Sears Motorcylce Jacket History 1949-1963

[Marc mndt]

Some additional pics of the 50s steerhide Hercules D pocket

The shape/design is unlike any other jacket I own. The shoulders are square, upper sleeves are super wide, body is short and the bottom hem is narrow. It really is a statement piece.

 

[Marc mndt]

A couple of oddities...

Unlike any other mc jacket I own or have seen, this one has the lapel mounted onto the front of the jacket (other jackets have the lapel in the center, covering the shoulder seam).

The pouch for the belt is fully lined with white leather.

 

[JMax]

A couple of oddities...

Unlike any other mc jacket I own or have seen, this one has the lapel mounted onto the front of the jacket (other jackets have the lapel in the center, covering the shoulder seam).

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The pouch for the belt is fully lined with white leather.

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Nice catch with the epaulettes. I never really noticed. I did check my jackets and the only two in my collection set up that way are the exact same Herc and my Kurland/Sportclad. My other Herc has epaulettes in the traditional spot.

 

[tmitchell59]

First generation Hercules c.1947 too small. A missing link

 

[Edward]

Always fascinating to see the clean-cut imagery originally used to sell these jackets, so far from the "hoodlum" image they took on in so much popular, moral-panic at the time.

 

[tmitchell59]

Little love for one of my favs

 

[Wildhorses]

I need to find this exact vertical zip jacket. And in this size too.

 

[Marc mndt]

Little love for one of my favs

Such a cool jacket, so many interesting details. Have you noticed how the sleeve zipper curves towards the sleeve end?

 

[tmitchell59]

I need to find this exact vertical zip jacket. And in this size too.

This is a big 42. I have not seen one for sale recently. They are worth the wait.

Such a cool jacket, so many interesting details. Have you noticed how the sleeve zipper curves towards the sleeve end?

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No, I had not noticed this. What a great design.

 

[tmitchell59]

I recall @JMax mentioning the lack of horsehide with the made in California label. Here is one for sale in Japan. Looks to have the original belt. Most are steerhide.

 

[Wildhorses]

Again an early one, green wool lining. Similar to the ones posted on the first pages.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/126719...ick_sum=2eeed0fc&ref=shop_home_active_1&cns=1

 

[Marc mndt]

Again an early one, green wool lining. Similar to the ones posted on the first pages.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1267195061/vintage-1940s-d-pocket-jacket-motorcycle?click_key=cb0779d84ac667fdd42507bc90a7431279843e83:1267195061&click_sum=2eeed0fc&ref=shop_home_active_1&cns=1
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I'd love to find one like this in my size

 

[Wildhorses]

I'd love to find one like this in my size

On my list too, these early jackets look more refined than the later through-belt.

 

[Will Zach]

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I'd love to find one like this in my size

... and without a massive hole on the shoulder. This one would be great for a pattern if one wanted to make a repro.

 

[tmitchell59]

This is a 1st generation with no handwarmer pocket like the one I posted above. These were the first cataloged MC jackets found to date. They were first in the 1948 catalog. I have seen one other with the red plaid lining. The other linings are what became the standard Hercules lining. The hand warmer pocket was quickly put in place on subsequent cataloged jackets. I do not yet know who made these first generation Hercules MC jackets.

Here it is in Goatskin with the black and blue lining

 

[tmitchell59]

1948 catalog with 1st generation MC jacket as pictured above.

Couple of early Hercules

 

[EAC]

Just found this:

Identical to the single-breasted youth jacket advertised in the 1956 F/W catalog (and nowhere else, as far as I know):

 

[EAC]

An Interesting side note:

No Cafe Racer style jackets appear until the transition to the Oakbrook label in the early 60s. I guess this style wasn't widely produced until the early 60s even with the Buco model staring in the 50s?

50s Allstate CR, not advertised in the catalogs AFAIK (from a Japanese website):

 

[EAC]

I often thought of Cafe Racers in the 50s, but other than Buco who made one in the 50s? I believe there has been a discussion of the origin, but I don't recall the details. They really are a popular product of the 60s. Now I understand why all the Taubers CR have the 60s Talon tear drops.

Not strictly pertinent to the thread, but since the question was asked here, I think this is the best place to answer.

50s Peter's CR (from a japanese website):

 

[EAC]

It doesn't really add, from the historical point of view, to what's already in the thread, but I really like the pic.

Wool lined leather label Hercules, belonging to Ethan Newton (@ethandesu on IG):