The rot a set in about ten years ago when the colour went away from honey to red on the '42 jacket.Leadsky said:The attention to detail is nice but I have to agree with regards to colour of fleece, surface and finish it looks nothing like any original I've ever owned.
No problem at all with cut, materials and workmanship. It's just a shame that they have moved away from the more attractive golden bear type colour to this russet wool which is also too short IMO. Older jackets had longer nubbly wool which was warmer and softer.rich said:To quote from the Golden Book........
"one can see the rich copper tones of the sheepskin, along with the true mid-brown of the lacquered outer."
I think the problem is their focus on what is presumably one example of an original, when we all know they came in a great variety of hues. The fleeces on my originals are different colours but neither is as red as this current Eastman repro. I've seen plenty of Irvins with a chocolate brown outer too. I wondered more why they've made the belt as short as it is.
I've only recently handled one of these - many thanks to John - and remain very impressed with the overall quality and workmanship.
Look forward to seeing you all kitted out Couchy!
ausreenactor said:Thinking Flight Sgt RAAF Air Gunner. Deal with pilots daily and
do not have the attitude to wear a full wing!
I understand that Merino is the premier sheepskin. It's used by The Few for example.jonnyboy said:Is it possible that Eastman are sourcing a cheaper sheepskin? Maybe they're feeling the pinch financially. Or do you think that the more 'orangey' colour is intended as an improvement?
I've never seen an ELC Irvin in the flesh, but have seen and owned several originals, and even the more honey coloured ones were a lot lighter than the one flagged up by Hawkeye.
Jon