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Aero B3

Hello. This is my first time posting, I hope this is in the right spot. I am looking at buying my first B3, and found a used Aero Leather online. I’m wondering what everyone’s opinions are on this brand? I’ve read that some of the early ones weren’t as good? Just want to make sure I’m looking at a good one. The one I’m looking at is just under 600$.
 

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mulceber

Moderator
If it's Aero leather of Scotland, they offer some very nice shearling jackets. And $600 would be a solid deal.

The only thing that throws me is that neither the label nor the zipper match any of the B-3 contracts they currently offer, and I'm not sure what to make of that. Maybe they had these details in the past, or maybe it was made by another company. It feels too much to hope that it would be an original, but I'm not expert enough to confirm or deny it. If it was an original though, it definitely would not be something you should wear. I hope John Lever chimes in on this one, because he would be the one who would know.
 
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Thank you for the response!! Yea I know very little about these and don’t want to end up with a “knock off” Aero. Here are the rest of the pics on the listing.
 

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mulceber

Moderator
The more I'm looking at the label, the more I'm noticing things that are off for it to be Aero Leathers of Scotland - previously I just noticed it was the wrong contract number, but now I'm noticing it just says "Aero Leather Co." instead of "Aero Leather Clo. Co.", and it doesn't mention Beacon, NY. Every Aero repro of US militaria that I've seen has both. That doesn't mean much though. I've only been in this hobby a couple years, and Aero Scotland has been producing jackets for several decades now.

I definitely don't think it's a cheap knock-off. The number of makers that would try to copy the Aero label can probably be counted on one hand, and none of them are cheap.
 
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MikeyB-17

Well-Known Member
I’m wondering if it’s an early Aero-that sort of plastic reinforced Talon was all that was around at one time-ELC used them as well. The cuffs are also not the thinner shearling, which I know Aero used to get criticised for years ago. It’s by no means a bad looking jacket at the right price. The cuffs could be sorted if they bother you (B-3’s had thinner sheepskin on the cuffs and windflap. If not used you get that big ruff of fur round the wrist like this repro has).
 

mulceber

Moderator
(B-3’s had thinner sheepskin on the cuffs and windflap. If not used you get that big ruff of fur round the wrist like this repro has).

And that was a detail I was missing. Thanks Mikey!

btw, Youngbloods, in your search for a B-3, what options are you considering? Are you specifically interested in Aeros, or do you just want a good B-3 jacket?
 
And that was a detail I was missing. Thanks Mikey!

btw, Youngbloods, in your search for a B-3, what options are you considering? Are you specifically interested in Aeros, or do you just want a good B-3 jacket?
No, mostly just looking for a decent price, decent quality B3, or Irvin jacket in size 38. I know you get what you pay for, but just can’t swing the price for a new ELC, or other top quality jacket. I was previously looking at the wpg Irvin, but am thinking maybe if I’m patient I can find a better quality second hand jacket for not too much.
 

Harris_HTM

Well-Known Member
Goodmorning, this is my first post here, being a lurker for many many years and having created an account rather recently so I can check the items for sale.
I own a similar Aero B-3. I bought it direclt from Aero sales page in 2017, according to the description it was a test pattern from (if I remember correctly) 2013 that was laying around in the factory, thus the fictituous contract number. It is a very nice jacket, made to the usual Aero standards, though historically inaccurate.
I had bought it for 500 pounds if I remember well, condition new.
20200912_103919.jpg20200912_103843.jpg
 
Thanks everyone!! Ok, so now that we know what it is, can anyone tell me what are the “inaccuracies “, so I can compare my options.
 
Thank you! For a jacket that I plan to get lots of use in the winter with I can look past the label, and the zipper as long as it’s comparable quality. I will have to think about being able to live with the shearling depth and pocket shape. I may also see if he will take a little less on the price, he is at 580 and free ship but ships from Japan, not sure yet if there will be customs fees.
 

mulceber

Moderator
Honestly, I think you can get a closer repro for a better price. Aero makes some great B-3s, but this was their first attempt. A new Five Star would be a more accurate repro than this early jacket, and would be about $100 cheaper for the same size, new. Alternately, if you're willing to wait a little, it's not uncommon for B-3s from many different makers (more recent, better Aeros, used Eastmans, a few others as well) to come up for sale here at a pretty good price.
 
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I finally went through the link for the five star jackets, they seem like a great option. Do they have a preorder thing going on or a website to order from?
 

mulceber

Moderator
They do have a website (here's the link to their sheepskin jackets: https://www.fivestarleather.us/collections/sheepskin-jackets), but if you go with them, I tend to find it's best to deal with the proprietor, Shawn Fesho, directly. That way you can tell him exactly what you want (what color leather facings, sizing consultation, etc.) He's on here pretty regularly, and you can also email him at [email protected]

In terms of turn-around, they're pretty fast. You'll probably get your jacket about 1-2 weeks after you order it.
 
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Sounds great, thank you! I’m assuming the tiny pocket on the seal brown B3 is from a pre production jacket? And I’m more interested in the different shades of leather on the other jacket, what would I call that in reference?
 
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