Sawyer of Napa shearling

[AlanC]

I picked this up today and was curious as to what I had. It's a Neiman labeled Sawyer of Napa suede shearling. I found this post mentioning them.

My usually reliable shearling expert had little information.

 

[spence]

Can't say, but as it's way to small for me I'd say it looks like a very nice coat

-spence

 

[demeis]

They are no longer in business, at least I dont' believe so. I'm guessing you picked it up used? Nice quality stuff. We carried them way back and I have run across a few pieces that are 10+ years old customers still have and love.

 

[AlanC]

^Yes, it is used, but in very nice shape. What's the ballpark retail on something like that from Sawyer?

 

[demeis]

For some reason I think i'm confusing some stuff here so will get my facts straight tomorrow but Nappa was bought by Lone Pine Leather, or they used to make for Talbott. I can't remember which one is true if either but can find out tomorrow for sure or hopefully antoher member knows.

 

[AlanC]

^Any luck finding out anything?

 

[Full Canvas]

Originally Posted by AlanC

^Any luck finding out anything?

A few years back, I purchased a full length Sawyer shearling for Mrs. FC from a little boutique (don't recall the name). So, I searched for them on the web and found this URL http://www.sawyerofnapa.com/ and an actual Sawyer website at the time.

Linking today from my saved favorites only forwards to the EMC International Outerware website homepage. None of the menu links makes mention of the Sawyer name.

__________

 

[harrycoverts]

I formerly sold Sawyer of Napa outerwear for years in Upstate New York. Sawyer shearlings were generally considered the best domestic maker of shearling coats. Company was in business from the late-1800's to their demise in the early 1990's. They were located on Coombs Street in Napa, CA (tanneries, production area, warehouses, ofices...buildings are still standing, but are now parceled out office space). The EPA (and other special interest groups), along with rising manufacturing costs, finally killed them off due to the chemicals/wastes resulting from the leather tanning process.

The company tried to adjust by sourcing off-shore tanned hides and emphasizing lambskin jackets and coats (non-shearling), made in Korea. This staved off the inevitable for a few years, until their California plant closed and their machinery was sold and exported to India.

The name has changed hands and is dusted off every so often by one firm or another, but the coats are not US-produced; they are not the genuine item that was produced in Northern California.

You can spot a Sawyer pretty easily, as they used larger, higher quality pelts (California Spring Lamb...big panels/less seams), high quality stitching (not this wrapped stitch crap that is a telltale sign of many imports), horn buttons (though many accounts opted to use leather or plastic buttons). Not a stiff coat, but usually a bit heavier shearling than what today's tastes dictate. If you like old school shearlings, you can't do better. Often found on e-bay for a song.

If anyone has any questions on their coats prior to an e-bay bid, feel free to pm me...I'd be happy to help. I'm pretty familiar with their line and still wear them.

Regards,

harrycoverts

 

[AlanC]

Thanks for the information.

What would something like the one above have retailed for/retail for today?

 

[Holstein Bilter]

I have one of these. It's actually dark brown w/fur lining as well.

Retail was 2500. I bought it for 400 on super clearance.

Beautiful construction and quality. Even the pocket linings were soft
leather. I NEVER put my keys in the pockets (in fear of scratching it up).

 

[omegaman]

Best in the business in the 80's. Nobody touched em till the Canadians stormed in. The Italian ones were always too expensive back then. Sawyers were domestic.

 

[AlanC]

Thanks for the further information. I'm actually in a climate now where I can wear it this winter.

Originally Posted by Holstein Bilter

Retail was 2500. I bought it for 400 on super clearance.

Wow.

 

[philosophe]

Originally Posted by AlanC

Thanks for the further information. I'm actually in a climate now where I can wear it this winter.



Wow.

Looks like the midwest is working out for you!

 

[britastar]

Hello..Nice forum.

I am hoping someone can tell me what to expect to sell a Saks labeled Sawyer of Napa 3/4 length wool shearling coat. It's definitely a "vintage" coat, but it is still in fantastic shape!

I'll post a pic.

Thanks,
b'star...

 

[Jeff James]

Originally Posted by harrycoverts

I formerly sold Sawyer of Napa outerwear for years in Upstate New York. Sawyer shearlings were generally considered the best domestic maker of shearling coats. Company was in business from the late-1800's to their demise in the early 1990's. They were located on Coombs Street in Napa, CA (tanneries, production area, warehouses, ofices...buildings are still standing, but are now parceled out office space). The EPA (and other special interest groups), along with rising manufacturing costs, finally killed them off due to the chemicals/wastes resulting from the leather tanning process.

The company tried to adjust by sourcing off-shore tanned hides and emphasizing lambskin jackets and coats (non-shearling), made in Korea. This staved off the inevitable for a few years, until their California plant closed and their machinery was sold and exported to India.

The name has changed hands and is dusted off every so often by one firm or another, but the coats are not US-produced; they are not the genuine item that was produced in Northern California.

You can spot a Sawyer pretty easily, as they used larger, higher quality pelts (California Spring Lamb...big panels/less seams), high quality stitching (not this wrapped stitch crap that is a telltale sign of many imports), horn buttons (though many accounts opted to use leather or plastic buttons). Not a stiff coat, but usually a bit heavier shearling than what today's tastes dictate. If you like old school shearlings, you can't do better. Often found on e-bay for a song.

If anyone has any questions on their coats prior to an e-bay bid, feel free to pm me...I'd be happy to help. I'm pretty familiar with their line and still wear them.

Regards,

harrycoverts

Hi Could you tell me if a XL is very large I would normally take a size large suit i.e 40" - 42" Jacket European size?I have a chance of purchasing a Sheepskin coat from,the sleeve measurement is 26" from top of sleeve to cuff.

Many thanks
Jeff