Sears Motorcylce Jacket History 1949-1963

[dannyk]

Yep, that's that seller. He's got some good stuff but the prices honestly seem to be completely at random and I don't understand why's some lousy no-name cross zip pricier than this gem of a Sears.

That Hercules is worth buying. Not many of these still around and I also never saw the three star version in the wild.

Completely agreed. I’ve seen some “junk” for lack of a better word this seller has had going for close to a grand. Then I’ve seen some killer things not too long ago had this awesome Vanson going for like 300. Easily could have been for 800.

 

[Monitor]

Completely agreed. I’ve seen some “junk” for lack of a better word this seller has had going for close to a grand. Then I’ve seen some killer things not too long ago had this awesome Vanson going for like 300. Easily could have been for 800.

Yep. I mean good for us but I just don't get it. I'm actually considering getting this Sears, it's a serious collector's piece. Makes Buco seem as common as a Schott. And the hide looks fantastic. Can't imagine better example. And they're brilliant jackets. I mean, you know that too.

 

[dannyk]

Yep. I mean good for us but I just don't get it. I'm actually considering getting this Sears, it's a serious collector's piece. Makes Buco seem as common as a Schott. And the hide looks fantastic. Can't imagine better example. And they're brilliant jackets. I mean, you know that too.

They are a steal. I have mine listed for 200 and it’s worth every penny if not more. And I’m not saying that to make money cause again you know. They just never seem to get any love. Now in my case that may be due to sizing cause I have the curse of being a grown adult in the body of a 13 year old boy. But it seems like you and I are the only ones around who know just how solid of a jacket they really are. I’m on the Sears MC/D pocket bandwagon all the way. If mine fit a bit better and I didn’t have too many, wouldn’t be selling it.

 

[Monitor]

They are a steal. I have mine listed for 200 and it’s worth every penny if not more. And I’m not saying that to make money cause again you know. They just never seem to get any love. Now in my case that may be due to sizing cause I have the curse of being a grown adult in the body of a 13 year old boy. But it seems like you and I are the only ones around who know just how solid of a jacket they really are. I’m on the Sears MC/D pocket bandwagon all the way. If mine fit a bit better and I didn’t have too many, wouldn’t be selling it.

When I got into this hobby and even before I knew anything about jackets, Sears D-pocket has been my favorite and that lasted for a good long while. The first version, with the top sleeve zippers, removable belt, etc. Another member, @ksozay was also collection them at the time and had like 10 or I dunno how many. These jackets have always been dirt cheap and I don't really understand why. You could always find 2, 3 J's for every good, 50's Sears (Herc). And I don't think these jackets are falling behind in quality or in any other way. @tmitchell59 can testify to that, though as I haven't really handled an actual Buco, just the RMC.

I got my jacket locally, it was dirt cheap after sitting in the classifieds for two years and I've been meaning to sell it for a profit but once the listing I put up on eBay ended, I didn't have a heart to put it back on sale. I just love wearing that jacket. Feels right. And now for the first time I can actually layer under it!

 

[tmitchell59]

This is an odd label. Love the Collar.

 

[dannyk]

This is an odd label. Love the Collar.

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Amazing collar.

 

[Monitor]

This is an odd label. Love the Collar.

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Beautiful. But this is what I mean about steer vs horse. I would've guessed this one to be cow.

 

[ton312]

This is an odd label. Love the Collar.

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Wow! Looks unworn. That lining is mint!

 

[jonbuilder]

This is a size 38 Allstate in this thread which appears to be a standard Buco D pocket. The catalog also describes this early jacket with a Wool lining, typical of Buco of that era. Pre-nylon quilt.

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/thr...-buco-horsehide-vintage-leather-jacket.93979/

This is the Allstate jacket from the 1949 Catalog

I do not find anymore Allstate jackets until 1954. I'm not sure if I missed them between 49-54 or they just were not in the catalog. The D pocket is missing from the catalog is this 1954 illustration.

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Do you own this marvel, Terry?

 

[jonbuilder]

This looks like the MC jacket in the 49 catalog except for a different label "Styled and Made in California"
It is currently on eBay, not mine

 

[tmitchell59]

Do you own this marvel, Terry?

