Is this a capeskin jacket?

[CDHE]

I've had this old Hercules for many years. Always held the notion that some ****er destroyed it with sandpaper. I recently read the Kelso piece about the qualities of capeskin, and now wonder if the "ribbiness" in the hide might indicate that the extreme wear -along with small tears- are present because it is a capeskin jacket. Did Sears use capeskin in their jackets? Perhaps it is just beat up lambskin......Any thoughts? Thanks in advance!

 

[cbez]

Barring some historical knowledge drop that could several kinds of leather.

The extreme wear is because it's old as dirt.

 

[tmitchell59]

Cape skin was a very popular leather in the day. Many styles of jackets were available in Cape, some just listed as cape. This jacket is 1940s and does look like Cape skin.

 

[photo2u]

I have seen a few vintage capeskin in my life. They were all light tans in tone. In true honesty, distinguishing cape skin from other breed of lambs skin is very difficult. The reason why I was able to assume it was capeskin was due to the advertisement. So who truly knowns? I know the friends at BK have written on the subject. I have known, back in the day, a tannery was getting a product that claimed it was capeskin. However, I took their claim with a grain of salt.

 

[CDHE]

Sounds like identifying it as capeskin is unlikely. Definitely old as dirt though!
Thanks for the answers.

 

[tmitchell59]

 

[CDHE]

View attachment 745235

Cool. It's interesting that Capeskin is the cheaper option. Mine is sure pliable after all these years having endured what seems to be no care at all. A horsehide jackets would probably not survive such abuse. Thanks.