Vintage Cal - It's changing my outlook on things

[Bluechel]

I think I might have finally found myself a Cal. Tag is from “schnieders the hub” in Oakland, which I think was probably a long gone cop shop. most of the other details look correct to me, but I’m far from an expert. Main and pocket zips are talon, sleeves are serval. It’s been put to good use, but is still in an amazing shape for its age I think? Though honestly I have no idea what that age might be, thoughts? View attachment 673471 View attachment 673472 View attachment 673473 View attachment 673474

Congrats! That is a rare size (48-50?) and I looked hard at it on the 'Bay....heavy leather? Love the original Oakland label! Sleeves were 25" I think, how's it fit?

 

[Schambach]

Congrats! That is a rare size (48-50?) and I looked hard at it on the 'Bay....heavy leather? Love the original Oakland label! Sleeves were 25" I think, how's it fit?

Thanks! I’m surprised mine was the only bid. Very heavy leather, thick and soft with some amazing grain and patina. Completely disappears when it’s on, can’t feel the weight at all. That’s probably about right with the sizing, I’m a 44-46 in most modern stuff, and this is definitely a size or two too big.

 

[Bluechel]

Thanks! I’m surprised mine was the only bid. Very heavy leather, thick and soft with some amazing grain and patina. Completely disappears when it’s on, can’t feel the weight at all. That’s probably about right with the sizing, I’m a 44-46 in most modern stuff, and this is definitely a size or two too big.

Yes, I had to cancel my bid because of sleeve length which as you may have noticed was initially not included. Because of shoulder width, it may still work, but maybe you can tell better. If you end up wanting to move it along, you can always reach out!

 

[Schambach]

Yes, I had to cancel my bid because of sleeve length which as you may have noticed was initially not included. Because of shoulder width, it may still work, but maybe you can tell better. If you end up wanting to move it along, you can always reach out!

Ah, I did notice there was a bid that had been cancelled. Makes sense. The sleeves are good for me, as is the waist when it’s tightened. The shoulders are a bit large strangely, as thats where I usually have issues. I’m going to see if I can make it work as a cold weather jacket, and later under it. I’ll let you know though!

 

[Bluechel]

Ah, I did notice there was a bid that had been cancelled. Makes sense. The sleeves are good for me, as is the waist when it’s tightened. The shoulders are a bit large strangely, as thats where I usually have issues. I’m going to see if I can make it work as a cold weather jacket, and later under it. I’ll let you know though!

Of course, thanks! What sleeve length is your sweet spot, and is this jacket longer, shorter or just right for you?

 

[AeroFan_07]

Finally, this aspect of earlier Cal's is making sense to me. Cal Leathers likely was supplying shops that re-sold jackets to officers. Hence why many of them wound up without a manufacturer label. At least a possibility, right?

Regardless, that's one very nice-looking jacket you picked up @Schambach ! With some conditioning and even (if you choose) an application of Urad, it would likely look almost new again. But many folks prefer them looking closer to original with patina. Excellent find there.

 

[Schambach]

Of course, thanks! What sleeve length is your sweet spot, and is this jacket longer, shorter or just right for you?

The sleeves on this one are just about perfect, though that might be due to the shoulders as you’d mentioned.

 

[Bluechel]

Fits like a 25"? or say...26"? What's your usual perfect sleeve length from top shoulder seam?

 

[Schambach]

Finally, this aspect of earlier Cal's is making sense to me. Cal Leathers likely was supplying shops that re-sold jackets to officers. Hence why many of them wound up without a manufacturer label. At least a possibility, right?

Regardless, that's one very nice-looking jacket you picked up @Schambach ! With some conditioning and even (if you choose) an application of Urad, it would likely look almost new again. But many folks prefer them looking closer to original with patina. Excellent find there.

Thanks!

I think I do want to condition it. is Urad the best bet? I see it’s popular in this thread, one of the few I’ve never tried.

 

[Schambach]

Fits like a 25"? or say...26"? What's your usual perfect sleeve length from top shoulder seam?

I’d say like a 25”. Maybe even a little shorter, just measured a schott 141 that fits well in the sleeves and thats 24.5”.