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”.

 

[AeroFan_07]

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.

Apologies for the delay on this.

No - standard "Urad" is more of a "varnish" and should only be a last-coat usage product.
To condition & add moisture - Urad Tenderly, or Horseman's One Step are highly recommended. Lexol liquid or Fieblings 4-way care are good too. Also Bick #1 and Bick #4 are also great products.

 

[AerGuitar]

+1 for Urad Tenderly and Bick 4. I wouldn’t be afraid to use Tenderly as a facial moisturizer haha

 

[Schambach]

Apologies for the delay on this.

No - standard "Urad" is more of a "varnish" and should only be a last-coat usage product.
To condition & add moisture - Urad Tenderly, or Horseman's One Step are highly recommended. Lexol liquid or Fieblings 4-way care are good too. Also Bick #1 and Bick #4 are also great products.

No worries, I looked into it. I will probably clean with bick 1 or lexol , not sure what I’ll condition with, but I have a few things around., including bick 4, which is generally a safe bet.

I did pick up some black urad. A bit up in the air on that , there seem to be strong opinions on it here.

 

[Al 916]

Not a great lover.......of URAD pseudo topcoats (Tenderly maybe).

Feels to me like suffocating the hide, don't come near this with any!!

 

[AeroFan_07]

No worries, I looked into it. I will probably clean with bick 1 or lexol , not sure what I’ll condition with, but I have a few things around., including bick 4, which is generally a safe bet.

I did pick up some black urad. A bit up in the air on that , there seem to be strong opinions on it here.

Yes, it's rather odd stuff. I did use it on a couple jackets that were ultra flat & dull of top-coat and for that purpose it worked very well. Otherwise, as indicated there are better conditioning choices.

 

[Bluechel]

Yes, it's rather odd stuff. I did use it on a couple jackets that were ultra flat & dull of top-coat and for that purpose it worked very well. Otherwise, as indicated there are better conditioning choices.

Just did a big clean this morning with Lexol cleaner on this (dirty) Aero...loved how much dirt came out (I was actually surprised) but I would caution you (!!!) on Urad. Please consider a clean and condition instead....