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IRVIN B.FOSTER & SONS SPORTSWEAR CO. MIL-J-7823A, INC. CONTRACT NO. DA 36-243-QM(CTM)8834-C-61

London Cabbie

Well-Known Member

I never came here looking for a original jacket but thanks to MaydayWei, Mulceber and Lord Flashheart with input from B-Man2 and Jorgeenriqueaguilera amazing history and with the help of @Brettafett came across this.​


Tha jacket came without creases in the sleeves, the zipper still has blackened teeth. Cuffs, knit & mouton immaculate. In fact it almost seems unworn which then worried me. Is this a defective jacket?
There are no defects I can find except for the very slight wonky zip detail. Beginners luck maybe. The fit is perfect, slightly ‘athletic’ snug but great for work. Now a question that would only make sense on this jacket forum…’SHOULD I WEAR IT?’:rolleyes:

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Lord Flashheart

Well-Known Member
That is one very nice jacket Cabbie. Congratulations it's in lovely condition. Looks a good fit and just right in the cockpit (taxi or aircraft). As I posted here a few months back I picked up an L.W.Foster 7823 and I've been asking myself the same question.

Why not? If it's part of your jacket rotation (say) and provided you don't forget to respect its age when you're wearing it. That's just a bit of day to day forethought. For example I wouldn't wear my L.W. Foster cleaning my car or fettling my bike but I do wear my Martin Lane.
 

B-Man2

Well-Known Member
Stu
Out friggin standing !!
That’s gem of a rare jacket in mint condition. I’m with the rest of the guys .
It would be my occasional wearer. I think you already have a 5 Star G-1 don’t you?
If so, the 5 Star would be my daily wearer and I’d pull this one out when I didn’t have a lot to do that puts wear on it, like getting in and out of the cab etc.
 

London Cabbie

Well-Known Member
Thankyou.
The credit is entirely for @Brettafett.

The leather is NOT dry at all. wore it all day in cab & on sofa to allow body moisture to help the wrinkles smooth out. To be honest it is so comfortable and soft I didn’t want to take it off. Wife forced me to remove before bed :rolleyes:The leather is much thinner than expected, however it feels very robust.
Was going to give it a rubdown with Eastman conditioner or Vaseline just because we are into warmer UK days. What’s your thoughts..?
 

MaydayWei

Well-Known Member
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