Recent content by Len

I believe these pilots are from Marine Transport Helicopter Squadron 161 (HMR-161). They flew the Sikorsky HRS-1 helicopters. The designation to CH-19E occurred in 1962 with the Dept of Defense unified designation system. HMR-161 was the first transport helicopter squadron in history. They...

Some photos featuring the ball player Ted Williams

Marine helicopter pilots in Korea

Peter, Are the two jackets in your pictures about the same size? I've seen measurements on the USN M41 and the sleeves seem quite short for the size of the jacket. In your photos the army version looks like it fits, with a little room whereas the navy version seems to be a trim fit. Len

I saw the measurements posted by the seller. Originally he said pit to pit was 22". I asked him to confirm that because it seemed large for a 36. He replied that pit to pit was 20.5". I've been caught before with overstated measurements. Maybe the buyer isn't planning on wearing it.

That it spoils the jacket. A stencil may help date a jacket but if it isn't original then what's the point. It would be better without it. Depending on the paint used I suppose it could be rubbed off. Is the color difference between the underside of the collar and the rest of the jacket common...

I am no expert, but the US on the collar looks like it has been painted free hand, not stenciled. Is this common?

Thanks Andrew, I'll try to find his number. Cheers

Thanks for the info Jason. I'll do some searching here and post what I find. You' re right about the addiction part. At first I was just looking for a G-1 because I liked the look of them. But now it's become about authenticity so I'm really trying to pick a legit one. Sellers, (I'm mostly...

Thanks for the advice. I think I'll wait. Just on another matter, if I go for an earlier jacket they tend to have damaged cuffs and/or waistbands. If I wanted to get them repaired do you know of anywhere in Oz or NZ that could be trusted to do the repair? Cheers

Sort of both I guess. I want to bid on a 1977 Ralph Edwards but I read somewhere that many jackets made in the '70's were cowhide rather than goat. At this stage my budget doesn't afford me to take too many punts. Also living is Australia means that I get hit hard with postage.

Hi guys, Is there any way to tell whether a jacket is goatskin or cowhide? Do they look and feel different? Your advise and opinions will be most welcome. Thanks.

Hi Can anyone tell me the orientation of the USN perforation on the wind flap of a 1984 Ralph Edwards G-1? Does it run top to bottom or across eg U S N or USN. I'd like to check for...

Hi, Could you please tell me the orientation of the USN stamp on the wind flap. I want to check for consistency with a Ralph Edwards that I'm looking at. It's also dated 1984. Cheers

Thanks for the replies. I know that 1984 can't really be considered vintage. I guess it's the quality of the manufacturer that counts. I can move onto collectables next.