We discuss aging , breaking in, and debate original-looking HH on repros all the time. Then how to achieve this quickly and authentically on our modern repos.
Some period photos of A-2s have jackets that look shiny and new, others show jackets that look pebbled, wrinkled, etc. Though some hides aged quickly, it is likely few were cut from wrinkled and beaten looking hides. Now, wearing a jacket in all conditions for 2-3 years might cause this but it is interesting none the less. I think we'd all agree, nothing but use and time will give the perfect look.
This RoughWear (27752) unfortunately had the name tag and squadron patch removed before I bought it. What is underneath the name tag is quite interesting. Look at the following photos and, with the exception of a few vertical wrinkles, note the surface finish of the HH where it was protected by the name tag.
Here's an overall with the grain and wrinkling we love to see.
Now here's close to what it must have looked like when issued.
Now go see if you can find some examples of your own and maybe post some interesting aging examples for us to learn from.
Dave
Some period photos of A-2s have jackets that look shiny and new, others show jackets that look pebbled, wrinkled, etc. Though some hides aged quickly, it is likely few were cut from wrinkled and beaten looking hides. Now, wearing a jacket in all conditions for 2-3 years might cause this but it is interesting none the less. I think we'd all agree, nothing but use and time will give the perfect look.
This RoughWear (27752) unfortunately had the name tag and squadron patch removed before I bought it. What is underneath the name tag is quite interesting. Look at the following photos and, with the exception of a few vertical wrinkles, note the surface finish of the HH where it was protected by the name tag.
Here's an overall with the grain and wrinkling we love to see.
Now here's close to what it must have looked like when issued.
Now go see if you can find some examples of your own and maybe post some interesting aging examples for us to learn from.
Dave