Need Some Help With Valuation

[CRAZYBUBBA]

Hey guys, I don't know if this is the right forum but I have a vintage 50s? Californian jacket I'm considering trading/selling can't seem to find any eBay comparables for. Where can I go for advice?

 

[rocketeer]

Nice jacket Sorry can't help with the value, it looks real nice but get rid of the donkey and double it's value

 

[ton312]

Yeah Max is killing the value I'd think. Without that jackass I'd think around $350-$500? Fairly rare and from a highly sought after vintage maker.

 

[Guppy]

Hey guys, I don't know if this is the right forum but I have a vintage 50s? Californian jacket I'm considering trading/selling can't seem to find any eBay comparables for. Where can I go for advice?

Unfortunately even if you remove the patch, it will still have needle holes, spoiling it. Some may not care, but I would pass on it at any price. Without patch, and no holes, probably around $500, if you're patient.

 

[lina]

Looks like the Californian label with pink mountains, is that right? If so, Rin Tanaka says that's the first label (the second had green mountains). So possibly older than 1950s..? Though it sure looks like a 50s jacket.

 

[ButteMT61]

You can find it's value by putting up and eBay auction and letting bidders decide. "Worth" is only that - what someone is willing to pay for something...who knows, if you find a donkey loving guy like my Dad, it may be valuable.

 

[nick123]

I like the donkey. It's a slice of Americana.

 

[jacketjunkie]

Is Max sewn on or glued on? If glued on, you should be able to get rid of it if you get the right stuff to loosen the glue. If sewn on, the jacket is worth close to nothing, as it's a "stupid Max or many holes"-situation. Maybe for someone who wants to put a different design onto the back? America flag or something..

edit; just noticed, is the left part of the belt sewn on lower than the right? Looks asymetrical to me. If so, it was altered which again may affect the value.

 

[Monitor]

lol!!! I'd buy it only because of the Max. In fact, I'm thinking Max would look good on my jacket! Donkeys rock. Horses ain't got nothing on 'em.

 

[CRAZYBUBBA]

I made that mistake with a M-422A once and it sold for $385.
I think it doesn't fit me as well as I'd like anymore, but I'd hate to lose it again to curiosity.

Edit: Max is painted on, and I actually liked that when I first bought it!!

You can find it's value by putting up and eBay auction and letting bidders decide. "Worth" is only that - what someone is willing to pay for something...who knows, if you find a donkey loving guy like my Dad, it may be valuable.

 

[ButteMT61]

lol!!! I'd buy it only because of the Max. In fact, I'm thinking Max would look good on my jacket! Donkeys rock. Horses ain't got nothing on 'em.

That's my old man (he has donkeys!) -"horses are dumb as hell". Any time I point out a nice horse, he repeats it LOL!

 

[ButteMT61]

I made that mistake with a M-422A once and it sold for $385.
I think it doesn't fit me as well as I'd like anymore, but I'd hate to lose it again to curiosity.

Edit: Max is painted on, and I actually liked that when I first bought it!!

Yeah, well, that's what it was worth at the time...so to speak.
What size is it? Sometimes larger vintage can get more $$$

 

[AeroFan_07]

Size/details, etc? Might have an interest if I knew....I think $250 or so might be a good price.

 

[Monitor]

That's my old man (he has donkeys!) -"horses are dumb as hell". Any time I point out a nice horse, he repeats it LOL!

I couldn't agree more with your dad. And aside from being dumb, horses can be real asses as well. Vengeful, spiteful and plain mean.

 

[CRAZYBUBBA]

It's a 38" but fit me when I was a M/40. So it's not in the larger size category by any means.

Yeah, well, that's what it was worth at the time...so to speak.
What size is it? Sometimes larger vintage can get more $$$

 

[AeroFan_07]

OK thanks, that's too small for me. GL with sale...

 

[Monitor]

Seriously, though... If you're looking to sell it, wipe off Max as it's really might be killing the profit and the jacket could bring in a clean $500. Californian as a brand is always sought after and it's a very nice jacket. Hell, I want it. They're around $400 to $800 and up, depending on the style. Good thing it's a popular style. A nice motorcycle jacket like that could bring in some good money.

Max would be a huge plus in Japan, tho. I'm willing to bet he'd probably bring you in even more money there.

 

[handymike]

In a 38, I'd go with Yahoo auctions in Japan...Leave Max on.

 

[CRAZYBUBBA]

Thanks for the help guys, I think I have an approx range, although I may just keep it around since it was a grail. All the help is much appreciated

 

[tmitchell59]

Nice Jacket.

The Californian labeled jackets are always the nicest quality. I like this style, but probably not as popular as the D pocket. This one has something extra with the pocket trim. all the zips have to be original and well sewn, no fraying on lining. Lot of competition in this style.

I've seen quite a few Californian labeled MC jackets in various configurations. they show up on ebay.

The back patch would be of no interest to me.

Larger, 42/44 sizes are more in demand.

Everyone I read is talking 4-$500. sounds in the range.