Recent content by foster

I had one of the early run of this jacket. It is indeed very comfortable!

At my height, I notice it any time the sleeves are short. I have the opposite problem when it comes to sleeve length.

Trousers in the 1930's-1940's were definitely worn higher than the modern trend, and the modern mindset is possibly coming into play here. 26.25" body length is longer than many repro A-2 jackets. Just keep in mind that for a horsehide jacket, the sleeves need to start out being slightly...

I made several purchases from him in 2018-2020 and never had any problems, but it's been a while with no initiated contact.

Scale of 1-10 Leather and other materials quality GWL 10, ELC 9, BK 8 Durability All 10 Craftsmanship GWL 10, ELC 8, BK 7.5 Patterns/fit and Reproduction Accuracy (almost the same to me) GWL 10, ELC 5, BK 7 The above is merely my opinion, based on having owned 6+ GWL, 3 ELC, and 1 BK A-2...

I apologize for replying poorly yesterday. I came to VLJ to escape some work related stress, and my mind was not in the right attitude. Please forgive my rushed and not thought-out reply. You are absolutely correct, as the different contracts from the same contractor do have their differences...

OK, they are contractors. 'Dudow' is a mis-typed manufacturer.

Bronco is not a contractor I would recommend if you have any visible aspects of a dad gut. Rough Wear is a good option, as is DuBow and Poughkeepsie / Aero.

I ordered several times with Rigger Depot, and I have been impressed with the product and quality. I have two harness replicas, and I also sent an original seat chute rig which was restored professionally. Based on my experience, I would definitely recommend them! A friend who is not on VLJ...

Several years ago I rebuilt an Aero 15142 in similar condition so my son could wear it. Long story short - next time I'll send it to someone like Steve who is specifically experienced with these jackets. My background in textiles combined with my wife's training in apparel design and decades...

That is a BEAUTIFUL jacket! For leather conditioning, I like to use Huberd's as it is a natural-based oil treatment that does not leave the surface feeling like slime once it soaks in. I use it more for footwear than jackets, but I have used it on leather jackets on occasion.

The last time I owned the At The Front tanker jackets, I purchased both options - the fleece and the wool-lined. I liked the wool one better (I am enthusiastic about good wool fabric) but eventually sold off both of them. At the time, I did not notice any appreciable difference in construction...

I have owned the following, and will only comment on these specifically: Good Wear Leather Buzz Rickson's WWII Impressions At The Front (numerous ones) SM Wholesale Of these, the GW was the best stitch for stitch copy, and came with an original zipper. Buzz Rickson's is an excellent copy, and...

I used to own an ELC copy of a Rough Wear A-2 which I am convinced had some sort of clearcoat to the hide. I bought it direct from Eastman while at a show in the UK about a decade ago. It would shed rain quite nicely. I ended up selling it later, but I still believe there was some sort of...

Good thing Rollin never ventured into making replica A-2 leather jackets.