No, I don't own that jacket. Sure is pretty!

 

[tmitchell59]

This looks like the MC jacket in the 49 catalog except for a different label "Styled and Made in California"
It is currently on eBay, not mine

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Good Eye! I have looked at that jacket, but not closely enough. Did not notice the "Styled and Made in California" label. Here is my early wool lined I got a couple of months back. I thought they had a California touch. The jackets with the Nylon lining are very different jackets. I will have to pay more attention

 

[Peacoat]

This thread needs to be bumped so it doesn't fall off into obscurity. Unfortunately I don't see a way to bump it without making an additional post. I'm thinking of pinning it for awhile so everyone will have access to it A lot of work went into its creation.

 

[tmitchell59]

This thread needs to be bumped so it doesn't fall off into obscurity. Unfortunately I don't see a way to bump it without making an additional post. I'm thinking of pinning it for awhile so everyone will have access to it A lot of work went into its creation.

Thanks, There has been a great response. I've learned and I hope others have learned. I hope to continue the thread as more jackets and information come to light.

 

[Claybertrand]

This thread needs to be bumped so it doesn't fall off into obscurity. Unfortunately I don't see a way to bump it without making an additional post. I'm thinking of pinning it for awhile so everyone will have access to it A lot of work went into its creation.

Rightly said sir. This thread should be a STAPLE. The Sears Jackets are the kings of the American Department Store/Catalog jackets. They represent a by gone era of American retail and production that makes me feel nostalgic even if they are from before my time. Of course, all of them were not created equal but that just makes the hunt more challenging.

 

[tmitchell59]

Here is the Beautiful 1st year Sears Motorcycle jacket.

Comparison with 1950s Horsehide jacket

Sears Hercules, J.C. Penney Sportclad, unlabeled Monarch

1949 Sears Hercules and Unkown shorty

 

[JMax]

That Sportclad is insanely beautiful,

 

[dannyk]

Like hot damn Sears and the various makers supplying them deserve way more love. You’re proving it here Terry. The shape your ‘49 is in by the way is unreal. I hope people never stop commenting and contributing to this thread. As was said the amount of work, study, collecting and of course money to buy the products and books is immeasurable at this point. @tmitchell59 i think I’ve said 3-4 times this past week but you are a legend to TFL. There are a ton of books on military collections and uniforms, a small but decent amount on biker jackets, and of course Rin. I’m telling you Terry write a massive book like Rin did for Schott but on Sears and their collections. I would buy it. His books cost a pretty penny, I would pay 100 bucks for your book. I’m not joking no one around here has done more research and collecting on Sears and their jackets than you. I’m sure even those who aren’t into Hercs/Sears/Oakbrook etc.. would buy it just to support you. I would even contribute 100 bucks right now to a gofundme or Kickstarter so you can afford to get it off the ground. All sounds like a flight of fancy, but I’m serious and I think the TFL Community at least would buy it.

 

[Monitor]

Agreed. Sears MC jacket deserves it. There were so many variants and each unique and interesting as the last one, never losing any charm. My favorite is the first with the top sleeve zippers but then again, it doesn't have the back rivets as the later models so as far as I am concerned, literally each iteration is worth owning. It's just as good of a jacket as any Buco.

The Sears also produced a beautiful Cafe Racer which also went thru a lot of variations and yet nobody's talking about it or taking it seriously. I've had three and each were really fantastic jackets, much sturdier and better made than Brooks. This was my favorite, although it was a 44 or a 46 even, really too large for me. Ton helped me with getting it over the pond. I though at the time it's just a very nice jacket but turned out later that not much else I bought was significantly better. Crazy nice CR. The leather was also gorgeous and heavy. Exactly as hide should be IMO.

 

[jonbuilder]

This looks like the MC jacket in the 49 catalog except for a different label "Styled and Made in California"
It is currently on eBay, not mine

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This jacket looks the same to me as Terry's 1949 Hercules green wool-lined jacket, except the Styled and Made in California label on the label?
Does someone know how to show this jacket in a side by side comparison with Terry's 1949 Hercules jacket? If so please do.