Cooper G-1

[SteveZ]

I almost bought a KNOX ARMORY imported A2 jacket as a ' knock around ' jacket and the reviews were mixed on it. But nearly everyone commented that you needed to buy the coat in at least one extra size for a snug fit and two extra sizes if you planned on also wearing a sweater underneath.

Like I said, the garment manufacturers need to agree on some kind of sizing standard. IMO, I think it would help overall sales regardless of the garments country of origin.

 

[nick123]

I had a chance to look at a bunch of Knox Armory jackets over the weeked at the Chino Air Museum gift shop. I'd say their nylons don't feel up to par with Alpha, but their leather jackets were not all that bad, albeit priced pretty high. My dad walked out with a pretty cool Knox leather B-15ish jacket with an embroidered "Planes of Fame Museum" and American Flag patch on the sleeve for $350 or so.

At the counter, I told him the $350 could be used for a better jacket, but once he said "son, the proceeds go to a good cause", I shut up and felt quite silly. He was right! In hindsight I wish I'd got one too. The Knox leather jackets (made from genuine leather, no leather type specified), although not the best, are not bad. I think his was cowhide. The G-1 was quite nice too.

 

[SteveZ]

Hhhhhmmmmm, I didnt know that Knox Armory made a G1 or at least Ive never seen one. All Ive seen is their A2s. Im pretty sure that Knox Armory is an Asian imported coat however. As far as the type of leather used in many garments that are imported, Im a little afraid to ask.

 

[nick123]

The G-1 could have been an Alpha. My mistake.

 

[SteveZ]

Nice looking jacket though. This is a leather version of the nylon jacket ? I dont think Ive seen this before either.

 

[nick123]

Nice looking jacket though. This is a leather version of the nylon jacket ? I dont think Ive seen this before either.

I don't know what it is! It has the nylon-esque pencil pocket thing on the upper sleeve. Other than that it's a pretty generic jacket. It has like a 4-piece back. The good news is it is relatively substantial. My dad doesn't care.

 

[Deacon211]

I don't know...the differences actually seem pretty big to me sometimes.

Here's the Pharr that I was issued.



And here's a Brill Bros that I got off the Bay...a little small at size 46



And here's the Cooper.

It's not just the leather, but the way it hangs that seems pretty different. For me, while I agree with Treetopflyer that the Pharr was a tough and utilitarian jacket, I have never thought it looked good, or good on me. It's just the non-porous nature of the leather that just seems to sit there.

I think the Brill and the Cooper look as good as the Pharr, but just seem to have a little of the character of the older jackets.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[SteveZ]

My dad gave me his original USN issue G1 which he got in 1948. Cannot make out the tag to ID the manufacturer though. Its a very small back tag with gold lettering which is very worn.

 

[tropicalbob]

Every time I see the term "Genuine Leather" I back off. If it's genuine, why are they not telling me what kind of genuine? Cow? Horse?

 

[SteveZ]

Bob, youve opened up a nasty can of worms ! Ive seen video of the Chinese as well as other nations using dogs, cats , raccoon and rabbit skins and pass them off as genuine leather. Its authentic leather all right but we just dont know what kind of animal it came from. PETA wants everybody to purchase garments made of fake imitation leather regardless of what country its made in.

 

[TPD166]

I have had a few G-1s and the Cooper was the best of the bunch. I have no idea why I sold it and wish I still had it now!

 

[tropicalbob]

I believe the Horween site gives a definition of "genuine" leather. If I remember correctly, it's the part of the leather that's been scraped from the hide, boiled, and then imprinted with a leather-like grain. It's the kind of thing one sees on the handles of some tote bags and other articles. I've often seen the phrase used to describe the leather on "mall jackets" from the big department stores. It's genuinely a by-product.

 

[tropicalbob]

I'm always very glad to see such companies as Cooper, Headwinds, and AerialStar putting out such nice jackets at reasonable prices. It helps to keep things in perspective.

 

[Atticus Finch]

Cooper had at least one contract to provide the Navy with G-1s. This one is from 1992. The issued Cooper G-1 is almost identical to the civilian version. The only difference was the civilian jacket had a large blue tag. In a time when issued G-1s were typically made of thick, squeaky embossed cowhide, Cooper G-1s were throwbacks to an earlier era. All were made of high quality goatskin.



AF

 

[Deacon211]

Nice one Atticus!

I wonder what my original was from '90. I'm beginning to wonder if it was a Cooper as well. It was very similar to both your pics and mine.

The only pic I have...

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[kojax]

my cockpit g1 vintage goatskin jacket i really like it .

 

[Deacon211]

You know the current Cockpit G-1s I saw looked kind of floppy in person, but I've seen pics of the vintage one and I think it looks awesome!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[SteveZ]

I must be a real rank amateur not to be able to spot flaws like you guys do from one manufacturer to another when it comes to jackets. Kudo's to those that do !

 

[Atticus Finch]

Nice one Atticus!

I wonder what my original was from '90. I'm beginning to wonder if it was a Cooper as well. It was very similar to both your pics and mine.

The only pic I have...

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Your first G-1 may be a Cooper. I just looked and Cooper had a 1989 contract. Every issued Cooper I've ever seen was very dark seal in color. Almost black, actually. Your jacket in this photo looks more russet, but that may just be from the age of the photo.

AF

 

[Atticus Finch]

I must be a real rank amateur not to be able to spot flaws like you guys do from one manufacturer to another when it comes to jackets. Kudo's to those that do !

It's not so much "flaws" collectors recognize. It's more like "characteristics". When you're a true jacket geek, you can look at a vintage-looking jacket from across the room and know whether it's civilian or military, whether it's issued or reproduction, in what era it was made, and hazard a pretty good guess as to what contractor made it. This, by being familiar with the subtle characteristics unique to the various contractors and eras of production.
AF