G1 Flight Jacket Needs Identifying.

[bn1966]

Hello Gentlemen,

Have just scored this G1, looks like a service issue to me (USNR). Has anyone any thoughts as to maker and series? E?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261780115630

Thanks

 

[Tkecks]

Good price for the larger size.

If it is an official navy contract manufacturer then it looks like an E, but I am not convinced that it is. Looks like the pressed cow leather rather than goat (very few of the later dynal collar G1's have goat, although I have a goat E-series with the dynal collar in 48). The Serval zipper is interesting; either a replacement or this is a non-navy contract jacket private purchase, maybe for the larger size: the 25.5 chest measurement would be very big for a circa 1970's E series, but I have a jacket with a Serval zipper that is also roughly a 50" chest from about the same time period.

 

[triple-d]

Nice catch.....hard to find those larger sizes.

 

[thor]

Just as a heads up: AME is the Navy Enlisted rating for Aviation Structural Mechanic (Safety Equipment). They maintain an aircraft's internal systems (everything from cockpit air conditioning to ejection seats and hydraulic and pneumatic control systems).
Nice jacket at a great price. Congrats!

 

[bn1966]

Thanks Gents,

I did wonder what AME meant (nicely cleared up Thor).

Hopefully the measurements are accurate, my Star Sportswear 48 at 20" on the shoulders is a bit snug, if this one is nearer 21" as stated by seller I'll be a happy man.

I don't mind the cowhide, not as nice as goat but I rather like the patina. Looking to get new knits from MASH and will probably replace the collar with real mouton (nice 'rust' shade). All assuming the fit is good.

Hopefully this will work out as a daily wearer.

 

[Treetopflyer]

Just as a heads up: AME is the Navy Enlisted rating for Aviation Structural Mechanic (Safety Equipment). They maintain an aircraft's internal systems (everything from cockpit air conditioning to ejection seats and hydraulic and pneumatic control systems).

Thor is correct. I can also add that the in the Navy Helo world, Maintainers were also Aircrewmen that rode in the back and were part of the crew. That is no longer the case. All Aircrewmen are Aviation Warfare Specialist (AWs). They were issued G-1s just like the Aviators.

 

[bn1966]

Any thoughts on who might have made this G1 folks?

 

[Atticus Finch]

It's hard to say for sure who made it, but it's an 80s or early 90s E-series jacket. Brill, Cooper, Orchard and several others made G-1s during this period. If I had to guess, I'd guess Orchard.

AF

 

[bn1966]

Thanks Atticus

 

[Big J]

I like that bn, it's a nice honest E-series jacket with some good wear and tear from use. A jacket with instant character.
You got it at a great price for a size 48 too!
As for the knits, I don't know how much MASH cost, but I got some really good replacement E-series knits from a guy on e-bay.
When I get home today, I'll try to send you a link to the seller.

 

[bn1966]

Thanks Big J,

I would appreciate your seller link. Wont need any breaking in on this one

 

[Deacon211]

Great find BN!

It looks very much like my early 90s G-1 which is no bad thing. Looking forward to seeing it restored in all its glory.

Deacon


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[bn1966]

Thanks Deacon,

If those shoulder measurements are correct this should make a nice 'wearer'. If that's the case will swap out the 'rust' mouton collar from my Star Sports Wear and splash out for knits. Larger sizes take a lot of finding!

 

[Big J]

Hi.

These are the replacement knits I got for my 1974 E-series.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/75-Wool-USN-G-1-Flight-Jacket-Cuff-Waistband-Set-/190587691607?

 

[bn1966]

Thanks Big J,

I have used them before for L2B / MA1 knits...recommended! Cheers again for the link

 

[Big J]

That's good to hear.

Bn1966, it kind of breaks my sentimental old heart that you're thinking of swapping out the collar for the one on your (also gorgeous) Star Sportswear.
I'm just thinking that it will trash the value of your Star Sportswear jacket, and that it might be better to send the new purchase to Aero (you're in the same country, after all) and ask Ken to replace the dynal collar with a rust or honey colored mouton one.
The cost couldn't be so different from asking a local shop to switch out the collars on two jackets, and you know that Aero can do the job.

 

[Deacon211]

Aero does some great work, no doubt. Here again is my 41 vintage 422a that was restored by Aero by its previous owner.






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[bn1966]

Big J,

You are right, it's been on my conscience that parting the Sportswear from it's collar might be a bit too naughty (if only the shoulders had been 21" I'd be sorted already).

I have a number of options, I can have a conversation with Aero as you suggest (thanks for the idea). I've used LW G1 collar restoration item in the past too & the local seamstress could do the fitting.

About to spring clean my collection to raise a bit of resto money.

Thanks for the 422A pics Deacon...wow...lovely piece of smutter, I've a big thing for these USN jackets now & have got my eyes peeled for something a bit older (it just needs to have big shoulders).

About to put my ELC M422A on the Bay

 

[Dumpster Diver]

WOW that cap looks like it was made for the G-1!!!

What a score on that Jacket!!! wow!!! could have put a zero on the end of the winning bid!

 

[Big J]

Big J,

You are right, it's been on my conscience that parting the Sportswear from it's collar might be a bit too naughty (if only the shoulders had been 21" I'd be sorted already).

I have a number of options, I can have a conversation with Aero as you suggest (thanks for the idea). I've used LW G1 collar restoration item in the past too & the local seamstress could do the fitting.

About to spring clean my collection to raise a bit of resto money.

Thanks for the 422A pics Deacon...wow...lovely piece of smutter, I've a big thing for these USN jackets now & have got my eyes peeled for something a bit older (it just needs to have big shoulders).

About to put my ELC M422A on the Bay

LW send out replacement collars? I didn't know that. LW G-1's have really great collars.