FEATURED: BLACKBIRD VINTAGE HARLEY DAVIDSON WALLETS

The brand name Harley Davidson is synonymous with rugged, road-tested, and extremely well-built goods. The motorcycles they make are legendary and some of the most sought-after vintage items that are motorcycle-related have the Harley emblem on them. This grouping of vintage Harley Davidson wallets visually tell stories of not just the roving lifestyles of the road, but also of the supremacy of high quality American-made goods.

Blackbird Vintage - 1960's Harley Davidson Chain Wallet
DETAILS: This 1960's era Harley Davidson chain wallet has probably seen every highway in America, not to mention every state route, frontage road, and truck stop. The leather has been worn until it is thin and supple, yet it still has plenty of life left. The coloration is a rare rainbow of deep black, gravel grey, dirt brown, and polished vintage wood. It features two wallet pockets plus one zippered pocket as well as a faded, yet plainly discernible classic Harley Davidson logo. Six silver studs adorn the front in subtle, brute nonchalance. Made in the U.S.A.
$150

shop

Blackbird Vintage - 1970's Harley Davidson Chain Wallet
DETAILS: This 1970's era Harley Davidson chain wallet is basically in deadstock condition and as such, has decades worth of life yet to live. The leather is sturdy yet pliable and the front displays a hand-stitched Harley Davidson logo circa the 70's. Inside, there is one card holder pouch, one zippered pocket and a billfold pocket. Made in the U.S.A.
$125

shop

Blackbird Vintage - Harley Davidson Belt Satchel
DETAILS: If only this belt satchel could talk. Visually, it has nothing more to say. Worn and creased with decades of wear, beautifully hand-stitched, and brandishing rivets that are bleeding with age, this road wallet snarls like a junkyard dog. Featuring a horn button that a leather strap closure wraps around, a 60's era Harley Davidson logo and a hardy leather belt loop that still has thousands of miles left to go, you'll be hard pressed to find a more, for lack of a better word, bad ass wallet. Made in the U.S.A.
$225

shop

NEW AT BLACKBIRD WEBSTORE: VINTAGE BANDANAS

These 100% cotton made in the USA vintage bandanas are authentic and date from the 1960's - 1980's. Though some are more faded than others, they are all extremely soft and perfect as a back pocket garnish or rolled up and tied around the neck.

Below we've posted a selection of these vintage bandanas. For a full selection, please visit our website. All Blackbird Vintage products are sold as is and are final sale. Please feel free to contact us with any questions at 866-500-2524 or info@blackbirdballard.com.

Blackbird Vintage - Black Bart Bandana
in black
DETAILS: The Bart bandana measures 19.25 inches squared and is guaranteed fast color. The black cotton features a simple floral motif that is bordered by more ornate flourishes. There was a rip in the bandana that has been repaired in a subtly thrashed style.
$42

shop

Blackbird Vintage - Sonny Bandana
in red
DETAILS: The Sonny bandana measures 20" by 19" and is guaranteed fast color. The red cotton features a bicycle-themed print with a little guy in a bowler on a turn of the century style bike bordered with a wheel motif. There are some holes and two of the corners are ripped. It is super soft and faded in that washed-a-million-times kinda way.
$35

shop

Blackbird Vintage - Ringo Bandana
in blue
DETAILS: The Ringo bandana measures 23" by 23.5" and is copyrighted by Echo. The navy cotton features a western heraldic design concept.
$32

shop

Blackbird Vintage - Buck Bandana
in red
DETAILS: The Buck bandana measures 20.5" by 18.5". The red cotton features a geometric and floral design and is super soft in that washed-a-million-times kinda way.
$32

shop

Blackbird Vintage - Wyatt Bandana
in blue
DETAILS: The Bart bandana measures 19.25 inches squared and is guaranteed fast color. The black cotton features a simple floral motif that is bordered by more ornate flourishes. There was a rip in the bandana that has been repaired in a subtly thrashed style.
$32

shop

Blackbird Vintage - Levi Bandana
in red
DETAILS: The Levi bandana measures 17.75 inches squared and is guaranteed fast color. The red cotton features a Native American inspired pinwheel design.
$32

shop

Blackbird Vintage - Eli Bandana
in blue
DETAILS: The Eli bandana measures 22" by 20" and is guaranteed fast color with the elephant emblem. The navy cotton features a paisley and floral design that blends in with various geometric undertones.
$28

shop

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY: BLACKBIRD REMEMBERS JOHNNY UNITAS

As we settle down for another Super Bowl Sunday, occuring this year in Indianapolis (home of the Indianapolis Colts), we can't help but be reminded of a Super Bowl super-star of yore, Johnny Unitas, "the golden arm", who played for the Colts when they used to call Baltimore their home turf.

