I owned a couple of Eastman A-2s around the late-1980’s (when their brochure was a single double sided sheet of A4), but both of these went years ago and they weren’t anything like the ‘modern’ ones, as the leather even after much use didn’t seem to gain character.
I also had a couple of their 55J14s around that period but these were nothing like the originals I went on to buy, the leather being very dull and the fur not good either. I sold one but still have the other, although its remained unworn for nearly twenty years, since I discovered originals.
Up until now I’ve been a hardened USN ‘G-1’ fan, but having recently rekindled interest in jackets and looking at pictures on the forum I’m thinking of buying one or two repro A-2s. However, as with many things nowadays, there’s such a vast choice it’s one of those situations where it almost puts me off buying, as I can’t focus on what I want! I wonder if I might please ask advice from the hardened A-2 experts out there on the best jackets to go for. From initial research I think I’m looking at choosing between Eastman, Bill Kelso and J A Dubow (Platon?). If I go for an Eastman it’s likely to be either the 23rd Ftg Grp Rough Wear 1401P in Vintage WarHorse or the same but plain non-patched.
I’m not one who’s over fussed about the jacket being an exact stitch-for-stitch repro of the original, and for me liking the style, a good fit and high quality of manufacture is more important. However, a must is the leather, as I do like characterful leather, so if I went for a Bill Kelso their Liberty Horsehide is an asset. From reading on the forum, do I gather that BK’s jackets tend to be more ‘blousy’ and baggy around the chest and waist? I do have a (small) tummy, so that might work, but I’d prefer the jacket not to be too baggy.
With J A Dubow, of course, the choice is just one style, but looking at pics on their website they look well-made and good value for money compared with Eastman and BK, and I imagine their leather would age nicely. Can I ask, are they as good as they seem? There's a number I like the look of on BK's website (their pics really show the jackets to good effect), particularly their russet Dubow 27798.
There’s the Eastman Pop-Up coming along soon and I plan to go to that to try a few off-the-shelf A-2s, but may not be able to resist ordering something in the meantime!
Any thoughts and advice greatly received…
I also had a couple of their 55J14s around that period but these were nothing like the originals I went on to buy, the leather being very dull and the fur not good either. I sold one but still have the other, although its remained unworn for nearly twenty years, since I discovered originals.
Up until now I’ve been a hardened USN ‘G-1’ fan, but having recently rekindled interest in jackets and looking at pictures on the forum I’m thinking of buying one or two repro A-2s. However, as with many things nowadays, there’s such a vast choice it’s one of those situations where it almost puts me off buying, as I can’t focus on what I want! I wonder if I might please ask advice from the hardened A-2 experts out there on the best jackets to go for. From initial research I think I’m looking at choosing between Eastman, Bill Kelso and J A Dubow (Platon?). If I go for an Eastman it’s likely to be either the 23rd Ftg Grp Rough Wear 1401P in Vintage WarHorse or the same but plain non-patched.
I’m not one who’s over fussed about the jacket being an exact stitch-for-stitch repro of the original, and for me liking the style, a good fit and high quality of manufacture is more important. However, a must is the leather, as I do like characterful leather, so if I went for a Bill Kelso their Liberty Horsehide is an asset. From reading on the forum, do I gather that BK’s jackets tend to be more ‘blousy’ and baggy around the chest and waist? I do have a (small) tummy, so that might work, but I’d prefer the jacket not to be too baggy.
With J A Dubow, of course, the choice is just one style, but looking at pics on their website they look well-made and good value for money compared with Eastman and BK, and I imagine their leather would age nicely. Can I ask, are they as good as they seem? There's a number I like the look of on BK's website (their pics really show the jackets to good effect), particularly their russet Dubow 27798.
There’s the Eastman Pop-Up coming along soon and I plan to go to that to try a few off-the-shelf A-2s, but may not be able to resist ordering something in the meantime!
Any thoughts and advice greatly received…