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Vintage Outerwear: Threads of the Past

Marc mndt

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7,291
Teaser of my unlabeled Phillips 66 HH Halfbelt. It’s exceeded expectations and was thrown on my porch in a box that looks like it must’ve held a hand grenade. The jacket is absolutely mint. As good as old jackets get. I owe this thread better pics and details and will oblige when the light is kind. This one is an absolute stunner. Glad I took the gamble.
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I've been refreshing this thread all day waiting for better pics of this beauty. Don't keep us waiting any longer :)
 

tmitchell59

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7,700
Location
Illinois
These two are inbound to Buckeye AZ.
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with some help from @JMax in making a positive ID on this 2nd one
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Great listing of many cool jackets. I just caught up with all these postings.

This is the earliest edition of the iconic Windward. I have never seen one like this. I associate this label with the mid to late 40s. I also associate it with the maker California Sportswear Company.

The is the standard Windward which came in Horsehide and Steerhide. I have recently seen this style with a Hercules label.

e35bc75d-4a47-409e-81fa-19ae4d8ab83a_1_105_c-jpeg.392884


This is the most common Windward 50s label, probably began around 1952.

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tmitchell59

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7,700
Location
Illinois
40’s Sears Hercules Horsehide
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1947 Sears catalog

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Lining and zipper tape are so pristine at first assumed they were redone but absolutely no new stitching, I believe them to be original.

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After reading the newer Leather Conditioner comparison thread, thought I’d try Skidmores, never again for me, leather still slightly tacky after 2 months, I’ll stick with my longtime standby Dr Jackson’s

Beautiful jacket! A favorite Hercules label that was short lived.

That is the original zipper for that era jacket.
 
Messages
17,475
Location
Chicago
I've been refreshing this thread all day waiting for better pics of this beauty. Don't keep us waiting any longer :)
Sadly the light in Chicago is just awful and only makes a very brief appearance! I have another one due today. Another unlabeled HH Halfbelt, unique design. Here’s a couple more shots. This weekend I’ll unload some decent ones of both jackets. This one rivals your Albert Richards, it may be even cleaner. It’s like a brand new jacket! Really nice HH too. Mid weight, thick and very soft.
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Marc mndt

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7,291
Sadly the light in Chicago is just awful and only makes a very brief appearance! I have another one due today. Another unlabeled HH Halfbelt, unique design. Here’s a couple more shots. This weekend I’ll unload some decent ones of both jackets. This one rivals your Albert Richards, it may be even cleaner. It’s like a brand new jacket! Really nice HH too. Mid weight, thick and very soft.
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It's perfect, absolutely perfect.

Those handwarmer pockets are placed really high, makes me think of the elmc californian.

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Messages
17,475
Location
Chicago
Another no name old horse resurrection... Took a bit of elbow grease but nothing terribly severe. Fits a bit large on me. Surprisingly heavy, weighs 7lbs. Some wonky stitching.
Liner is heavy rayon, pocket bags are heavy white canvas. Unique pattern. 25” back with a 3” drop. Kind of sport jacket car coat mash up. Long sleeves for an oldie. Easy to wear.
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tmitchell59

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7,700
Location
Illinois
Another no name old horse resurrection... Took a bit of elbow grease but nothing terribly severe. Fits a bit large on me. Surprisingly heavy, weighs 7lbs. Some wonky stitching.
Liner is heavy rayon, pocket bags are heavy white canvas. Unique pattern. 25” back with a 3” drop. Kind of sport jacket car coat mash up. Long sleeves for an oldie. Easy to wear.

7 pounds is way heavy for a vintage jacket! I've owned a few heavies in that range. I don't recognize a maker. The chest pocket flap is a nice detail. Half-belts can fit so different from one to the next, belt high, belt low.
 
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10,598
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17,475
Location
Chicago
I was disappointed with the feel of this Halfbelt after both the obernaufs oiling and the Urad waxing. I went atomic and let it soak for an hour. It’s not too often I find a vintage piece with these lengths so I’ll go to greater ones to revive it. Oiling it while damp and it’s soaking it up. Hopefully the end result is good.
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Canuck Panda

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4,645
Wait what just happened? Was this the same brown jacket on the top of the page? You dyed it black/seal too? As much as I like brown jackets I think this one looks a lot nicer in seal/black now.
 

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