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The most suitable replacement for original Eastman knitted cuffs

Lebowski

You might not want to sell to this guy.
Hello gentlemen!
What maker and what color could you advise as a correct and most suitable replacement for original Eastman knitted cuffs on A-1 jacket?
Which is the most close equivalent, esp. in a matter of color?
I need good ones to remove original Eastman's cuffs on my Eastman A-1, its origianl cuffs have just turned into rags already((
I've ordered via MASH Japan japanese knitted cuffs in seal colour, they're really made with very good quality, but their color looks quite different from Eastman ones.
I'm now thinking of russet cuffs from MASH (instead of seal colored I've initially ordered from them), but japanese russet looks more like "cocoa with milk" colored on the photos from official site , which is quite different from my vision of usual russet color and looks different from Eastman too. Might it be just kind of color distortion on the photos from MASH site? What color do they (japanese russet cuffs) look like in reality?
I'm actually a bit confused, moreover - I'm actually not sure that original knitted cuffs on Eastman A-1 are russet colored, 'cause they actually look almost in between of russet and seal to my sight.
What do you think gentlemen?
I'm a real fan of Eastman A-1, it's one of my favorites, but the time to remove its original knitted cuffs has come.
Anybody have such experience with removing Eastman knitted cuffs? What most suitable alternative could you advise please?
It's also at least one more option left - to send the jacket to the maker (Eastman Leather) to change ragged cuffs to new original ones, but shipping costs might be quite significant for shipping there and back,
also this time I'd like to choose more durable cuffs if possible (that's why I've chosen MASH Japan as good alternative to original Eastman knitted cuffs).
 
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Micawber

Well-Known Member
Larry's knits are good and miles better than the flimsy examples fitted to some ELC jackets. Take a look at his ebay listing as he has several shades of brown. MASH knits are tight but colour choice is limited. Google will highlight numerous general cuff and waistband suppliers but with Larry at least you know what you are getting.
 

Lebowski

You might not want to sell to this guy.
Thanks for your advice Clark, will keep in mind this link.
Thanks Victor, Micawber and Smithy for your replies too.
Does anybody have a real experience with the same situation to fix with their Eastman A-1?
 
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John Lever

Moderator
My point is the chances are it wont be the right size. 40 years in design tells me go to the original supplier and get them to fit a replacement.
Most people are very bad at taking accurate measurements, particularly a circumference where seams are involved.
 

Micawber

Well-Known Member
My point is the chances are it wont be the right size. 40 years in design tells me go to the original supplier and get them to fit a replacement.
Most people are very bad at taking accurate measurements, particularly a circumference where seams are involved.

Being elasticated means they are quite flexible with regard to aperture size.
 

Lebowski

You might not want to sell to this guy.
I've used Larry's knits a couple of times, on an A-2 and a G-1. Both worked great.
Brett, who did all the sewing works to sew all the knits from Larry to your A-2 and G-1 jackets then?
Are you satisfied with the final result(s) now?
 

Brettafett

Well-Known Member
Yes. In the first instance, Byson did it, a good job, but they did a poor job of replacing the lining.
The second time round I asked Donna Howard ([email protected]), she used to be with Cirrus, and she did a great job.
I think, unless the sleeves ends are very narrow, there should be no issues.
 

Julius

Active Member
The cuffs from that ebay seller are much bigger than what they should be. Much bigger than those found on originals or on any repro. Also the knitting of the waistband is not as knitted tight as it should, but for the untrained eye, or someone who does not have high expectations I guess they are fine. On the other hand, $27.50 for a set of knits is big money considering one can find original cuffs for $2 per pair. But unfortunately, only cuffs and no waistband.
 

Silver Surfer

Well-Known Member
most do not realize that originally installed [1930s-40s] wrist cuffs were 2 3/4" long,and in some instances [dubow], 3" long. by and large, the original a-2s that we own or have come across, have cuffs that are 2"-2 1/4" long due to shrinkage over the years. many repro makers install their cuffs short of what was done originally. ripley's believe it, or not
 

Micawber

Well-Known Member
The cuffs from that ebay seller are much bigger than what they should be. Much bigger than those found on originals or on any repro. Also the knitting of the waistband is not as knitted tight as it should, but for the untrained eye, or someone who does not have high expectations I guess they are fine. On the other hand, $27.50 for a set of knits is big money considering one can find original cuffs for $2 per pair. But unfortunately, only cuffs and no waistband.

Well I'll take issue on a couple of points, including the comment about not having high expectations. Can I ask how many cuffs you've had from "that ebay seller" along with a little more detail concerning what particular ones they were?
 

Brettafett

Well-Known Member
These knits from Larry are very close... At least as good as those found on most high-end makers.
I can't think of anywhere else one could get better replacement knit... (I have not tried MASH's knit yet). If anyone does know, please share!
A 'friend of a friend', or a stall in the back streets of Timbuktu, does not help ;)
Pity Bill Kelso won't sell theirs, they are some of the best I've seen on repros. (Platon's may be from same supplier, but he won't give anything away).
 

Lebowski

You might not want to sell to this guy.
most do not realize that originally installed [1930s-40s] wrist cuffs were 2 3/4" long,and in some instances [dubow], 3" long. by and large, the original a-2s that we own or have come across, have cuffs that are 2"-2 1/4" long due to shrinkage over the years. many repro makers install their cuffs short of what was done originally. ripley's believe it, or not
Thanks Victor, that's what I've thought about that too. Cuffs from MASH (as long as Larry's ones) look to be a bit longer in comparison with original Eastman's cuffs (and I like it).
I've also noticed that cuffs on JC's A-2s are a bit on a longer side too.
 
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