Custom A-2 opinions

[Brettafett]

Hi all,

Wanted your opinions.

If wanting a higher end repro, there are many reasons to order an 'original' makers jacket. Obvious.
However;
What do you think about a 'custom' A-2, ie a Bronco body, with a 15142 collar and rounded pockets.
:eusa_doh:The idea: mainly, to get a preferred fit, with elements from ones favourite 'Contract' A-2s....:eusa_clap
A custom true-to-form A-2, with all the 'authentic' elements and fluff, but with a personal, unique twist.

Just wondering what folks think....?

 

[ButteMT61]

Hmm. It's your jacket, but I'd bet only one or two companies would even do that. I'd wager (and I suck at gambling) that Good Wear wouldn't do that. Aero might.
I see no problem asking, but I personally would not do it. Seems kinda "sacrilegious" in a weird way. The jackets have too much meaning in my little head to mess with frankenjacket designs. Pre-coffee rambling. Sorry.

 

[Otter]

With a nice tartan wool lining as well? Frankenjacket!:eeek:

 

[Aerojoe]

I'd wager (and I suck at gambling) that Good Wear wouldn't do that. Aero might.

Good Wear? Maybe but I don't think so. This guy is a maniac for historic details and accuracy. I'd like to see his face when somebody asks him for a Rough Wear contract with a Dubow collar.

 

[Jeff M]

Ditto what Scott said.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

I'm with Scott. I don't think any of the major brands would even consider such an A2 mixmatch.
HD

 

[Phantomfixer]

I would imagine patterns from one maker would not fit with the pattern of another, thereby not being able to match sleeves to bodies or collars to bodies. Me, I am an epaulette man, I love a good epaulette...

 

[Sloan1874]

Actually, Aero might. There's a M422a on a Japanese website which has tartan lining

http://mint.hokkai.net/~min4662/special/detail/M422a 36.html

Heresy, no? Personally, I think if you're willing to pay for the work and it's not a complete monstrosity, then why not? But that's just me.

 

[Phantomfixer]

Sloan I agree..if it is your money and it works why not. If you are talking an original A-2 and modifying it, that is different, a repop is a repop....

 

[Sloan1874]

Certainly! Though why you'd want to butcher a jacket that's given decades of good service is beyond me. My gf is considering getting a M422a, but it'll certainly need adjusting to suit her needs/taste - the USN stencil will go for a start and the mouton collar will be detachable, but I think the pockets will be shaped down a little too. Does that count as heresy?

 

[ButteMT61]

Thread is titled: "Custom A-2 opinions". I gave mine. You can make a pink one for all I care

 

[Graemsay]

Unless you're a collector, re-enactor or jacket nerd, the details aren't going to matter. Most of the population probably won't know what an A-2 is, and even if they do, they couldn't identify a Dubow from a Doniger.

Sloane's girlfriend's M422 will probably suit her needs better than a stock jacket. Mixing parts from a variety of A-2 contracts is fair game. After all, all the historic manufacturers interpreted the spec slightly differently. (In fact, I think it'd be fascinating if John Chapman put together his own version.)

If this is sacrilegious to you then you really need to get out more.

Despite now being banned from the VLJ Forum, I get what Good Wear are doing, and I'm sorely tempted by their M-422 Monarch...

 

[ButteMT61]

The makers of the best mil repop's do less interpreting and more tearing down of originals to get the details just right. Many just do lousy copies of a "generic" A-2. Whatever makes you happy. It's your money...

 

[Phantomfixer]

Thread is titled: "Custom A-2 opinions". I gave mine. You can make a pink one for all I care

didn't LW try that for a Japanese company? LW had to blow em out cause they flopped?? But they were made from great HH!!!

I was just sayin IMO if your going to blow 1000.00 on a jacket and you really do not care about maker fine points, then why not get the pocket flaps or epaulettes you like?

 

[ButteMT61]

Make the epauletes orange. The pockets purple. The arms green. It's your money

 

[Sloan1874]

I'd prefer polka dots and stripes, but that's just me.

 

[Deleted member 16736]

John will make a "private purchase" Knopf with a custom lining, and that's about it.

 

[Gancho]

Hello, from my point of view it is not a fault to mix the different contracts.

If got a A2 with all the features of the 38-1711 made on the pattern of the Bronco. I keept the collar of the Bronco because I like it more than the collar the 38-1711, but it has still the collar stand.

My jacket was made by Aero, and i think that only Aero will do a mixup of different A2´s in one jacket.

Regards,

Olli

 

[Gancho]

Hello, from my point of view that is not a fault to mix the different contracts.

If got a A2 with all the features of the 38-1711 made on the pattern of the Bronco. I keept the collar of the Bronco because I like it more than the collar the 38-1711, but it has still the collar stand.

My jacket was made by Aero, and i think that only Aero will do a mixup of different A2´s in one jacket.

Regards,

Olli

 

[Brettafett]

I guess thats the idea... Like the elements of a 15142 for egs, but being a super trim guy, would prefer the body of a Bronco... but don't like the small pockets... Not sure about the 3785's collar stand for 'comfort', etc...
It is controversial ;-)
No polka dots or purple jackets though.