One of football's all-time legends, Unitas is famous for many things. Among them are his famous 1970 Super Bowl 75 yard touch down pass, his competition with arch-nemesis Joe Namath, his still-held game record of the most consecutive games with at least one touchdown pass at 47 as well as his stellar performance in 1958 at "the greatest game ever played" - the NY Giants vs the Baltimore Colts that was the first NFL game to go into sudden death overtime.

Harkening back to what Unitas might have worn in practice to prepare for his Hall of Fame performances are our Blackbird Vintage crew sweatshirts. Dating mostly from the 60's, 70's, and 80's, these awesome layering pieces add a beat up, shabby chic style to any wardrobe. Most colors fall into a messy palate of muted and muddied pastels and various faded collegiate shades. Condition varies from without blemish to beat as hell. Many are wider than they are long, creating a clever, cropped conglomeration of athletic casualness and fashion forward devil may care.

Blackbird Vintage - Vintage Crew Sweatshirt No. 6
in snowy green

DETAILS: This sweatshirt measures 22" armpit to armpit and 23" from top of collar to bottom of sweatshirt. It is Snowy Green in color, really. Just work with us. Besides the totally unique shading, it features some really cool stitching repair on the back of the neck. Wear this one and you're part of the cast of The Outsiders. Stay gold pony boy.

size: O/S
$120

shop

Blackbird Vintage - Vintage Crew Sweatshirt No. 13
in evil blue

DETAILS: This sweatshirt measures 21.5" armpit to armpit and 21.5" from top of collar to bottom of sweatshirt. It is Evil Blue in color and features gussets underneath each arm. There is a spot or two upon it and goes great with dark raw denim or khakis.

size: O/S
$120

shop

Blackbird Vintage - Vintage Crew Sweatshirt No. 8
in medium black

DETAILS: This sweatshirt measures 22.5" armpit to armpit and 22.5" from top of collar to bottom of sweatshirt. It is Medium Black, short sleeved, and fits in with just about anything. A truly perfect layering piece for colder weather or outside workouts.

size: O/S
$120

shop

Blackbird Vintage - Vintage Crew Sweatshirt No. 10
in ocean blue

DETAILS: This sweatshirt measures 20.5" armpit to armpit and 20.5" from top of collar to bottom of sweatshirt. It is Navy Blue in color, is "Health Knit" branded, and 87.5% cotton. It has a few spots and is super soft.

size: O/S
$120

shop

P.S. - For your viewing pleasure, check this clip out of George Carlin's famous "Baseball VS Football" skit...

BLACKBIRD OUTFITS: DRESS LIKE TOM WAITS

Tom Waits is a living legend. His incredibly prolific career has not only yielded numerous must have albums (take your pick) and suprise collaborations (Keith Richards on Rain Dogs and his most recent, Bad As Me) but also hit cover versions (Rod Stewart doing "Downtown Train", Bruce Springsteen doing "Jersey Girl" and, um, Scarlett Johannson doing an entire cover album of his songs). As if this weren't bad ass enough, the man has the uncanny ability to change his style and constantly evolve to where his early stuff sounds like it could have been done by someone else (though his 10 pack a day smoking habit voice is clearly the same).

Billykirk - Snap Brim Panama Hat
in brown

DETAILS: Straw Panama hat with kite-shaped crown, 1 1/2 inch brim, 1 1/2 inch chocolatey hat band with bow and Billykirk hat pin details, and smooth black sweatband. Unlined.
Handmade in the U.S.A. by Amish leatherworkers in Pennsylvania since 1999.

sizes: 6 7/8, 7 1/8
$144 $72.99

shop

Throughout his entire career Waits has always maintained a modicum of singular decorum. Pork pie hats, winklepickers, drainpipe trousers, engineer boots, worn out t-shirts, leather and denim can all be associated with various eras of his. Most recently, he's found himself in a denim, t-shirt, and engineer boots phase. Not only current with men's fashion trends, it's also a look he totally owns.

Blackbird Vintage - Levi's Big E Trucker Jacket
in vintage indigo

DETAILS: This is an authentic Levi's "Big E" trucker jacket. The same one you would have worn back in the 60's or early 70's, at the side of the road with your thumb outstretched, at Altamont waiting for darkness to descend and for the Stones to take the stage, or in the back seat of your best friend's car skipping school and sipping at a warm budweiser tall boy can. Made in the U.S.A.

size: 42 (fits smaller due to it being from the 60's/70's)
$145

shop

Currently at Blackbird, we have all the ingredients of a current Tom Waits outfit. Vintage Levi's Big E jacket and Harley Davidson Engineer Boots, Billykirk Pork Pie hat, Tellason Jeans, and Vim Beget's new Base Tee in iron black. Awesome clothes, awesome inspiration.

