G-1 Flight Jacket Restored

[DenaHamilton]

This is a jacket I restored for it's original owner, as a gift from his son, in celebration of his dad renewing his pilots license at age 87! I replaced the knits, zipper, put on a new (vintage mouton) collar, redyed and refinished the leather. I can't wait to see the photo of his dad receiving his special gift!
Dena Hamilton - Leather CARE Specialist

 

[London Cabbie]

That is amazing Dena.

 

[mulceber]

It looks better than most of them do new.

 

[ausreenactor]

Amazing! Well done!

 

[ausreenactor]

I can't wait to see the photo of his dad receiving his special gift!

Wrangle a pic if you can?

 

[B-Man2]

That’s an outstanding restoration. Can you give us a rough idea of the cost of having a jacket Like that restored ?

 

[ausreenactor]

That’s an outstanding restoration. Can you give us a rough idea of the cost of having a jacket Like that restored ?

A lot less than a 57 Corvette restoration.

 

[Flightengineer]

Nice job. Leather coloring and restoring, replacing a muton is a big job. It is a pity, however, that you did not use the original zipper for replacement. This can be done and it can be find, and then the jacket would really look like that day when it was issued. This noname modern zipper worsens this nice jacket for my taste. However, the main thing is that the customer will be happy.

 

[Brettafett]

Hi Dena, great job. Seems you pay attention to detail.
You'll be very welcome here.

 

[Lebowski]

Welcome Dena, high quality work, well done!
Agree with the above mentioned comment about original period correct zipper for this beaut, but I think if your customer provide that you’d gladly install it, so it depends on the customer I suppose.
Once again, it’s so nice to find one more high quality restorer now!

 

[DenaHamilton]

That is amazing Dena.

thank you!

 

[DenaHamilton]

Wrangle a pic if you can?

The son has told me he would be sure and send me one. I'll post it when I get it. Thanks

 

[DenaHamilton]

That’s an outstanding restoration. Can you give us a rough idea of the cost of having a jacket Like that restored ?

At this time, the collar replaced was $200. (It's hard to do!! Plus purchasing vintage mouton until I get pieces good enough to last runs into money for me). The new knits are $150 (these are knit here in the US just for these jackets.They are very high quality and color appropriate). A new size 10 antique brass YKK zipper is $75 (NOS are very expensive zippers, and honestly not as good.) A re-dye and recondtion is $99. I didn't have to replace the lining. I also resewed the buttons, patched a couple of holes and replaced some loose or missing stitching (pocket tops and flaps primarily), and reinforced one of the elbows from the inside. I charged the customer $550. It's a special investment to be sure, but also a lot of results.
Thanks for asking! You can see more photos and information on my website Leather CARE Specialist Dena

 

[DenaHamilton]

Welcome Dena, high quality work, well done!
Agree with the above mentioned comment about original period correct zipper for this beaut, but I think if your customer provide that you’d gladly install it, so it depends on the customer I suppose.
Once again, it’s so nice to find one more high quality restorer now!

Absolutely! Thank you

 

[DenaHamilton]

Hi Dena, great job. Seems you pay attention to detail.
You'll be very welcome here.

Thank you so much!

 

[DenaHamilton]

Nice job. Leather coloring and restoring, replacing a muton is a big job. It is a pity, however, that you did not use the original zipper for replacement. This can be done and it can be find, and then the jacket would really look like that day when it was issued. This noname modern zipper worsens this nice jacket for my taste. However, the main thing is that the customer will be happy.

Agreed. But the customer didn't want to spend the money and was pretty sure his dad wouldn't care. Thanks for the input!

 

[Flightengineer]

Agreed. But the customer didn't want to spend the money and was pretty sure his dad wouldn't care. Thanks for the input!

It changes the case

 

[mulceber]

What was the problem with the old zip? Looks serviceable in the pictures.

 

[Brettafett]

As has been said many times... Its not cheap and no small feat to have an original refurbed properly (depending on what needs done).
But in some cases it may be worth it. I will always say, if you do decide to do it, have it done properly and that will usually cost more.

 

[Silver Surfer]

Remember guys, top quality resto work is a labor of love, and labor intensive. To my eyes, dana,s work looks to be worth every penny spent. Kudos Dana.