Vintage Cal - It's changing my outlook on things

[Jin431]

Wow, Terry. Never saw one with the los angeles label. As the story goes, one of the owners was receiving frequent medical treatment in LA area so they set up a "store" away from the Ventura factory. Basically a house by an alley. People would knock on a door and out would come out a jacket for cash. That's some history right there.

No waiting for months/years on end? Lol must have been nice

 

[TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead]

As I like to say at my house from time to time, sometimes the dog catches the dog catcher. I had pretty much given up on my proper fitting Cal search. I have a straight zip that's nearly there, but short. A cross zip that's long but tight. Etc etc. Well it took 6 to get pretty darn close. Shout out to @Leather Walker who flagged it for me. And to @Kubatu who had it hiding in his closet.

It's tagged a 46L but feels more like a 43 in modern terms. 25 in back. Longer sleeves. It's 95% what I wanted. A touch loose in the chest, but the taper is extreme so it's fine. I can finally breathe and not feel like I needed a red cape lol. Anyway, I was getting tired of Cal Russian Roulette. So this is close enough. Once it cools off more and can take proper pics with jeans and boots etc. I'll post fit pics. For now, here she is... probably a 1970s version. Definitely well worn but solid. I'd say 8/10. Heavy mofo but pliable.

 

[JMax]

As I like to say at my house from time to time, sometimes the dog catches the dog catcher. I had pretty much given up on my proper fitting Cal search. I have a straight zip that's nearly there, but short. A cross zip that's long but tight. Etc etc. Well it took 6 to get pretty darn close. Shout out to @Leather Walker who flagged it for me. And to @Kubatu who had it hiding in his closet.

It's tagged a 46L but feels more like a 43 in modern terms. 25 in back. Longer sleeves. It's 95% what I wanted. A touch loose in the chest, but the taper is extreme so it's fine. I can finally breathe and not feel like I needed a red cape lol. Anyway, I was getting tired of Cal Russian Roulette. So this is close enough. Once it cools off more and can take proper pics with jeans and boots etc. I'll post fit pics. For now, here she is... probably a 1970s version. Definitely well worn but solid. I'd say 8/10. Heavy mofo but pliable. View attachment 355275 View attachment 355276 View attachment 355277 View attachment 355278 View attachment 355279

That’s a beauty! Man I love Cals. Can look at them all day. Your odyssey was successful.

 

[Leather Walker]

As I like to say at my house from time to time, sometimes the dog catches the dog catcher. I had pretty much given up on my proper fitting Cal search. I have a straight zip that's nearly there, but short. A cross zip that's long but tight. Etc etc. Well it took 6 to get pretty darn close. Shout out to @Leather Walker who flagged it for me. And to @Kubatu who had it hiding in his closet.

It's tagged a 46L but feels more like a 43 in modern terms. 25 in back. Longer sleeves. It's 95% what I wanted. A touch loose in the chest, but the taper is extreme so it's fine. I can finally breathe and not feel like I needed a red cape lol. Anyway, I was getting tired of Cal Russian Roulette. So this is close enough. Once it cools off more and can take proper pics with jeans and boots etc. I'll post fit pics. For now, here she is... probably a 1970s version. Definitely well worn but solid. I'd say 8/10. Heavy mofo but pliable. View attachment 355275 View attachment 355276 View attachment 355277 View attachment 355278 View attachment 355279

My pleasure! Glad to see how great this jacket looks on you! Amazing the high quality of the leather. Congratulations!

That’s a beauty! Man I love Cals. Can look at them all day. Your odyssey was successful.

Absolutely, I stare at mines sometimes, as if they were paintings, haha.

 

[Leather Walker]

Well, the jacket has finally arrived this morning!! My first impression: its weight, smell and feel, impressive 70s horsehide. The seller stated in the description: wearing feeling approximately 34-36. He didn't check the inner pocket, where there's written "36L" in a thin blue pen. If I have to be honest, it fits me like a size 38, the pit-to-pit measurement is 52 cm / 20,47". I'm 1,73m and weight 63kg.
The original zippers are Talon: teardrop puller on left handwarm pocket and both cuffs. The main zip was replaced with a brass YKK, and the right pocket was replaced with... a metal piece. All belt-loops remain tightly in its place. I guess the side-laces ain't the original if I compare with my Cal's laces, or other Cals I saw. You'll see scratches everywhere, ripped lining around the snaps of the neck, stitches without thread, peeled off areas, and one little damage point behind the neck. Excuse the lack of bright, overcast day in Barcelona.