Vim Beget - Base Tee
in iron black

DETAILS: Vim Beget, primarily known for their killer iconic jewelry and accessories, has just entered into the men's clothing arena with the uniquely basic Base T-Shirt. Featuring a slim-fit with slightly elongated sleeves and torso, the Base Tee is highly versatile as a layering piece or all by itself. Made in Los Angeles, of 100% 60-S cotton.

$68

shop

Tellason - John Graham Mellor
in indigo

DETAILS: 100% cotton blue line selvedge White Oak Cone denim slim straight-leg five pocket jeans with antiqued button fly and hardware, double-thick back pocket lining for durability, and two-tone stitching. Denim produced by Cone Mills out of Greensboro, NC. Leather label made by Tanner Goods from Portland, OR. Final product is constructed in San Francisco, CA.

$198

shop

Blackbird Vintage - Harley Davidson Engineer Boots
in black

DETAILS: One of the most bad ass boots out there is the iconic engineer boot. This style of boot started out as work wear and quickly became the boot of choice for bikers the world over. For bike use, they are typically equipped with steel toes and high back heels. This pair of Harley Davidson engineer boots, most likely from the 1970s or 80s has neither, meaning they are a bit better suited to normal everyday wear (especially with the low heel).

size: 8.5
$275

shop

NEW STAPLES AND RESTOCKED FAVORITES

This past week saw us restocking on some of your favorites from Blackbird and The Field House as well as unveiling some Blackbird Vintage goodies and our newest t-shirt design, the Moon Logo Tee. Here's a selection of last week's greatest hits. Stay tuned this week as we launch into our initial Spring 2012 delivery cycle which is set to include RRL, Imogene + Willie denim, Alden Indy Boots, and a plethora of other awesome items that we'll suprise you with when they arrive.

Blackbird - Moon Logo Tee
in black

DETAILS: Our newest t-shirt design, the Moon Logo tee can be worn day or night. Super soft crew neck in a fitted slim body, it wraps you in a soft embrace like the light of the full moon or the crisp inviting aroma of pine during a starlit midnight walk. 100% cotton. Made in the U.S.A.

sizes: S, M, L, XL
$28

shop

Malin + Goetz - Dark Rum Candle
9 oz./60 hours

DETAILS: The Dark Rum Candle is synthesized for its natural, warm notes and general well being. Modern and dynamic, this rich rum candle burns on its own and is beautifully paired with our Mojito Candle, creating a unique blend and perfect sensory balance tailored to an individual or couple, complimentary to our skin care and fragrance systems.
FRAGRANCE NOTES: Top notes of bergamot and plum; middle notes of rum and leather; base notes of amber, patchouli, and milk.

$48

shop

Tanner - Standard Belt
in black w/ nickel hardware

DETAILS: Hand cut 11 oz. vegetable dyed English Bridle leather belt with nickel-plated roller buckle and keeper set, hand burnished and waxed edges, and stamped "Portland, Ore. Tanner Goods" maker's mark in black. Measures approximately 1.5" across. We recommend sizing one size up from your normal waist size. For example, if your favorite jeans are a size 32 or 33 then Tanner's size 34 is the one you want.

sizes: 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40
$88

shop

L'Artisan Parfumeur - La Chasse Aux Papillons
3.4 oz./100 ml

DETAILS: Looking just at the composition for this immaculate fragrance should have anyone with an inkling of scent knowledge beside themselves with giddiness. La Chasse Aux Papillons, one of L'Artisan's best-selling fragrances, expertly demonstrates the quality of the ingredients for which L'Artisan is revered.

FRAGRANCE NOTES: Linden blossom, lemon tree blossom, orange blossom, jasmine, tuberose, spices

$145

shop

Blackbird Vintage - Cabin Blanket
in forest plaid

DETAILS: We've hand selected over a dozen vintage wool varsity, hotel, and cabin blankets to fight the cold weather creeping in through the cracks of your windows and doors. In varying shades of crimson, goldenrod, forest green, cerulian and navy, these vintage throws are sold as is. Many have tiny holes, and/or spot or two and are sold as is, but are all guaranteed to have decades of life left in them. Most of these are very rare finds and we're excited to offer these as the weather puts ice on your windshield and frost on your breath. Beat the cold with these awesome one of a kind vintage wool blankets.

$195

shop

NEW AT BLACKBIRD: BLACKBIRD VINTAGE HARLEY DAVIDSON ENGINEER BOOTS

A recent acquisition of our growing vintage department, these vintage Harley Davidson engineer boots represent a timeless work and motorcycle wear -inspired style. Paired best with a sturdy pair of selvedge denim (not to mention a beat up vintage leather jacket), these boots are as fierce as they are comfortable.

Engineer boots are designed to protect the wearer from injury to the foot and leg: for motorcycle riders, in the case of an accident while riding and to prevent burns of the rider's legs and feet from the heat of the motorcycle parts while riding. Engineer boots typically have an adjustable leather strap across the ankle as well as an adjustable leather strap at the top of the shaft to adjust the fit.

