John Chapman of Goodwear - scroll down to see pics of his M-422a's https://www.goodwearleather.com/photos/
Dave Sheeley (a USN jacket master) He does rebuilds and new builds - contact on this forum as Maverickson, also sometimes has jackets on Ebay.
Headwind Mfg (www.headwindmfg.com) is currently launching a Church M-422a, see below, that looks amazing! Definitely check them out (message Jay, aka Skyhawk here on the forum)
See https://www.vintageleatherjackets.o...rch-m422a-reproduction-headwind-mfg-co.26436/
I owned one of their HL Block M-422as, it was a high quality jacket, but didn't fit unfortunately. Nahua (on this forum) has an amazing W&G M-422 from them.
ELC (Eastman) make a damn good M-422a, top quality and workmanship and like Aero, great customer service. See pic below.
Bill Kelso makes two versions and both look insane. Beware, price increase in July
AVI LTHR - If you want decent accuracy at a more reasonable price point, contact www.avileather.com They have a G&F M-422a they have copied from their original, coming out soon.
Their 55J14 G-1s are excellent, as a few on the forum, incl myself, will attest.
AVI has one of the best purchase policys around, makes it too easy to throw money at them.
Cockpit USA's 100 Mission G-1 is actually based off an M-422a (actually has M-422a on the label) These jackets are awesome, Ive owned a few.
Not technically accurate as far as some details go, but a well-built and practical jacket, that fits well and looks cool. If you can get one on sale...
Vintage G1 Jacket | Goatskin Flight Jacket | Cockpit USA
Made with hand treated goatskin leather, the Vintage G1 Jacket from Cockpit USA features an antique look. Order this naval aviator's jacket today!cockpitusa.com
Gibson & Barnes used to make a very nice M-422a, but no longer. Possible to find secondhand sometimes... Beware, weird sizing....
It depends what you are after, where in the world you are, and what your budget is... How much accuracy, detail do you want or just an M-422a-esque jacket that you can wear and enjoy!
Some pics
Headwind Church M-422a protype with the unique blonde collar
View attachment 63122
ELC M-422a with AVG leather blood chit from Sean Collins
View attachment 63121
AVI LTHR's original GF M-422a, soon to be release ????
View attachment 63123
I think Jay answered this question in his Church thread - https://www.vintageleatherjackets.o...22a-reproduction-headwind-mfg-co.26436/page-2Re Headwinds Church Repro, why the massive pocket flaps?
Ties, I have no idea...
All I know is that every so often Ill send an email asking about developments etc... Ive sent a few return emails offering suggestions over the years.
Appears and seems they've taken some of the feedback into account.
I think this is a common issue with the more budget makers... They put a lot of effort into getting some elements right, but then ignore other things.
Perhaps its cost, perhaps its other reasons..
"Yes, we will soon launch the M422a. At we are waiting for the pictures to be ready. I expect it will be published in a month."
BrettPersonally, Im really excited about this jacket.
Ive owned an ELC G&F M-422A, Headwind Block and an original FO M-422A (tried on a BR M-422A can't recall the maker)
Im not expecting GW, Dave Sheeley or BK, but based on my 55J14, Im expecting a decent jacket.
Im not too concerned about the label not being an repro of the original G&F label (if it was me, Id have done that)
Other makers have copied original jackets and placed a generic label. ELCs done that before.
Anyway, Ill definitely get one and let everyone know.
What I can say is that I love my goat Bronco, the goat on that is really good. Its slightly lighter in weight and colour, compared to the 55J14
(Not sure if this will be the same).
The lining looks pretty close to a number of pics I have of original G&F M-422As, I love AVIs mouton. My 55J14 was better than that used on my ELC jackets. Period.
I was also told the knits would be authentic colour and weave. So, let see.
Yes had a few, certainly not as many as some... Not that anyones counting.