Warning: the following pic may hurt sensibilities.

Fit pictures:

Well, let me know your thoughts both in the jacket and fitting, I'm all ears. Mine? I'm VERY happy with it . Despite being a 36L (long?) I can't say it's tight on me, even zipped up (not laced up of course), must be 'cause this Cal's very worn and broken in.

 

[Robbie79]

Congrats, nice find and condition looks quite good! The overall fit and jacket length is perfect IMO (for my taste). Sleeves are a bit short but I guess still OK for a cross zip. I like it a lot!

 

[Monitor]

Well, the jacket has finally arrived this morning!! My first impression: its weight, smell and feel, impressive 70s horsehide. The seller stated in the description: wearing feeling approximately 34-36. He didn't check the inner pocket, where there's written "36L" in a thin blue pen. If I have to be honest, it fits me like a size 38, the pit-to-pit measurement is 52 cm / 20,47". I'm 1,73m and weight 63kg.
The original zippers are Talon: teardrop puller on left handwarm pocket and both cuffs. The main zip was replaced with a brass YKK, and the right pocket was replaced with... a metal piece. All belt-loops remain tightly in its place. I guess the side-laces ain't the original if I compare with my Cal's laces, or other Cals I saw. You'll see scratches everywhere, ripped lining around the snaps of the neck, stitches without thread, peeled off areas, and one little damage point behind the neck. Excuse the lack of bright, overcast day in Barcelona.
View attachment 364726
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Warning: the following pic may hurt sensibilities.
View attachment 364732

Fit pictures:
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View attachment 364719
View attachment 364733

Well, let me know your thoughts both in the jacket and fitting, I'm all ears. Mine? I'm VERY happy with it . Despite being a 36L (long?) I can't say it's tight on me, even zipped up (not laced up of course), must be 'cause this Cal's very worn and broken in.

IMO literally as perfect as it gets. I've nothing more to add other than this is what I want a padded Cal to fit me.

 

[AeroFan_07]

Looks great! Nicley pre-loved and it's ready for many more years of service to you there!

Give it a coat of Pecards or something similar and you'll be good to go!

 

[TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead]

Amazing! Well done.

 

[Leather Walker]

Thank you, guys! Judging by the p2p, I thought it'd be a size 38. In fact, the sizing shared by the seller matches my non-padded Cal, which got a "38" inside the pocket, except of sleeves –whose difference is 1 cm. So, even being a 36, I believe I can still lace it up a little when zipped.. I'll try.
I agree with you @AeroFan_07, lots of love on this Cal. It will get more!

 

[Jin431]

Well, the jacket has finally arrived this morning!! My first impression: its weight, smell and feel, impressive 70s horsehide. The seller stated in the description: wearing feeling approximately 34-36. He didn't check the inner pocket, where there's written "36L" in a thin blue pen. If I have to be honest, it fits me like a size 38, the pit-to-pit measurement is 52 cm / 20,47". I'm 1,73m and weight 63kg.
The original zippers are Talon: teardrop puller on left handwarm pocket and both cuffs. The main zip was replaced with a brass YKK, and the right pocket was replaced with... a metal piece. All belt-loops remain tightly in its place. I guess the side-laces ain't the original if I compare with my Cal's laces, or other Cals I saw. You'll see scratches everywhere, ripped lining around the snaps of the neck, stitches without thread, peeled off areas, and one little damage point behind the neck. Excuse the lack of bright, overcast day in Barcelona.
View attachment 364726
View attachment 364727
View attachment 364725
View attachment 364724
Warning: the following pic may hurt sensibilities.
View attachment 364732

Fit pictures:
View attachment 364717
View attachment 364716
View attachment 364719
View attachment 364733

Well, let me know your thoughts both in the jacket and fitting, I'm all ears. Mine? I'm VERY happy with it . Despite being a 36L (long?) I can't say it's tight on me, even zipped up (not laced up of course), must be 'cause this Cal's very worn and broken in.

