Could anyone identify this leather jacket and how old it could be?

[DorothyG]

Hello,
I'm new here, but I got this C&A cowhide jacket a few years ago, and it seems to be much older - the lining was heavily worn and torn in a few places (I didn't buy it, just got from someone).
Also, the jacket doesn't have any zippers, just some snaps and a buckle - I've never seen anything like it.
I'd really appreciate if anyone could tell me how old is it, thanks!

 

[Micawber]

1980's-ish at a guess C&A chain-store fashion jacket

 

[MikeyB-17]

That's about the size of it.

 

[Rory Schultz]

Here is a good tip to know and follow when researching the age. It became international law in the mid 1970's that all items of clothing no matter the origin or where it is to be sent to have a label attached that lists the components of the fabric and who made it and from what country. As you can see, your jacket has a tag that shows what percentage the material is made of. Also, it has to have information on method of care included. This came about because post WW2 more and more countries became involved in textile goods and these countries had a poor record of safety protocols and children's clothing were easily catching fire causing injury or death. Parents worldwide were protesting because of these factors so International Law was established to monitor it and enforce compliance. After WW2 more and more manufacturers were using synthetics because at the time it was cheaper than natural fibers such as cotton, wool, or silk. Over time there were tons of different ways to make synthetic textiles but since these items were petroleum based meant it was highly flammable. Then once fossil fuel became expensive this led to the rise of natural textiles again and a combination of materials such as blended cotton/silk or cotton with wool, as well as combination of synthetic with natural fibers. All of these methods led to governing agencies to monitor materials and its rate for combustion by fire or other means that causes injuries, death. Not only that but also in the use for protection against the elements such as extreme cold and so forth. This is all part of the umbrella protections under United Laboratories, the institute that test all products before releasing to the public. It was formerly called Underwriters Laboratory founded in 1894 but since expanding worldwide the name was changed.