Wearing Originals?

[SteveN]

OK, I know it's been discussed before, but for the sake of posterity I thought I'd bring up the topic again:

Originals: do you wear them or not?

I'm not talking about trying them on, or once in a while, but as your 'main' winter jacket for the season?

It's starting to get cold in the Southern Hemisphere, and I have an *outstanding* M-422A that I bought from a forum member (Peter Graham?, email was lost). This thing is in such good condition, that it could be mistaken for a modern repo. Everything is in perfect order, collar, knits, leather, lining, the works.

Thus the dilemma. After having survived so many years, do you really want to 'risk' such a nice example? I've always been of the opinion that repos are for daily wear; originals should be protected.

Other opinions?

Cheers,
- SteveN

 

[Anonymous]

I think it depends on the condition. If the jacket. is in good condition, and will not get damaged by wearing why not. Maybe not wearing on a regular basis, but when the occasion or mood hits you.

 

[shanghai joe]

OK, I know it's been discussed before, but for the sake of posterity I thought I'd bring up the topic again:

Originals: do you wear them or not?

I'm not talking about trying them on, or once in a while, but as your 'main' winter jacket for the season?

It's starting to get cold in the Southern Hemisphere, and I have an *outstanding* M-422A that I bought from a forum member (Peter Graham?, email was lost). This thing is in such good condition, that it could be mistaken for a modern repo. Everything is in perfect order, collar, knits, leather, lining, the works.

Thus the dilemma. After having survived so many years, do you really want to 'risk' such a nice example? I've always been of the opinion that repos are for daily wear; originals should be protected.

Other opinions?

Cheers,
- SteveN

Depends on which originals you're talking about.

I'll be careful with A2s especially if there are issues with the lining and colllars.

I only collect A2s and I'l be real careful especially with lining area which attaches to collars.

No, I wouldn't have em as a daily wearer.....

 

[Roughwear]

There is never agreement on this subject. I have a GW Doniger for daily wear, but do wear my original A2s. Some which are in near mint condition get little wear. I wear most of my Irvins and B3s, but again with care.

 

[usafwso]

Sometimes I do, and only if the jacket is unpatched. Around here jacket weather has pretty much finished for the season...

 

[joeson]

I buy my jackets to wear.Unless you have the space to display them,it seems pointless.Put your money into property or precious metals.

 

[greyhound52]

I would say wear them but with care. I have 1960 mint G-1 which I wear but not a lot. My nylon jackets I do wear a lot when the weather permits. I don't buy an original with no intent to wear it.

 

[Anonymous]

Wear them til they drop.

 

[Roughwear]

Wear them til they drop.

:shock: :shock:

 

[shanghai joe]

I buy my jackets to wear.Unless you have the space to display them,it seems pointless.Put your money into property or precious metals.

hey, ever thought of investng in investment grade originals?

 

[Andrew]

Wear them til they drop.

 

[shanghai joe]

ole jkts don't drop...........they get tatty they get ratty they fall apart!

 

[TankBuster]

On occasion with care is my vote. Everyone here is a big boy though, and can make up their own mind. Really I hope everyone else wears the hell out of theirs, so I will have the only nice ones left. :lol:

 

[rotagz]

The only ones I don't wear are the ones that have never been worn. Meaning vintage jackets in mint, unworn condition.

 

[shanghai joe]

On occasion with care is my vote. Everyone here is a big boy though, and can make up their own mind. Really I hope everyone else wears the hell out of theirs, so I will have the only nice ones left. :lol:

As it is you already have some noteworthly jkts!

 

[Peter Graham]

I have an *outstanding* M-422A that I bought from a forum member (Peter Graham?, email was lost). This thing is in such good condition, that it could be mistaken for a modern repo. Everything is in perfect order, collar, knits, leather, lining, the works. - SteveN

Steve, I remember the jacket well, a beautiful Gordon & Ferguson. I traded it to Chris Bennett for an equally nice AN-J-3A. You bought it from Chris. I wear all my originals on a regular basis. Every day. I don't own any repros. I treat them with respect, like not using the leather hanging loops and not working on the car in them or painting, as the vets were fond of doing ! If I ever own a jacket with real historic value it will be different but I can't see the point of owning these things and not using them.