FiveStar Leather Looking for Recommendations on M-445A Jacket

[B-Man2]

Hi guys
Just wanted to post a few photos of my repro USN M-444 Jacket . Hope you enjoy them .

 

[flyincowboy]

Interressing picture from the movie LES AVENTURIERS featuring ALAIN DELON wearing this type of jacket. looks like a cool jacket

 

[Fulcanelli]

Does it have horse hide reinforcements like the B3?

 

[Otter]

Yes, but goat looks better to me !

 

[Fulcanelli]

Yes, but goat looks better to me !

Is there any record of them producing contrast colour panels, like on the B3 fivestar have been working on?

 

[Shawn Ali]

Dear All

Thanks to all for your great Contributions, its really helpful, does anyone have some illustrations from the Cuff and knitting area.

Much Obliged

Shawn

 

[Shawn Ali]

Hi guys
Just wanted to post a few photos of my repro USN M-444 Jacket . Hope you enjoy them .
View attachment 44044View attachment 44045View attachment 44046View attachment 44047View attachment 44048View attachment 44049View attachment 44050View attachment 44051View attachment 44053

Really Great photos, Do you have some images from the inside cuff Area

Shawn

 

[Shawn Ali]

Looking for the suggestions from Mr. @John Lever as well

Shawn

 

[Shawn Ali]

Mr. @ties70 send me so detailed and informational PDF with a lot of details. Really Helpful.

Much Appreciated

Shawn

 

[Brent]

How much of a hassle is it to deal with the two buttons on the short zipper version compared to full length zipper and no buttons. Seems the two buttons might provide some extra room while sitting if left unbuttoned. Just asking if there are any opinions on this. I do think the two button jacket looks better.

Regards,

 

[Jorgeenriqueaguilera]

Well, actually that was an improvement that came with the M-445A design which enhanced maneuverability while sitting in the cockpit.

 

[mulceber]

Yeah, I’d be in favor of the buttons too. I also hope the cuffs are shearling-lined (in addition to the sleeves), since I’ve heard the leather-lined cuffs aren’t that good.

 

[Brent]

So I really don't follow FB and don't really correspond with Shawn, but is there any updates on this project. Just can't help thinking this could be a real game changer.

Yeah, guess I am not the most patient person in the room.

Regards,

 

[mulceber]

Nah, I feel the same way, Brent. I really hope Shawn can get some measurements on an HLB M-445A and churn out a first-rate repro. Sadly, I think our best-case scenario is several months. What do you say on this, @Shawn Ali ?

 

[ties70]

Guys,

I hope that @Shawn Ali won't get mad at me for dropping a teaser from his workbench

So, Jan and Burt... I think we could be "slightly" more optimistic on the timeline....If one thing has been made sure by FS, it is that as soon as somebody here makes a suggestion of a new jacket, the guys at FS start prototyping right away!

Ties

 

[Brent]

Thanks Ties, just what I needed to hear.

Regards,

 

[mulceber]

Wow, I was not expecting such a fast turn-around. Looking forward to seeing more pics!

 

[ties70]

Nah, I feel the same way, Brent. I really hope Shawn can get some measurements on an HLB M-445A and churn out a first-rate repro. Sadly, I think our best-case scenario is several months. What do you say on this, @Shawn Ali ?

@mulceber :

Jan,

do have any idea if HLB is still an existing company or if the rights are taken by one of the other repro "players"? I think that Shawn would like to go all the way and try his luck with the HLB label if it doesn't get him in trouble...

Ties

 

[mulceber]

Not to my knowledge. As far as I know, the only original contractors from WW2 that still exist are Spiewak and Willis & Geiger. At any rate, Eastman was able to make an HLB repro using the HLB name, although I think they've since discontinued that repro. If they had bought up the trademark, I'd expect they'd be trying to get some mileage out of it, like they have with Crown zippers. John Chapman has also made flight jackets using the HLB Label. Come to think, the fact that both he and Eastman have been able to use the HLB name is probably your best evidence that it's open to anyone. I'm pretty certain that Shawn's in the clear to use the name.

 

[Brent]

Are there wool knit cuffs in the sleeves of M-445A jacket or just the AN-J-4?

Regards,