Wolf Outerwear Company, The Guide Master | Research, Finds, Discuss | + Julesons, Fidelity, Edgo, Kit Karson and other made by Wolf

[Yevhen]

I want to collect all available information in one place.
Please correct me if I made a mistake and join the discussion and show you’re jackets
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Let's start with the information we learned in this Thread main information was provided by the descendants of the founder of the company.
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The company was founded in the 40s by Simon Wolf in Boston, Massachusetts

SIMON WOLF
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Simon's nephew, Harry, was a junior partner. Other family members also worked in the company.
Simon ran the company until he retired in '60 or '61.
Then Harry ran the company for several years, and later sold it to Bert Paley
in February 1963

Also known that Bert did not own the company for a long time.
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There was information that "the company made bombers for the army" this could be a contract with the army, or just civilian flight jackets.

 

[Yevhen]

All tag types, what I find by now
Most interesting is the first, without the "Guide Master" and the last black one, on which there is no ”Styled by Wolf” and add “New York”

 

[jeo]

Here’s my Guide Master Wolf

 

[Yevhen]

This jacket, which has this rare tag, there were no better photos in listing, in general this is a classic model Guide Master

 

[jeo]

They made their jackets for other brands/labels/stores as well. Here’s one with a Cavalier of Boston label.

Edgo is another label you often see.

Btw a way to tell apart an Edgo from a Guide Master that have no labels is that the Edgo has French seams on back of arm and one side panel

 

[Yevhen]

Here it is better to see the classic model, this is a characteristic feature is snap-close belt, was used Horsehide and Steerhide

Also found a jacket with a regular belt in brown leather, with a black tag

Two Tone variants

 

[Yevhen]

Other “Guide Master” models

 

[Yevhen]

Police Coat

 

[jeo]

They were one of the manufacturers that made jackets for the Kit Karson label/brand as well.

 

[Yevhen]

Kids Jacket from Instagram

 

[jeo]

I also believe they were one of the makers of the 50’s Indian Ranger.

 

[AHP91]

 

[Yevhen]

As said above, Wolf made jackets for other brands/stores, but they often have snap-close belt, and sometimes the difference in pocket construction

 

[AHP91]

Do you still have this one, @Marc mndt

 

[Marc mndt]

Do you still have this one, @Marc mndt

@morrison2951 bought it.

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/best-leather-for-a-lifelong-jacket.107899/post-2923499

Here's my Kit Karson

 

[JMax]

They made their jackets for other brands/labels/stores as well. Here’s one with a Cavalier of Boston label.

View attachment 576914 View attachment 576917 View attachment 576916


Edgo is another label you often see.

View attachment 576909 View attachment 576913 View attachment 576910 View attachment 576912


Btw a way to tell apart an Edgo from a Guide Master that have no labels is that the Edgo has French seams on back of arm and one side panel

I do recall the two Kits I have owned and handled had the French seams too. Thanks for the heads up on that.

 

[Nacho]

As said above, Wolf made jackets for other brands/stores, but they often have snap-close belt, and sometimes the difference in pocket construction View attachment 576949 View attachment 576950 View attachment 576951

I always thought that Fidelity was a maker themselves. I have their cafe racer with the baggy sleeves and everything. What am I missing here?

 

[JMax]

I always thought that Fidelity was a maker themselves. I have their cafe racer with the baggy sleeves and everything. What am I missing here?

Nothing at all Nacho. Fidelity was a maker. Some later Wolfs also had the snap belt. As did the other Boston makers.

 

[Nacho]

Nothing at all Nacho. Fidelity was a maker. Some later Wolfs also had the snap belt. As did the other Boston makers.

Thanks for the comment, J.

So if I understand it correctly, Fidelity made jackets and they did contract out to Wolfs (under Fidelity label) due to perhaps high demand at some points.

And if my understanding is correct, who do you think made this one? Fidelity or Wolfs?

It's similar to the one above and your Fidelity, J, except for the label and the coin pocket being muted on this one.

 

[JMax]

Fidelity and Wolf are separate makers. Another way to tell them apart is where the belt is attached to the jacket- back v side panel.

Wolf made jackets for other labels- a couple have been identified earlier in the thread. I’d bet Fidelity also did but that rabbit hole hasn’t been jumped in.