A2 Restoration for Vet

[a2jacketpatches]

Here's an original jacket I'm restoring for the Vet and his family. The paint has chipped quite a bit, the decal was 99% gone, and they want it freshened up a bit overall. The leather is in good condition with very nice patina and wear. It's got that been there done that look and I don't want to over do the colors, just bring back what is gone. I will take a series of photos for each section and post as this restoration progresses.

 

[Skip]

That's a beauty, lookin forward to the progress reports...

 

[better duck]

Responsible job! Do you know what they will do with the jacket, once you're finished with it?

 

[dujardin]

splendid jacket

exciting post

will follow the progress

 

[a2jacketpatches]

Responsible job! Do you know what they will do with the jacket, once you're finished with it?

Keeping it in the family, otherwise I would have recommended against restoring it.

 

[TankBuster]

What a great jacket! I think it looks fantastic the way it is right now.

I'm glad they commissioned you to do the work as you are great at what you do, but to be honest, I think they should just leave it as is. I think a jacket loses its originality when anything is done to "enhance" it. I understand however that it is theirs to do as they please. Good luck with the project.

 

[Vcruiser]

I can't help but think..such a shame.

 

[unclegrumpy]

What a great jacket! I think it looks fantastic the way it is right now.

I'm glad they commissioned you to do the work as you are great at what you do, but to be honest, I think they should just leave it as is. I think a jacket loses its originality when anything is done to "enhance" it. I understand however that it is theirs to do as they please. Good luck with the project.

I totally agree!

Too bad they did not commission you to put together a new jacket that replicates the old one.

 

[a2jacketpatches]

Yeah, personally I would keep the way it is and I expected this kind of reaction from most of you guys. But the family is keeping it forever and they were gonna have someone do it anyway so I figured to do it right, just enough to bring back closer to the original painting. It's definitely not going to end up in your collection or mine, so I look at it as a guy restoring an old car or something for his personal satisfaction.

 

[Tim P]

Yup, tough call. you have to tailor make your rationale with each circumstance I think.

 

[CBI]

I would put a coat of Pecards on the jacket lightly using your finger(s). Including putting it over the painted areas. It will significantly improve the leather and make the existing artwork pop with no damage to it. I would then take a few pics and send it to the customer (or show them in person). I'll bet they will be happy with just doing this!!!!

I have done this sort of thing with some original A-2's with artwork for a local museum and the result have been very good. Significant improvement to not warrant any sort of additional painting.

Just my 2 cents

 

[a2jacketpatches]

I would put a coat of Pecards on the jacket lightly using your finger(s). Including putting it over the painted areas. It will significantly improve the leather and make the existing artwork pop with no damage to it. I would then take a few pics and send it to the customer (or show them in person). I'll bet they will be happy with just doing this!!!!

I have done this sort of thing with some original A-2's with artwork for a local museum and the result have been very good. Significant improvement to not warrant any sort of additional painting.

Just my 2 cents

Again, I hear ya, all of ya. Bottom line is no matter what you rub on it the decal isn't coming back, and the silver paint on the wings is chipped. It just doesn't look right to these non collecting family members or the vet that earned it. They just don't see this the way we do. Everybody's 2 cents could add up to a million bucks and it won't change the decision.

 

[Andrew]

That may be so for the moment, but in a year or two when the main caretaker decides to sell it to pay for something they will probably be looking for the most they can get for it. CBI's suggestion is the best.

 

[a2jacketpatches]

That may be so for the moment, but in a year or two when the main caretaker decides to sell it to pay for something they will probably be looking for the most they can get for it. CBI's suggestion is the best.

Yeah, at this point I'm sorry I even put it up here. The actual WW2 Pilot, owner, has made his decision to restore his jacket. I'm not gonna waste my time repeating myself over and over, or offer anything else concerning this piece. Over and out.....

 

[CBI]

No worries Sean - I am sure you will do a great job on it.

 

[dmar836]

It's the beauty of not having to make a living doing this work. I've had no problem telling family(on the few occasions it's arisen) that it is best to "just leave it alone" and if they might go elsewhere for advice and work, I don't personally care as I have not turned away an opportunity. My sentiment to keep things original remains intact.
I'm sure it will be nicely done.
Just my lot,
Dave

 

[a2jacketpatches]

This type of work is a very minute fraction of my living. My living is 99.9% reproduction patches and artwork. Have to say that this is the first restoration (of an original) in my entire career, and I'm glad to save it from a possible butcher considering someone was going to do it anyway. I just saw some knucklehead slapping acrylic paint all over this jacket if I passed on it.

Another fraction of the .001% would be selling original items. In this case I do my best to keep a vets history intact as opposed to the distributors that would separate every item to get the most out of a grouping. Believe it or not, Me along with most other guys that collect, are indirectly guilty of creating that market buying single items at flea markets, yard sales, Ebay, Craigslist, etc.

I think in the very limited capacity that I'm interfering with originality, I'm actually saving it from total destruction no matter what I do.

 

[Buck Turdgeson]

Debatable. Once originality is gone...it is total destruction. Quite a paradox you created , still if you can live with yourself ?

 

[Skip]

The original thread goes back to 2013, and A2J is no longer here, not at least under that name. But he does do excellent work.

BTW I dont think its "total" destruction, but its all a matter of perspective. Each has they're own view on it, depending on circumstances and which angle you come from. but If its the blokes jacket and he decides to do what he wants with it, he's totally within his rights. Which I think A2J was trying to say.

 

[Buck Turdgeson]

The original thread goes back to 2013, and A2J is no longer here, not at least under that name. But he does do excellent work.

BTW I dont think its "total" destruction, but its all a matter of perspective. Each has they're own view on it, depending on circumstances and which angle you come from. but If its the blokes jacket and he decides to do what he wants with it, he's totally within his rights. Which I think A2J was trying to say.

Agree to disagree. Thats what repros are for. Of course he is within his rights...no laws against destroying original WW2 history in a narrow minded owner.