Epaulette accuracy- various repros compared to original Aeros- 21996, 18775, 15142

[ZuZu]

These 2 examples are both epaulettes from original Aero jackets. Notice the stitching pattern- especially the "X" on the shoulder. As you can see it is not complete and even seems to drop off at the edge of the shoulder. In the left hand picture (from an original 15142) this is radically so- the "X" has become almost a "V"!

Here are examples of the Aero of Scotland epaulettes from a 15142 and a 18775. Notice that the "X" on the shoulders does NOT die but rather is very earnestly sewn complete as a big "X". This does not occur in original Aeros- inevitably the "X: is cut off.

 

[ZuZu]

Here is a Diamond Dave Aero 21996 epaulette:

Maybe slightly on the thick side (actually quite close to one of the posted original) and correct Aero stitching...

 

[ZuZu]

And some Good Wear Aero eps:

 

[ZuZu]

Even Bill Kelso gets it:

 

[ZuZu]

IMO the Aero of Scotland epaulette is straight up inaccurate. When repro makers fall into the trap of "correcting" originals the jackets start becoming interpretations and not reproductions- especially when the maker claims stitch for stitch accuracy taken from original patterns. The photos speak for themselves.

 

[ZuZu]

Another original Aero's epaulette:

 

[DiamondDave]

Finally!! Someone is paying attention to the details.
Thanks be to Jeff.
DD

 

[ZuZu]

As a side note- check out the eps from 2 original Aero 15142ps. The 2 parallel stich lines are done with light colored very loose stitching and the box "X" stitching is done with darker thread so as to become almost invisible:

I wish a repro maker would emulate these weird eps...

 

[ZuZu]

There is also a characteristic which the Diamond Dave, the Good Wear and the original epaulettes share. Only the observant will notice it. Better to embrace actual shapes rather than try to "correct" them...

 

[jeremiah]

That’s a pic of my arco size 38 in victory horse. Never noticed the x before now.

 

[Pilot]

Dubow 27798

 

[Pilot]

Bronco

 

[Royalcrown32]

Original Aero 42-18775-P.

 

[robrinay]

Just a guess as I’m not an expert but maybe the machinists were working under time pressure and or the jackets shown at the top of this thread were made at the end of a Friday shift and so were less than perfect. Perhaps the example pictured by Royal crown32 was the first one made after a holiday? - or maybe vice versa?

 

[petermack09]

Ken,,I need you to get back to me pronto,,Iv just checked my epaulets and the label on my jacket,,I’m just going to count the stitches now,,to say I’m shocked is an understatement ,is my jacket accurate?
The fact that I love my jacket is irrelevant,,I’m now waiting on some nugget to approach me in Glasgow and berate me for being taken in ,,,this jacket is heading to the classified section if this true ,A very miffed Peter.

 

[Grant]

Jeff,
Thanks for pointing these Aero Scotland inaccuracies out. Interesting that the other Aero repro makers get this detail right and not the company carrying the name.

 

[petermack09]

Jeff,
Thanks for pointing these Aero Scotland inaccuracies out. Interesting that the other Aero repro makers get this detail right and not the company carrying the name.

Aye thanks Jeff,,,my jacket is now fkn worthless,,& with John Lever telling everyone the true cost of 2nd hand jackets I will be lucky if I get 50quid now,,,ps you know I’m joking John ;-)

 

[P-47 thunderbolt]

Diamond Dave Aero 21996 - spot on

 

[ausreenactor]

I got two non-OCD compliant, but 'accurate' Werber epp on my BK.. I was mortified. Probably why I rarely wear it..

 

[Skyhawk]

The problem is, there is an original example of the jacket that matches. Royal Crown just blew the theory out of the water on that contract it seems...

Original 18775

Aero Leather 18775

-Jay