So, a reputable source messaged me last night to chime in regarding this jacket.
Here's what John Chapman (yes,
The John Chapman (aka
@buzzthetower)) said:
"Hello FM,
I'm John Chapman of Good Wear. I saw this post, and the post on the FB page about the B-3. It's definitely a different one than the one used in the movie. McQueen wears a Version 3 B-3 which has a three piece back, while this one is the later model which has a four piece back. The later model has a panel under each arm between the front and back pieces, while McQueen's original only has the small triangle in the hip area, which Version 3 jackets have.
It's a bit sad how jackets are sold without doing some sleuthing to see if it's really the same thing. The details are obvious enough that one can catch when comparing images of the jacket he wore with this sale jacket. It's also sad when people are shown why a jacket isn't what they say, and are then told "Well, I know it was, because I bought it from the estate." or something like that. I hope the guy takes the news well.
It may have been a part of the movie, as I'm sure a number of originals were acquired for everyone on the set, but McQueen appears to have not worn it.
Thanks!
John"
He also added:
"Anyone staring at the jacket is going to see that it's a Version 3 model, though most won't look if they aren't really that interested. We all love to see stuff that's vintage, even if it wasn't in a particular movie. I know a bit about vintage B-3s, but I can't tell which company made that one, just by what I see so far. It's a jacket from the period where Version 4 panels were cut, but redskins were still being used.
If a jacket could be had from that movie, Robert Wagner's B-3 looks like it's almost new condition. I bet that one was cool.
Thanks!
John "