Brettafett
Well-Known Member
Originals are great, nothing beats an original.
And an original in mint condition at a reasonable sum... WIN!
However, as is so often the case, no one speaks about the costs and frustrations of refurbishing or fixing these jackets - properly.
Until you have it in hand, it's hard to say, besides looking at pics and trusting the owners comments.
Good, authentic knit parts, zippers, mouton fur etc. are not cheap, nor are so easy to come by. Costs add up.
Nor are they simple to install correctly. I do not agree it's no big deal.
But hey, you may have someone in your city who can do the work properly, or with a local tailor.. You may get lucky.
How's the leather? Any rot, thinning areas?
Zipper tape & stitching?
Lining? Tears, loose stitching?
Are you wanting to wear the jacket regularly or only occasionally, mainly as a collectors piece.
Also, your preferences.
Are you a 44 or a 46? These USN jackets are more forgiving, and in some ways more comfy than A-2s.
But sizing still varies.
If you are spending a few hundred ++ on an original, are you ok installing cheap knits and a cheap zipper?
Or would you want to make sure you get authentic knits & zipper for the contract? $$$$$
Otherwise you might risk devaluing your investment.
And do you have someone who knows these jackets and can assess potential issues (stitching, liner tears, elastics, etc) and undertake the work, without causing more damage (creating new stitch holes, or overstitching, using different colour thread etc)?
Do you mind musky odours or stains? Are you a smoker? If so, maybe it's OK.
Remember, these jackets have been worn by naval aviators, in and out of cockpits... And cockpits can be sweaty. The older the jacket, the more likely it was used as workwear...
Many chaps dont mind all that, just wear the damn thing as it comes. All good.
If you do need to clean the jacket, there are various ways, some odours are hard to remove, may need Ozone treatment.
Guys sometimes downplay repos, because there are many originals still to be grabbed at good prices.
Yes and no. Later model G-1s more so, M-422As and pre 60s, less so, especially in decent condition and reasonable prices.
They can be found, but you have to be patient and you best know what you're looking for.
Originals may be an investment, but resale is not great for USN jackets.
Its worth what someones prepared to pay.
Point is, go in with your eyes open.
Ask questions, get detailed pics.
Try are get an idea of what may need fixing/ replacing, if anything before you purchase.
Remember - Its your money.
It takes time to learn the nuances of these jackets, originals an repros. Experience costs time and money. Advice is cheap.
Until you have a better handle on what you want, what your specific requirements are...
I'd advise not to spend too much money, not get something that requires a lot of work.
AVI Leather is a stones throw from you. You could try one of their G-1s or better, their M-422A... even just for fit.
Authentic-ish patterns, genuine mouton, all the details for a decent repro, at a very affordable price. Returnable.
A lot of info can be gained, for the costs to return the jacket.
Or keep it. A new, clean jacket that you can wear (only issue I ever had was a button came loose one time, easily fixed myself)...
Then, keep a close watch on originals for sale, when the right one comes along. Pounce.
Whatever you decide, the chaps here are always ready to help and advise.
Looking forward to seeing what you get.
And an original in mint condition at a reasonable sum... WIN!
However, as is so often the case, no one speaks about the costs and frustrations of refurbishing or fixing these jackets - properly.
Until you have it in hand, it's hard to say, besides looking at pics and trusting the owners comments.
Good, authentic knit parts, zippers, mouton fur etc. are not cheap, nor are so easy to come by. Costs add up.
Nor are they simple to install correctly. I do not agree it's no big deal.
But hey, you may have someone in your city who can do the work properly, or with a local tailor.. You may get lucky.
How's the leather? Any rot, thinning areas?
Zipper tape & stitching?
Lining? Tears, loose stitching?
Are you wanting to wear the jacket regularly or only occasionally, mainly as a collectors piece.
Also, your preferences.
Are you a 44 or a 46? These USN jackets are more forgiving, and in some ways more comfy than A-2s.
But sizing still varies.
If you are spending a few hundred ++ on an original, are you ok installing cheap knits and a cheap zipper?
Or would you want to make sure you get authentic knits & zipper for the contract? $$$$$
Otherwise you might risk devaluing your investment.
And do you have someone who knows these jackets and can assess potential issues (stitching, liner tears, elastics, etc) and undertake the work, without causing more damage (creating new stitch holes, or overstitching, using different colour thread etc)?
Do you mind musky odours or stains? Are you a smoker? If so, maybe it's OK.
Remember, these jackets have been worn by naval aviators, in and out of cockpits... And cockpits can be sweaty. The older the jacket, the more likely it was used as workwear...
Many chaps dont mind all that, just wear the damn thing as it comes. All good.
If you do need to clean the jacket, there are various ways, some odours are hard to remove, may need Ozone treatment.
Guys sometimes downplay repos, because there are many originals still to be grabbed at good prices.
Yes and no. Later model G-1s more so, M-422As and pre 60s, less so, especially in decent condition and reasonable prices.
They can be found, but you have to be patient and you best know what you're looking for.
Originals may be an investment, but resale is not great for USN jackets.
Its worth what someones prepared to pay.
Point is, go in with your eyes open.
Ask questions, get detailed pics.
Try are get an idea of what may need fixing/ replacing, if anything before you purchase.
Remember - Its your money.
It takes time to learn the nuances of these jackets, originals an repros. Experience costs time and money. Advice is cheap.
Until you have a better handle on what you want, what your specific requirements are...
I'd advise not to spend too much money, not get something that requires a lot of work.
AVI Leather is a stones throw from you. You could try one of their G-1s or better, their M-422A... even just for fit.
Authentic-ish patterns, genuine mouton, all the details for a decent repro, at a very affordable price. Returnable.
A lot of info can be gained, for the costs to return the jacket.
Or keep it. A new, clean jacket that you can wear (only issue I ever had was a button came loose one time, easily fixed myself)...
Then, keep a close watch on originals for sale, when the right one comes along. Pounce.
Whatever you decide, the chaps here are always ready to help and advise.
Looking forward to seeing what you get.
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