find, wonderful condition on the leather, hard to believe it could date to 1940s as seller claimed,
but, maybe? I would like to know more about the story this one has to tell, may I ask it's date based on the label?
I suspect the question was answered in the first page of the thread, but I am no able to draw up the earlier photo posts. There is a zipper repair to be done, after that I doubt I will ever take it off-

 

[Balaram]

One more

 

[photo2u]

One more

The design looks mid 50's to me.

 

[tmitchell59]

this is a popular civilian A2 style jacket from the 1950s. What is interesting is the jacket was made in the West, in this case California Sportswear Company. That is their Horsehide tag. You got quality. Enjoy!

 

[Balaram]

Gentlemen, my sincere thanks,
the gods smiled on me with this one,
Best to you all

 

[axlepressbutton]

Picked up a couple of Windwards this week. Nice early 50's with leather label.

 

[axlepressbutton]

And this nice 30's 40's half belt Aviator.

 

[Marc mndt]

And this nice 30's 40's half belt Aviator.

Wow, two true grems. Congrats.