adfrost
Well-Known Member
As much as I like the brand new size 44 Werber contract B-3 I purchased earlier this year, one of my frustrations with it is how tight across the back it is when I raise my arms (when driving for instance). So I've had my eye out for a size 46, and thanks to eBay, I'm now the owner of this "80's or 90's" era Eastman non-contract B-3. Aside from that older jacket smell (which is tolerable), it's pretty mint. The only real wear is very small crack on the left shoulder and some rubbing on the horsehide seams. Even the ends of the cuffs show no signs of thinning or wear. I do think the 46 is a perfect fit. It's large enough to use the side adjusters to tweak the fit, but not huge like the size 48 .50 Cal I had, and I can now raise my arms without that uncomfortable pulling on the back. About the only thing I would change is that I wish the cuffs were a tad bit tighter and maybe 1/2" - 1" shorter.
If anyone has any insight on how old this jacket actually might be, I'd love to hear it. The shearling is more golden yellow and thinner than my new jacket. This appears to be pre "broken grain" shearling that they use now.
Quarter Front - Fit by Aaron Frost, on Flickr
Front Fit - Open by Aaron Frost, on Flickr
Unzipped by Aaron Frost, on Flickr
Back by Aaron Frost, on Flickr
Label by Aaron Frost, on Flickr
The biggest difference I notice between this and newer jackets, aside from the shearling, is the horsehide trim pieces on the front zipper. Every other B-3 I've seen just uses the zipper tape.
Waist Adjusters by Aaron Frost, on Flickr
A comparison of this jacket vs the Werber. The Werber collar is about 1" wider, possibly due to the cut, or due to the thicker shearling.
Collar Comparison by Aaron Frost, on Flickr
If anyone has any insight on how old this jacket actually might be, I'd love to hear it. The shearling is more golden yellow and thinner than my new jacket. This appears to be pre "broken grain" shearling that they use now.
Quarter Front - Fit by Aaron Frost, on Flickr
Front Fit - Open by Aaron Frost, on Flickr
Unzipped by Aaron Frost, on Flickr
Back by Aaron Frost, on Flickr
Label by Aaron Frost, on Flickr
The biggest difference I notice between this and newer jackets, aside from the shearling, is the horsehide trim pieces on the front zipper. Every other B-3 I've seen just uses the zipper tape.
Waist Adjusters by Aaron Frost, on Flickr
A comparison of this jacket vs the Werber. The Werber collar is about 1" wider, possibly due to the cut, or due to the thicker shearling.
Collar Comparison by Aaron Frost, on Flickr