Aviation Co. jacket loosely based on B3

[Timmo]

I'm hoping somebody might be able to help me. About 25 years ago I had a jacket that was inspired by the B3 but by no means an accurate copy. Sadly a dog got hold of it and ruined it.

Many years later I'd like to get another. I'm not after an expensive B3 replica from ELC (or similar) I'd just like a jacket that is close to that which I had before. I've looked on line and I'm sure mine was made by Aviation Co. I've attached a couple of pictures – that label is like that in my jacket, the pockets were exactly those in the image.

I've seen them for sale on ebay but I want to buy a new one if possible. Is this company still producing jackets – my Google searching isn't turning anything up. Or does anybody know a retailer stocking them, in the UK.

Thanks for any help.

 

[B-Man2]

We need some additional information . Some additional photos would help as well . Let’s see what the jacket looks like.
What amount are you willing to spend on the jacket? It may be that a used quality jacket can be had for close to the price of a new cheaper jacket. There are some additional things that come into play when considering a response to your question.

 

[Timmo]

B-Man2,
Thanks for your response. I was thinking of a budget of £300 – £400 for new. My jacket was just like this one…

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/B-3-Leat...rentrq:d2b7ca7c1670aa49162ec3eafff9a8ba|iid:1

However, the quality of the sheepskin in mine was very well matched on all panels. I've seen a lot of jackets that have what I'll describe as combed sheepskin that makes it look really fluffy – I've no idea if that is original or not but I really don't like it. I prefer the more natural 'bobbly' look as per this jacket.

 

[B-Man2]

B-Man2,
Thanks for your response. I was thinking of a budget of £300 – £400 for new. My jacket was just like this one…

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/B-3-Leather-flying-jacket-fleece-lined/153304468844?_trkparms=aid=111001&algo=REC.SEED&ao=1&asc=20160908105057&meid=16ebc4bebdaf44629414b27d38a0c74a&pid=100675&rk=1&rkt=15&sd=153304468844&itm=153304468844&_trksid=p2481888.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci:3eed132c-0569-11e9-9ea9-74dbd1808474|parentrq:d2b7ca7c1670aa49162ec3eafff9a8ba|iid:1

However, the quality of the sheepskin in mine was very well matched on all panels. I've seen a lot of jackets that have what I'll describe as combed sheepskin that makes it look really fluffy – I've no idea if that is original or not but I really don't like it. I prefer the more natural 'bobbly' look as per this jacket.

B-Man2,
Thanks for your response. I was thinking of a budget of £300 – £400 for new. My jacket was just like this one…

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/B-3-Leather-flying-jacket-fleece-lined/153304468844?_trkparms=aid=111001&algo=REC.SEED&ao=1&asc=20160908105057&meid=16ebc4bebdaf44629414b27d38a0c74a&pid=100675&rk=1&rkt=15&sd=153304468844&itm=153304468844&_trksid=p2481888.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci:3eed132c-0569-11e9-9ea9-74dbd1808474|parentrq:d2b7ca7c1670aa49162ec3eafff9a8ba|iid:1

However, the quality of the sheepskin in mine was very well matched on all panels. I've seen a lot of jackets that have what I'll describe as combed sheepskin that makes it look really fluffy – I've no idea if that is original or not but I really don't like it. I prefer the more natural 'bobbly' look as per this jacket.

Interesting. The jacket that your looking at is what many of us on this forum would term as a “mall jacket” which are sold as look alike jackets and not very true to authentic WWII design. I realize that you said you liked this particular style and that authenticity wasn’t a factor. Here’s my opinion , which others here may or may not agree with. You would be better served both looks wise and from long term use of the jacket if you picked up a used quality made repro. For the 300 to 400 BPS you are willing to spend on this jacket , I would save a bit more and purchased a used ELC or something along those lines. The jacket will look better, last longer , and financially it will hold its value better. Used B-3s pop up on a fairly regular basis here and on eBay in the 500 to 600 dollar ranges . Particularly in the smaller sizes 38 to 42. They look much better that this model. If money is the issue wait until the summer time when prices seem to go down a bit for sheeplined jackets .Having said that , if this is the jacket you want then go for it.
Unfortunately I can’t provide any information on the jacket you’re looking at but others will come along in time who will be able to tell you more about your particular jacket.

 

[Timmo]

Thank you – that's certainly given me much to think about. My father told me to save and only buy high quality. Would you be able to throw some light on the quality of the sheepskin – that fluffy look as shown on this jacket… is it an original finish?

https://www.flying-jacket.com/jackets/classic-american-flying-jackets/usaaf-b3-flying-jacket/

 

[B-Man2]

Aviation Leathercraft I believe used to be Irvin. The company that had the rights to use that name. Once again there are others here from the UK with far more knowledge on this subject . The sheepskin they use in their jackets is original but it is far thicker and more dense that that used in original B-3s and Irvin’s . Just look st some of the period photos for comparison . They are nice jackets and will last however , living in any climate other than Siberia , you won’t get a great deal of use out of these jackets . But hey ... they do look cool partner!!

 

[Tom Bowers]

What size are you looking for? I have a Schott B-3 for sale in an extra large size that's in your price range, and very similar to the jacket you used to have
Tom Bowers

 

[Bombing IP]

Speak or email Shawn Ali of Five star Leather he will make you what you want and at a very good price to your dimensions .

BIP