B3 Sheepskin

[Jules]

Hello Fedora Loungers

Im new to this forum and am looking for some advice please
I have a few jackets already ,a couple of A1s(repros) and a few A2's(also repros) and i also have an Aero Hercules too.
What i would like to have are your opinions (and pics worn) of the various repro B3's that are available? Im currently looking at the Aero leather
B3 as my first choice, i like the look of the lost worlds B3 too but the cost is putting me off, i also like the Eastmans but im not sure about the crinkly finish on the seal brown model.
I know being a Brit i should really be going for an Irvin but i seem to have the B3 bug at the moment, anyways i will be either looking for an original Irvin nearer the time or going for the Easmans repro.

Thanks
Jules

 

[aswatland]

Welcome to the forum Jules. IMO the best repro B3s made in the UK are by Eastman. I would recommend either their Rough Wear Redskin or the new house B3s with the vintage finish. They are both highly rated by collectors and are extremely accurate jackets. John Lever has both and has posted pics of them both on the forum.

 

[Jules]

Hello Andrew
Thanks for the info i'll take another look at Eastmans I have a couple of his A2's and they are very good but i also have an Aero jacket too which is also v good.I guess im gonna be playing manufacturer ping pong in my head for a few days untill i make a final choice. I will try to get hold of the guy you spoke about and see what his owners comparison says.

Jules

 

[aswatland]

Check this out for the ELC house B3. The jacket is remarkably similar to a mint 1942 B3 in my collection. http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=35776

 

[Jules]

Hi Andrew
Just been digging through that page again and it certainly looks like a really nice jacket. I have left a reply asking John if he would compare the two (eastmans aero) jackets.

Jules

 

[Jules]

My new B3

Woohoo
Got my new B3 and Irvin from Eastmans, took a while as Eastmans had some problems sourcing the B3 sheepskin but it was worth the wait. I went for the house style B3 with russet horsehide ,all i can say is the quality is far better than i thought it would be. Fortunately for me the weather is cold enough for me to get some useage out of it. I also bought an BOB Irvin too and once again was super impressed with it, the only thing i didnt like is the main zip but its a minor thing. If any one would like some photos or a review let me know and ill cobble something together.

Jules

 

[aswatland]

I''m glad ELC worked out well for you. I agree about the zips on the Irvin. It's a real shame they don't make copies of DOT zips.Enjoy your new jackets in the continuing colder weather.

 

[Spitfire]

Woohoo
Got my new B3 and Irvin from Eastmans, took a while as Eastmans had some problems sourcing the B3 sheepskin but it was worth the wait. I went for the house style B3 with russet horsehide ,all i can say is the quality is far better than i thought it would be. Fortunately for me the weather is cold enough for me to get some useage out of it. I also bought an BOB Irvin too and once again was super impressed with it, the only thing i didnt like is the main zip but its a minor thing. If any one would like some photos or a review let me know and ill cobble something together.

Jules

A B3 AND an Irvin - in the same package? You lucky devil

 

[Jules]

I wanted to see both and then decide, now I cant part with either!!!!
Kind of thought that would happen.