Mobil Armer A-2

[asiamiles]

Members may recall brief mention of Mobil Armer on here before, and that Real McCoys made some nylon jackets for them...there's apparently even one of John Chapman's CD. Well, I just took delivery of this black horsehide Mobil Armer A-2. I found this listed with a low starting price on Yahoo Japan in the "Riders Jackets" category where it attracted no other interest/bidders. Curiously BR haven't done an A-2 in their William Gibson collection, so I'm not aware of any of the high-end makers producing a black A-2; thus, this may fill an important gap.

I'm not sure if this is patterned on any specific A-2...others may be able to chime in here. One notable feature is that it has very wide shoulders (a complaint some have about Aero's), which makes the epaulettes loop up (something I'm admittedly a bit self-conscious about on other A-2's) even more than usual because they're so long...they could do with being affixed to the body in the middle, perhaps with a small piece of tape. Another is the useful pictured interior pocket. The zipper is a Conmar.

I'm not decided yet whether this is a keeper. Anyway, here's some pic's:

 

[deeb7]

Members may recall brief mention of Mobil Armer on here before, and that Real McCoys made some nylon jackets for them...

That was here, Miles ...

viewtopic.php?p=39477#p39477

They seem to be another defunct Japanese repro brand. I was trying to say that the two brands may have shared a contractor, and that perhaps the label was attached in error ... rather than RM made them.

The order number on your A-2 label is for United Sheeplined, but with the unusual neck fastening, different pocket shape etc. the design looks to be more house. Also the shoulder seam on an United Sheeplined sits under the epaulet.

 

[MikeyB-17]

Phew, it's a 38-too small. I was in agony for a minute thinking you might sell it-I would have had to have it, which, financially, would not have been good. I really fancy a black A-2.

 

[bseal]

You should keep it, it looks fantastic. Lost Worlds has been offering a black horsehide A-2 for quite a while
(http://www.lostworldsinc.com/A-2_Horseh ... Jacket.htm)
and Aero will custom make one if you request it.

 

[MikeyB-17]

Yeah, I've toyed with having Aero make me one-it's only a fancy though, not enough of a desire to lash out the cash required. If one came up cheap, however-not that it's terribly likely.

 

[asiamiles]

They seem to be another defunct Japanese repro brand. I was trying to say that the two brands may have shared a contractor, and that perhaps the label was attached in error ... rather than RM made them.

Not referring to this specific jacket, but I think it's more likely RM made some jackets for them. It's quite common in Japan for such high-end makers to produce jackets for specific shops or other companies...I can think of several Buzz Rickson has done, and we know Lost Worlds did many.

 

[sealbeachbum]

I like it! I wear a black G&B goatskin A-2 at work all the time. I'd love to have a nice black horsehide A-2 for work. I think black A-2s are great civilian jackets for dress up. Very classy looking in my opinion.

 

[deeb7]

Not referring to this specific jacket, but I think it's more likely RM made some jackets for them. It's quite common in Japan for such high-end makers to produce jackets for specific shops or other companies...I can think of several Buzz Rickson has done, and we know Lost Worlds did many.

Thanks, Miles ...

Yes, small specialist companies like Lost Worlds, and Aero will make under their own label, and also do contract work for other labels, and retailers.

I had assumed that the old RM contracted out most/all their work to CMT factories ... in fact I didn't realise that they had their own facility.

 

[asiamiles]

I had assumed that the old RM contracted out most/all their work to CMT factories ... in fact I didn't realise that they had their own facility.

I really don't know. I always assumed the likes of RM and Toyo made most of their own garments, thus guaranteeing a certain quality and justifying their pricing. Presumably not all of it, because you get items like "Made in USA" Sugar Cane jeans. Did the old RM get some of their sheepskin and leather jackets made by what is now RMNZ/The Few or did they only start manufacturing after the old RM closed up shop?

Yes, I guessed this wasn't patterned after any specific A-2.

 

[deeb7]

Did the old RM get some of their sheepskin and leather jackets made by what is now RMNZ/The Few or did they only start manufacturing after the old RM closed up shop?

I believe the Christchurch factory was making all the sheepskin, and leather for RMJ when it closed.

And I agree, the black A-2 wasn't expensive, it fits .... keep it.

 

[asiamiles]

And I agree, the black A-2 wasn't expensive, it fits .... keep it.

I'll try and wear it a few times and see how I like it. I certainly wouldn't sell it for what I paid for it, but it would likely prove a nice little earner...and pay for some other jacket! :lol: I'll try putting a couple of stitches in middle of the epaulettes affixing it to the body to keep them from looping up.

 

[deeb7]

... so I'm not aware of any of the high-end makers producing a black A-2; thus, this may fill an important gap.

I thought that The Few had made one as part of their All Blacks collection, but couldn't find an example.

Now, of course, when I'm looking for something else .... it's a Rough Wear.

http://74.125.127.132/translate_c?hl=en ... 18d8rujgRg

 

[asiamiles]

I was able to use a small strip of double-sided tape to keep the ep's from looping. Seems to have done the job. Fits about right, with the exception of the sleeves which would be perfect if about an inch shorter. Horsehide is very soft and supple, and feels more like the leather on my original RW (now sold) than any repro I've handled.

 

[deeb7]

... Fits about right.

So what's the verdict?

Permanent residency in the asiamiles wardrobe ... or a further period of probation?

 

[asiamiles]

Permanent residency in the asiamiles wardrobe ... or a further period of probation?

Everything is always on probation! I can very easily have a change of heart about a jacket. Not sure how many leather jacket wearing days we have left with temps in the mid-20's today...a welcome change after three days of rain though, so I'm not complaining. Maybe I can wear it now for my cycle down to the ramen shop for dinner.