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Vintage Outerwear: Threads of the Past

Canuck Panda

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,709
not a jacket, but cool little leather helmet

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tmitchell59

I'll Lock Up
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7,747
Location
Illinois
This is in my "no sell jackets" closet, the finest leather and a fit to match, Sierra Sportswear-Styled and made in California. I was looking at the "gathered sides". They make this jacket fit. I've always been curious when and why...know I think I stumbled on the answer.

I have seen identical jackets with each system. Why?

I believe the answer; Wartime metal shortages!!! At least for some time.

This is one of the finest jackets I have owned.

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Canuck Panda

I'll Lock Up
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4,709
I think so too. Though not as scarce as Europe but first priorities went to war efforts for sure. Sierra was another interesting brand, lots of photos of their jackets in the Tanaka book. Do you think they were the maker or just the brand selling?
 

tmitchell59

I'll Lock Up
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7,747
Location
Illinois
It seems all these gathered side jackets also have a 40s zipper. Makes sense for war shortage other than a change in style. I believe it was short lived.

I have had some recent discussion about Sierra. They were Styled and made in California, so that is a focus. No listing in SF city directory for Sierra Sportswear, of course CA is more than SF bay area.

The leather is the quality seen in bay area jackets. Fine, rich horsehide. I have been on both sides; maker and label. They don't have the look of other makers, a bit different. If they were a label I can not identify the maker.

The Sierra jackets included MC jackets and a typical range of civilian jackets.
 
Messages
10,631
It seems all these gathered side jackets also have a 40s zipper. Makes sense for war shortage other than a change in style. I believe it was short lived.

I have had some recent discussion about Sierra. They were Styled and made in California, so that is a focus. No listing in SF city directory for Sierra Sportswear, of course CA is more than SF bay area.

The leather is the quality seen in bay area jackets. Fine, rich horsehide. I have been on both sides; maker and label. They don't have the look of other makers, a bit different. If they were a label I can not identify the maker.

The Sierra jackets included MC jackets and a typical range of civilian jackets.

A Sierra MC jacket has been on my shortlist of must haves for a while. Beautiful hides.
 

Nacho

Practically Family
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