Sears Hercules Halfbelt

[Forrest]

Greetings Loungers. I have been lurking here for a long time, and now that I own my first proper vintage jacket, it was time to get registered and share. I post over at COW, so my apologies to those who mix in both circles.

I have been obsessed with finding a brown halfbelt leather jacket for the better part of two years. I have been searching on ebay almost daily, and I finally just hit the jackpot! I scored a Sears Hercules Halfbelt in pristine condition for the opening bid of $250!! I'm thrilled. The jacket fits like a dream. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves:

Front, unzipped, flat:
http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac201/ForrestWatson/HerculesFront1.jpg

Front, zipped, flat:
http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac201/ForrestWatson/HerculesFront2.jpg

Back, flat:
http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac201/ForrestWatson/HerculesBackFlash1.jpg

Collar and labels:
http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac201/ForrestWatson/HerculesLabel1.jpg

Front, worn, unzipped:
http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac201/ForrestWatson/HerculesWornUnzip1.jpg

Front, worn, zipped:
http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac201/ForrestWatson/HerculesWornZip1.jpg

Front, worn, arms outstretched:
http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac201/ForrestWatson/HerculesWorn1.jpg

Back, worn:
http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac201/ForrestWatson/HerculesWornBack1.jpg

The jacket is a very dark brown horsehide. The buttons on the cuffs are plastic. I'm guessing late 40s to early 50s. Any other guesses on a date? Thanks for looking.

Cheers,
Forrest

 

[Philalethes]

Wow, that is a great find! Congratulations!

 

[Cooperson]

Welcome to the forum Forrest. I do like halfbelts and yours is a beauty. It's not often you see one of that age in such great condition - looks hardly worn at all, almost as if it's been in storage for 50 years or more. A great fit too! Nice find, enjoy!

Cheers

 

[jon z]

Welcome Forest. Now that's my kind of jacket. It's a beaut & 1 to keep without doubt. You did well to get such a fine example at any price let alone for a mere 250 bucks. Definitely 50s although that particular jacket featured in the Sears catalogue from the early 30s thro to the mid 50s. Early examples will have woollen lining. What chest size is it do you mind me asking?

 

[Forrest]

I thought it could be 50s, based on the plastic buttons and the rayon lining. The seller completely botched the measurements, so I wasn't sure it was going to fit. I was quite delighted when I tried it on.

Measurements:
Pit to pit: 22 inches
Shoulder to shoulder: 19 inches
Sleeve, shoulder to cuff: 25 inches
Back length: 24 inches
Front length, along zipper: 22.25 inches

It is exactly my size.

 

[jon z]

Thank you. I'd be kicking myself now if that was my size having missed it. You certainly had luck running with all the way on that one. Look after it & it'll give a lifetime of wear. Enjoy

 

[Forrest]

I sure hope so! I have to say I'm a little freaked out owning such an amazing jacket. I mean, it has survived the past 50 to 60 years unscathed, as if in a time capsule, and now it is mine to wear.

As to the fit, I got incredibly lucky. The seller listed the measurements as being 27 inches in length with 23.5 inch sleeves! I knew it was wrong based on his photos, but it was still a roll of the dice. I thought, well if it doesn't fit, I can sell it for a profit. I really wasn't expecting it to be my size exactly. I wouldn't change a thing!

 

[glynb]

Very nice jacket----good score!

glynb

 

[1087]

Wow!!! What a fantastic score Forrest!!! That jacket is in incredible condition, a great prize to your perseverance at a very low price. Santa came early. Congratulations!!

 

[mopar 38]

Great Jacket !!

 

[Johnnynotoes]

Hey Forrest, G'day to you and congrats on one great find. The gems are still out there. And once in a while? Drop plop. Right in ones lap. Well worth your cost. When one strolls by in as fine shape as that, you just know there's likely a battle on your hands. Grand bit of luck to nip it on the opening bid!

 

[andy richards]

What an amazing find! The fit is excellent, looks good on you. Congratulations and welcome on the FL.
Andy

 

[OneEyeMan]

Wow!
I absolutely love that jacket.
Way to make a grand entrance Forrest.
Good luck with it and welcome to the forums.
Lenny

 

[Dav]

Great looking jacket Forrest.

 

[jack miranda]

A jacket like that comes along once in a lifetime, Forrest. Enjoy every minute of the wearing of it.