Irvin B. Foster MC Jacket Rare?

[Guiltytyler]

Hey all,

I came across this jacket a while ago that looks to be of 50s vintage (could be wrong) but I’ve been unable to find any information on it or photos of a similar jacket anywhere. I think it’s really cool, I just wish I knew more about it. Anyone knowledgeable on this thing?

 

[tmitchell59]

Irvin Foster goes back a few years, 1940s? This is a popular label for the make, the Horse represents horsehide leather. I have never seen the additional label.

The jacket has the red lining so popular in the 50s, corduroy was used as a hem piece. I don't know that I have seen red corduroy used.

Appear to be 50s/60s main zipper, the Diamond zipper pulls are more 50s.

Horsehide was a gonner by the 1960s, so surprised they would be using HH.

A late 50s jacket would be my guess.

I don't recall ever seeing a Irving Foster MC style jacket. A very interesting jacket for that alone.

 

[tmitchell59]

Foster made a variety of leather outerwear. A search should bring up some other styles. I had a HH trench coat and Trucker style, may have had others. They show up, but never in the MC style, at least I have not seen. It is a good looking jacket, I like the interior with the pocket and red cord hem.

Very unique.

There may be a thread, didn't think to look. I believe one of their family replied here years ago.

 

[photo2u]

Nice jacket. Looks mid to late 50s to me. If you can share more images of the zipper, it might yield more information regarding the production date.

 

[tmitchell59]

 

[Guiltytyler]

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Nice collection. Those pants!

 

[Guiltytyler]

Nice jacket. Looks mid to late 50s to me. If you can share more images of the zipper, it might yield more information regarding the production date.

Looks to be a Talon zipper for what it’s worth. And some wonder-of-modern science jacket lining!

 

[jchance]

Early 1950s. The horse on the Irvin Foster label means horsehide.

 

[photo2u]

Looks to be a Talon zipper for what it’s worth. And some wonder-of-modern science jacket lining!

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Your zipper images are good. However, there are other details in the zipper that yields more information. For example, the female box front and back. Normally, those nickel plated were used often during the mid 50s. As a basic general rule polyesters based fabric (dacron) came later in the 50's. Dracon was added to process wool to keep the cost down during production. Real wool linings were most often seen before the early 50s.

Here is a nice link to more comprehensive details in zippers. https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/dating-outerwear-by-zipper-design.73884/page-4#post-2866108

Lastly, the lining color and material sewing patterns were popular among many jacket producers during this 50s trend.

 

[Guiltytyler]

Your zipper images are good. However, there are other details in the zipper that yields more information. For example, the female box front and back. Normally, those nickel plated were used often during the mid 50s. As a basic general rule polyesters based fabric (dacron) came later in the 50's. Dracon was added to process wool to keep the cost down during production. Real wool linings were most often seen before the early 50s.

Here is a nice link to more comprehensive details in zippers. https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/dating-outerwear-by-zipper-design.73884/page-4#post-2866108

Lastly, the lining color and material sewing patterns were popular among many jacket producers during this 50s trend.

Thanks for the link and that info. Yep, that all checks out now that I look at the zipper box. So many details I never would’ve looked at! Makes my jacket even cooler!

 

[photo2u]

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Thanks for the link and that info. Yep, that all checks out now that I look at the zipper box. So many details I never would’ve looked at! Makes my jacket even cooler!

The zipper box is often described by some of us here as the "post wwII". Your zipper looks to me as those talon solid nickel type. Much more desirable than Nickle plated. I have seen it in post 1945 garments; however, the nickel-plated zippers I consider nicer than the average brass type. Also, several jackets during the early to mid 50's were using nickel hardware because it was the trend of those days. Lastly, the man-made products of the lining lead me to conclude is a post-1953 design due to the lining sewing pattern of the quilted fabric and color combinations. I know Dacron was invented in 1941, but it probably made its way to other industries several years after. I have several jackets with dacron as a blend fabric that resist abravtion and has longevity to ultraviolet exposure. Lastly, the belt and buckle design was often used in other jacket labels such as Harley, Hercules, and Buco who we can date. Many in this forum who are well-versed in label designs and can share their opinion? As a guess based on my limited experience, I believe the jacket was produced around 1953 to 1957.