Best option for a budget repro Hartmann jacket?

Recently got into flight sim and somehow ended up flying mostly German warbirds. Due to this I came to learn more about the Luftwaffe and now wonder what the best option is on the market for a repro Hartmann jacket that's not over 600 euro (i.e. definitely not Eastman)? Cheers!

How close to the real deal do you want to get?

There's a couple of "low budget" options, which aren't for the stitch-counters, though.

Bremspropeller said:

How close to the real deal do you want to get?

There's a couple of "low budget" options, which aren't for the stitch-counters, though.

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Sort of like Avileather kind of accuracy? I saw the Noble House one but the front has 2 pieces which doesn't seem right

Nobel ‘s is too long. Find a 2nd hand ELC, maybe.

The Hartmann jacket is rare, and there aren't really any accurate reproductions, apart from what Brice (Pilot) can provide. But this last solution won't fit in your budget.

You might be able to find a second-hand Hartmann ELC jacket, but they're rare, and often quite expensive.

Finding an original in good condition and especially in the right size is very complicated (I've been looking almost every day for 4 years).

Taking your budget into consideration, perhaps the best solution would be to contact Shawn from Fivestar, and ask him for a custom-made Hartmann jacket.
The "luftwaffe" jacket he offers lacks precision, but you could guide him to make a more accurate jacket. If you decide to go this route, I can help you define the points to be improved on the Luftwaffe fivestar jacket.

"Mitchel" also makes Luftwaffe jackets, but that too lacks precision (too long, wrong cut).


One thing you need to know:
An accurate cycling jacket (Hartmann jacket) is very short. Shorter than you'd think...
Be aware that you'll have to wear high-waisted pants with this kind of jacket.

(Edit: I hadn't seen the price of the "Mitchel" jacket, it's too expensive!)

Hello
There are other options. Here are some photos of two that I purchased a couple of years ago. They are very reasonable and priced far below your 600€ budget. They are not perfect as far as accuracy, but they are reasonably close .
If you’d like more information let me know .

B-Man2 said:

Hello
There are other options. Here are some photos of two that I purchased a couple of years ago. They are very reasonable and priced far below your 600€ budget. They are not perfect as far as accuracy, but they are reasonably close .
If you’d like more information let me know . View attachment 140427View attachment 140429

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Who's the manufacturer of the first one Burt? Looks reasonable

Kermit3D said:

"Mitchel" also makes Luftwaffe jackets, but that too lacks precision (too long, wrong cut)

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They'll gladly take customizing wishes, though.
I had them make me a combination of both their '42' and '43' models in sz 40, and shortened. I normally wear a 44-46.

The prize is not what the OP is looking for, though.

Shanghai-Mayne said:

Nobel ‘s is too long. Find a 2nd hand ELC, maybe.

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The ELC is a nice jacket, but it's alsoway too long.

Enigma1938 said:

Who's the manufacturer of the first one Burt? Looks reasonable

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It came out of the UK thru EBay. It’s unmarked but … for the price I didn’t mind. It’s midweight cowhide. I had to darken the hide when I received it to make it closer to the original French Cyclist brown color. If you like I’ll try to see if the seller is still selling them .

There are also many of (Chinese?) "Hartmann" jackets on Aliexpress.
I wouldn't risk it... but if you're brave, I'm curious to see what you'll get.

Bremspropeller said:

They'll gladly take customizing wishes, though.
I had them make me a combination of both their '42' and '43' models in sz 40, and shortened. I normally wear a 44-46.

The prize is not what the OP is looking for, though.


The ELC is a nice jacket, but it's alsoway too long.

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Bremspropeller, I'd love to see a photo of your custom "Mitchel" jacket (ideally if you have a fitpic it's even better). Thanks !

B-Man2 said:

It came out of the UK thru EBay. It’s unmarked but … for the price I didn’t mind. It’s midweight cowhide. I had to darken the hide when I received it to make it closer to the original French Cyclist brown color. If you like I’ll try to see if the seller is still selling them .

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Was the company's name "history bunker" or so?

Enigma1938 said:

Was the company's name "history bunker" or so?

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Yes .. I have a link so just scroll down and find the Hartmann

B-Man2 said:

Yes .. I have a link so just scroll down and find the Hartmann

WW2 German Eric Hartmann leather jacket brown - Small 40 chest | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for WW2 German Eric Hartmann leather jacket brown - Small 40 chest at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

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It looks surprisingly good on your photo, maybe not the most accurate one but the overall look is there, even the little buckle looks good and for that price it's a bargain.
Way better than the US Wings.
Fivestar did a half-hearted try on a Hartmann too but it looks not even close, shape, color, details and hardware are totally off.

Enigma1938 said:

It looks surprisingly good on your photo, maybe not the most accurate one but the overall look is there, even the little buckle looks good and for that price it's a bargain.
Way better than the US Wings.
Fivestar did a half-hearted try on a Hartmann too but it looks not even close, shape, color, details and hardware are totally off.

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Yep …Its not perfect but certainly close enough for the price and … about a thousand dollars less than the next level inaccurate repro.
The bottom line is, if you want something that is a spot on repro …. Brice is the guy to talk to .
If you’re ok with a jacket having some inaccuracies then why spend $1300. or more for a jacket that doesn’t match up when you can spend $300…… and get a jacket that doesn’t match up for less money.

Kermit3D said:

There are also many of (Chinese?) "Hartmann" jackets on Aliexpress.
I wouldn't risk it... but if you're brave, I'm curious to see what you'll get.
46e1-b5ad-6cde7624524b&_t=gps-id

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A decent quality jacket need to pay at least 200 to 300 US dollars (if you know how to choose one with info provided by seller) , any leather jacket less than 150 US dollars is equal to buy a lottery.