Campus Horsehide jackets- inform me?

[BigBrother]

So a few days ago someone on FB posted some pics of a 1950s Campus-brand horsehide jacket, and I was instantly smitten. Something about the lines, features, and finish of this guy won me over (see pics). I immediately began searching for horsehide, campus, and campus horsehide jackets. Wanted to get your thoughts on some things...

1. If you know more about this jacket specifically I'd love to hear it, as I think it's a new quest item for me .
2. Campus: I discovered this was both a brand and a type. Campus jackets in general, in any material, are now dangerous territory for me as they have the short cut I adore. Can you speak more to both the brand and the style if you know anything?
3. Just general stuff about this category, any history, stuff you might think would be helpful in informing me on all this. Maybe per era, I don't know. Basically I'm brand new to this micro-world and would love to learn more!

Thanks all!

 

[B-Man2]

Looks like a regular Aero half belt to me.

 

[Chandler]

I'm not usually big on "decorative" seam work, but I like those extras across the chest and parallel to the zip.

And based on history, I'd say the Aero looks a lot like the Campus.

 

[Silver Surfer]

Aero has made a jacket like the one in your pic, and perhaps they still do. If I remember correctly, it was called the rock a fella, or some such. Mister freedom makes a “campus” jacket, but it is a sorta shawl collar button up.

 

[Silver Surfer]

I just went to the aero site, and indeed, they still make the rockafella jacket.

 

[Chandler]

And based on history, I'd say the Aero looks a lot like the Campus.

Thinking about it, I have an old jacket from my grandfather that I've been meaning to photograph and add to that vintage thread.

It's black and has the same details as the Highwayman, except for button cuffs.

It's not in the greatest shape, lots of seams coming loose, but since it's grandpa's, I don't want to trash it.

 

[mulceber]

It's not in the greatest shape, lots of seams coming loose, but since it's grandpa's, I don't want to trash it.

Might be worth having refurbished. Have you considered sending it to Steve?

 

[Chandler]

Might be worth having refurbished. Have you considered sending it to Steve?

Among some other jackets, yes -- it's just not at the front of the line of necessities.

I'm also not sure with the hide. I've treated it, but it just doesn't respond well.

I snapped some pics, I'll try to get 'em up tomorrow.

 

[MikeyB-17]

That style of jacket with that curved seam pattern on the chest has been produced by several companies. I had a Brooks like that. I’ve seen a pic of an AAF officer in the UK during the war wearing one.

 

[mulceber]

Reminds me of the GW Arcadia:

 

[Chandler]

Reminds me of the GW Arcadia:

Only diff seems to be a second breast pocket. Great looking GW.

 

[BigBrother]

I'm not usually big on "decorative" seam work, but I like those extras across the chest and parallel to the zip.

And based on history, I'd say the Aero looks a lot like the Campus.

That's the thing, those seams... those and the half belt really do it for me. The seams along the front make it look almost like a 70s jacket, while also looking 50s or whatever this one's origin is. So cool!!!

I've seen some more examples of this style in general now, and they don't do it for me nearly as much. I may really be stuck on just this one. The search begins...

 

[Micawber]

Thinking about it, I have an old jacket from my grandfather that I've been meaning to photograph and add to that vintage thread.

It's black and has the same details as the Highwayman, except for button cuffs.

It's not in the greatest shape, lots of seams coming loose, but since it's grandpa's, I don't want to trash it.

Yes please take some photos and post them up, it will make a change to the usual issue or repro flight gear.

 

[Chandler]

The seams along the front make it look almost like a 70s jacket...

Gawd, I hope not! That would kill the buzz for me!

 

[Chandler]

Here are the promised pics of an old half-belt... in a proper thread.

Something a Bit Different..... Show Us Your Vintage Civilian Jackets.

Probably the only jacket I really regret selling: Fidelity Leathers Cafe Racer. My sincere apologies for the younger and hairless me... Ties Hi there Ties. I have this same jacket (found at a local thrift shop in pristine condition) but, I am thinking that it is an older version? Did...

www.vintageleatherjackets.org

 

[dinomartino1]

Founded in 1922, manufacturer in the USA of mens clothes, shirts jackets, sweaters etc, made some amazing stuff in the 1950s, leather jackets where just one of the things they made not their main business.
In the 1950s the largest manufacturer of causal mens clothing in America, their leathers where well made. They where still around in 80's after that no idea.