Was Roughwear The Original Manufacturer Of The Iconic Hercules Jacket?

[robrinay]

Meanwhile back on thread subject here is my ‘classic’ Herc

 

[Brandrea33]

Where did you find that little gem? I don’t believe I have seen that label before.

 

[robrinay]

Where did you find that little gem? I don’t believe I have seen that label before.

eBay - the UK site. It wasn’t expensive either -around £120 as I remember. I bought it to replace a similar but probably earlier Herc that was a little too tight. I sold that to a mate for the same as I’d paid for this one. The Californian Herc Ive just posted on the previous page is also from eBay uk - a bargain at £99.

 

[jeo]

This Hercules is arriving today -I’ve always wondered if the label while hinting at Californian Sportswear really was made by them.

Yes, this one was made by CSC.

 

[robrinay]

Yes, this one was made by CSC.

Brilliant thank you for the info. It’s arrived and it’s better than in the eBay listing pics no nasty smells a perfect fit and after a quick light application of Pecard shiny and supple Yay!

 

[tmitchell59]

Here is a little tidbit on identifying Roughwear Co. jackets.

I see very few Roughwear jackets with the RW label. Perhaps they were too busy full filling contracts with various Retailers.

RW has a long history with Sears Hercules and their labeling changed through the years. This Horsehide tag appears to have it's start in the 40s and dominant in the 50s.

This is a RW MC jacket with the "Genuine Top Grain Front Quarter Horsehide" . The Genuine Top Grain is the key. Jacket is from the early 50s.

This jacket is probably late 40s. Main label is a bit different and continues to advertise the Adjustable Collar tag. That tag goes back to the 30s. This jacket has the "new" horsehide tag. Again Genuine Top Grain.

Roughwear is also noted for their use of French Seems and their patented "Two Pocket" design.

These are Hercules MC jackets. These seem to come in a couple of configurations. Again the same label as used on RW jackets and the use of French Seems.

I owned a RW Hercules years ago. I recall how impressive the jacket was. I had no idea the maker.

This is another Hercules I owned. I thought it was a Monarch, but now I know it was indeed a RW.

There are many other examples in the Sears line up. Just look for the tag.

 

[Marc mndt]

@tmitchell59 on Instagram you suggested this Windward was made by RW as well. Because of the two way pockets?

 

[tmitchell59]

Yes indeed Roughwear. The Two Pockets were patented by RW. This was a favorite going back several years. I own 2 of them. one does not have the 2 pocket label.

 

[AHP91]

This jacket was sitting and recently sold in the classified for 200 shipped, less than the asking rate of a carhartt hoodie. Hercules, two way pocket, French seams

 

[tmitchell59]

This jacket was sitting and recently sold in the classified for 200 shipped, less than the asking rate of a carhartt hoodie. Hercules, two way pocket, French seams

View attachment 560219 View attachment 560218
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Yep, a Roughwear. Note the French Seams on top the shoulders. This is a weak place on these jackets. There are a couple of RW on ebay with seam separation.

 

[tmitchell59]

It is looking Roughwear clothing was making a significant amount of jackets for Wards and Sears. I'm not sure about JC Penney.

This is another unlabeled Roughwear jacket with the older label. it has the cinch sides which went to gathered sides.

This Roughwear is huge and heavy! 25 inch pit to pit! The zipper has been changed

 

[JMax]

Yep, a Roughwear. Note the French Seams on top the shoulders. This is a weak place on these jackets. There are a couple of RW on ebay with seam separation.

For sure. Dena went in and reinforced the shoulder areas while swapping out the zipper on mine.

 

[tmitchell59]

Check out this Roughwear beast

 

[tmitchell59]

For sure. Dena went in and reinforced the shoulder areas while swapping out the zipper on mine.

Here are the shoulder seems on the above RW. The seems on mine are fine. This is also an issue on Monarchs, French Seems, beautful, but subject to failure and difficult to repair.

 

[JMax]

 

[Davidove]

Check out this Roughwear beast

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@tmitchell59

Hi, have you any Information about this coat for us. What about: Year, Type and Value?

Thanks

 

[tmitchell59]

@tmitchell59

Hi, have you any Information about this coat for us. What about: Year, Type and Value?

Thanks

That jacket is not mine. Never seen one like it, probably pre-war. Value? No idea.

 

[tmitchell59]

View attachment 562255

Now that I can identify the RW Hercules, I see they were a significant maker for Sears from the 30s through the 50s.

 

[tmitchell59]

That jacket is not mine. Never seen one like it, probably pre-war. Value? No idea.

I have a Hercules label ed RW very similar without the inner vest

 

[Davidove]

@tmitchell59

Hi, have you any Information about this coat for us. What about: Year, Type and Value?

Thanks

I researched under „Hercules and Rough Wear“ but i couldnt found anything similar because of the inner vest. Theyre mostly as yours or with sherpa lining. Pre-war sounds very possible.

Dumb question, but how much value would you estimate for your Type of Hercules coat?