Imperial Leather & Sportswear G1 jacket: My opinion.

[lucky23]

I just bought a 1976 contract Imperial G1 jacket in great condition. I did a bit of research on them and read varying reports. My humble opinion is this: The leather is thick and bullet-proof, which is great for me since I'll use it for a riding coat around town. It holds its shape well and the cut is great, almost slimming compared to my two Schott G1s. Yes, the leather is squeaky and stiff, but I just slathered it in Lexol so we'll see how that helps. The construction is quality and the dark brown color is great and classic looking. I paid a bit much for it ($135) but it really is a damn well made G1. Ill post some pix later after it's conditioned. For a beater/daily jacket, it's perfect.

 

[robrinay]

I had one a few years ago but chopped it in on eBay and used the money to buy a Gibson and Barnes to replace it. I liked the fit but was disappointed with the fake mouton collar and toyed with replacing it with real mouton - even bought an old mouton coat (still got it) to cannibalise.
The G and B is softer goat skin and is a prime example of 'vanity sizing' I'm a 44" chest and 6'1" tall and the 40 regular G and B fits me perfectly.

 

[Atticus Finch]

I have a couple of Imperials. Both were given to me. Thick, tough jackets that make great "beaters"...but they're noisy. Of all the original G-1s, I agree that they would make the best moto jackets.



AF

 

[lucky23]

Heres some pix. Stylistically, I love the fact that it doesn't have epaulets.