Fits just right! What a score! Congrats on a another fantastic find!

 

[Chevalier]

This is the first time I have seen a padded Cal, and I think it looks great!

 

[Will Zach]

Hearing how their fit can be difficult, I think I got pretty lucky in my first foray into Cals. Shoutout to @Leather Walker for the heads up. I was able to snag an unlabeled one for a good price, no measurements, just Medium in the description. Seller did not know he had a Cal, or he would have asked a couple hundred more. I thought that if it does not fit I will just flip it or pass it on, whatever. It came in weighing 6.5lbs, by far my heaviest jacket. Original mouton collar included. It is a pleasure to slip on, and weight distribution feels great. The hide is thick, you feel ensconced in it - makes me wish I rode. As it is, this jacket will work best for me when it it is 50F or below, with a sweater or a hoodie underneath, the leather protecting from fall/winter winds. The zips are all Talon, all original, all working. Belt loops have been removed, which is fine with me. Looks like a 60s or early 70s jacket, but invite Cal experts to opine on its age. I hope I can rock it, don't want to come across as a poseur or a fake "wise guy".

 

[TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead]

Very nice!!! I'd say late 60s/early 70s. The ones with gussets tend to be newer (like 70s and up), but then they have the tear drop talons which are more 60s. So I'll split the difference LOL.

 

[ton312]

Hearing how their fit can be difficult, I think I got pretty lucky in my first foray into Cals. Shoutout to @Leather Walker for the heads up. I was able to snag an unlabeled one for a good price, no measurements, just Medium in the description. Seller did not know he had a Cal, or he would have asked a couple hundred more. I thought that if it does not fit I will just flip it or pass it on, whatever. It came in weighing 6.5lbs, by far my heaviest jacket. Original mouton collar included. It is a pleasure to slip on, and weight distribution feels great. The hide is thick, you feel ensconced in it - makes me wish I rode. As it is, this jacket will work best for me when it it is 50F or below, with a sweater or a hoodie underneath, the leather protecting from fall/winter winds. The zips are all Talon, all original, all working. Belt loops have been removed, which is fine with me. Looks like a 60s or early 70s jacket, but invite Cal experts to opine on its age. I hope I can rock it, don't want to come across as a poseur or a fake "wise guy".

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That fit is superb! Outstanding!

 

[jonesy86]

Man, that looks great!

 

[Leigh H]

Temperature has dropped, winter is kicking in here. Time to get then cal collar out.

 

[jonbuilder]

Hearing how their fit can be difficult, I think I got pretty lucky in my first foray into Cals. Shoutout to @Leather Walker for the heads up. I was able to snag an unlabeled one for a good price, no measurements, just Medium in the description. Seller did not know he had a Cal, or he would have asked a couple hundred more. I thought that if it does not fit I will just flip it or pass it on, whatever. It came in weighing 6.5lbs, by far my heaviest jacket. Original mouton collar included. It is a pleasure to slip on, and weight distribution feels great. The hide is thick, you feel ensconced in it - makes me wish I rode. As it is, this jacket will work best for me when it it is 50F or below, with a sweater or a hoodie underneath, the leather protecting from fall/winter winds. The zips are all Talon, all original, all working. Belt loops have been removed, which is fine with me. Looks like a 60s or early 70s jacket, but invite Cal experts to opine on its age. I hope I can rock it, don't want to come across as a poseur or a fake "wise guy".

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Jacket does fit you well and you wear it well congratulations and welcome to the vintage Cal club

 

[jonbuilder]

Temperature has dropped, winter is kicking in here. Time to get then cal collar out.

I do not see many x zip Cals Supper

 

[Will Zach]

Temperature has dropped, winter is kicking in here. Time to get then cal collar out.

This Cal with brown/red patina is absolute killer. A grail piece imo.