Eastman B-3 .50 or 1943 Model?

[credon]

Hi everyone. I'm considering purchasing a B-3 from Eastman. I really like both their 1943 model and the .50 style. Anyone own a .50? I own a real B-3 and love the look but I also don't want a new jacket that will be mistaken for just some old coat. I guess I want a new cool B-3 with just a enough vintage appearance if that makes sense. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Don

 

[alfyman]

Hi everyone. I'm considering purchasing a B-3 from Eastman. I really like both their 1943 model and the .50 style. Anyone own a .50? I own a real B-3 and love the look but I also don't want a new jacket that will be mistaken for just some old coat. I guess I want a new cool B-3 with just a enough vintage appearance if that makes sense. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Don

Good Choice, Eastman is Great.

 

[Edward]

The pre-broken in Eastman jackets look fantastic, though for myself I'd rather save the difference and break the jacket in myself.

 

[havocpaul]

I think you answered your question yourself, the 50.Cal does look like a well-worn vintage jacket so if you want to avoid that then go for the ordinary standard version which will look new but gain wear over time. I agree that Eastman is a fine choice whichever you go for.

 

[fenaxton44]

Get the new standard version and just wear it, Don’t molly cod it, remember these jackets were tough bits of kit for a harsh environment.

 

[John Lever]

Buy one second hand, the old ones are very good and it will have some wear.

 

[kampkatz]

Just make sure you are really comfortable with the fit before you make an investment.

 

[Hankh]

ELC's B3 "redskin" is my favorite.
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=44689

 

[credon]

I ended up purchasing the standard B-3 from Eastman rather than the .50 cal. It was delivered in about 3-4 weeks (I'm in the US). I must say, the jacket is amazing! I own original B-3's and this one is dead on to them. It just needs broken in a little! I hope this helps anyone that is on the fence about Eastman.

 

[Edward]

Photos?

 

[sbhva]

Credon;

What size did you get?

 

[credon]

I went with a size 44. Knowing that I will have a heavy shirt on, it's just perfect. I am on the edge of 42 or 44 acording to their size chart, so I went larger and I'm glad I did. I think I would go with a 42 if the jacket was an A-2 though. I will post photos of the jacket in the next couple of days.

 

[sbhva]

Credon;

Could you please post the measurements of your jacket? I think I am between a 44 and a 46. I would like the following measurements: pit to pit across the front with the jacket zipped, shoulder seam to shoulder seam across the back, arm length from shoulder seam to cuff, and back length from the bottom of the collar to the hem. Thanks for your help.

 

[Radz108]

I ended up purchasing the standard B-3 from Eastman rather than the .50 cal. It was delivered in about 3-4 weeks (I'm in the US). I must say, the jacket is amazing! I own original B-3's and this one is dead on to them. It just needs broken in a little! I hope this helps anyone that is on the fence about Eastman.

Did you order your jacket from HPA (History Preservation Assoc.) or directly from Eastman Leather UK?