Though also a quintessential work boot, the engineer boot is a great all-purpose utility boot as well - ready for heavy labor, fast bike rides, or as an extension of your particularly rugged outlook on footwear and personal style.

Blackbird Vintage - Harley Davidson Engineer Boots
in black

DETAILS: One of the most bad ass boots out there is the iconic engineer boot. This style of boot started out as work wear and quickly became the boot of choice for bikers the world over. For bike use, they are typically equipped with steel toes and high back heels. This pair of Harley Davidson engineer boots, most likely from the 1970s or 80s has neither, meaning they are a bit better suited to normal everyday wear (especially with the low heel).

size: 8.5
$275

shop

NEW AT BLACKBIRD: MORE VINTAGE LEATHER JACKETS

We've been foraging again high and low for vintage and have a whole new batch of vintage leather jackets from our travels. One of the things we love best about these beat up rugged statements of pure vicious cool are all the brilliantly functional details each one has. From brand to brand, era to era, style to style, all of these details change a little bit. Added to these personalizing design qualities are the occasional customized bits that owners are sometimes want to decorate their second skins with. The whole effect creates completely unique pieces of outerwear that are built to last a lifetime and look timelessly and effortlessly righteous. Below are a few highlighted details we particularly love about our newest batch of leathers. Chances are one of these has something you dig just as much as we do.

Side-lacing that cinches for a more fitted look...

Leather pull-tabs on zippers for kick-ass garnishing...

Snap guards on side zippers for secure fitting...

And that inimitable crazy sick patina that leather gets after wear and use...

Blackbird Vintage - 1980's Cafe Racer Leather Jacket
in black

DETAILS: This jacket is an unmarked brand black 'cafe racer' style leather jacket. It is approximately from the mid to late 80's or early 90's. It is marked a size 40 and has a black polyester lining. The zipper brand is YKK and all zippers work perfectly. The inside left and right sides of the main zipper have stash pockets and there are silver snap studs on the outside of the inner wrists (we have no idea what these were for, but they look pretty cool). It measures 21" from armpit to armpit, 19.5" across the bottom, and 26" from the top of the back collar to the bottom. This jacket is nice and broken in so it is soft yet very sturdy and ready for another decade or two of use.

size: 40
$375

shop

Blackbird Vintage - 1980's "First" Leather Jacket
in black

DETAILS: This jacket is a 'First' brand black leather jacket. It is approximately from the mid to late 80's or early 90's. It is marked a size 42 and has a black polyester lining. The zipper brand is YKK and all zippers work perfectly. It measures 22" from armpit to armpit, 19" across the bottom, and 27" from the top of the back collar to the bottom. This jacket has a very punk rock/heavy metal look to it, not unlike the Ramones or the Sex Pistols.

size: 42
$450

shop

Blackbird Vintage - 70's/80's "Gino" Leather Jacket
in black

DETAILS: This jacket is a 'Gino' brand black leather jacket. It is approximately from the late 70's or early to mid 80's. It is approximately a size 40 and has a quilted polyester lining. The zipper brand is YKK and all zippers work perfectly. The inside left side of the main zipper has a stash pocket and there is an inner left chest pocket. It measures 21" from armpit to armpit, 21" across the bottom, and 26" from the top of the back collar to the bottom. This jacket is has that rad punk/metal look just like its little brother (the "First" jacket that is listed just above it).

size: 40
$450

shop

Blackbird Vintage - 60's/70's Excelled Leather Jacket
in black

DETAILS: This jacket is an 'Excelled' brand black leather jacket that was made in the U.S.A. It is approximately from the mid to late 60's or early 70's. It is marked a size and measures 20" from armpit to armpit, 18.5" across the bottom, and 26" from top of the back of the collar to the bottom. The zipper brand is Ideal and all zippers work perfectly. It has a black quilted nylon lining. Their slogan: "It sells because it excels".

size: 38
$450

shop

Blackbird Vintage - 1970's Harley Davidson AMF Leather Jacket
in black

DETAILS: This jacket is a 'Harley Davidson AMF' brand black leather MC jacket. It dates specifically to the years between 1968 and 1981 (AMF's period of ownership of Harley Davidson). It is marked a size 40 (though the cropped cut makes if fit smaller) and has a quilted polyester lining. The zipper brand is Lenzip and all zippers work perfectly. It measures 20" from armpit to armpit, 18" across the bottom, and 24" from the top of the back collar to the bottom. The stitching along the inside side of the left chest pocket needs restitching (about 3" worth) but is currently secured in place with a silver safety pin.

size: 40
$550

shop

Please feel free to contact us for further info or measuring at info@blackbirdballard.com or 1-866-500-2524.