MA-1 Flight jacket

[kowalski]

Slight diversion, but the relentless rain over here has me considering a hooded MA-1 or N-2B. Any recommendations for makes/sourcing them? Alpha seem to be popular, but wondering if there other equally good makes or is it worth looking for a vintage one?

Hi Sloan 1874
I am using Alpha N2B contrakt jacket made in 93 y Despite the size of Large all the jackets CONTRAKT are very short( I like it) In contrakt MATERIAL IS THICK AND robust

 

[jswindle2]

Slight diversion, but the relentless rain over here has me considering a hooded MA-1 or N-2B. Any recommendations for makes/sourcing them? Alpha seem to be popular, but wondering if there other equally good makes or is it worth looking for a vintage one?

I went with the Knox Armory N-2B and it's fantastic. Check out Sportsmans Guide.com. They usually have them for under $100 US.

 

[Doctor Strange]

If you're going for an N-2B, I've usually found the best prices on Alpha jackets (their Alpha line, not their budget Knox Armory line) are at the Barre Army Navy Store:

http://shop.vtarmynavy.com/alpha-industries-outerwear-c415.aspx

 

[Grayland]

If you're going for an N-2B, I've usually found the best prices on Alpha jackets (their Alpha line, not their budget Knox Armory line) are at the Barre Army Navy Store:

http://shop.vtarmynavy.com/alpha-industries-outerwear-c415.aspx

Wow, I haven't seen that store before. I'm strongly considering a N3-B and the Alpha model looks to be a decent buy. Made in China, but most of the vintage ones I've seen on ebay are pretty beat up and still cost more than the Alpha.

 

[schitzo]

Slight diversion, but the relentless rain over here has me considering a hooded MA-1 or N-2B. Any recommendations for makes/sourcing them? Alpha seem to be popular, but wondering if there other equally good makes or is it worth looking for a vintage one?

Sloan, there's a Scottish company called Aero (perhaps you've heard of them?) who sometimes do customisations. Maybe if you ask them nicely they might knock you up something suitable. It's probably worth a shot, especially given your proximity.

HTH

 

[Sloan1874]

Thank you gentlemen, all very helpful. Shall keep an eye out on t'Bay too. Bloody weather shows no sign of abating any time soon. :eeek:

 

[kowalski]

My jacket MA1 from the auction is already in my house. eace: Difference is big between the jacket oryginal alpha MA1 vs repro alpha MA1

Oryginal MA1 ; color - dark oliv \ repro - sage green
lining - orange \ repro sage green
SHELL and Lining -very thick \ repro- thinner

Oryginal MA1 is heavier ( plus minus 0,5 kg)



And my N2B

Sloan only flyers made in USA , best contract. This is a guarantee of a good purchase. Jacket made in China it's a bad idea,after the first wash are like handkerchiefs

 

[Sloan1874]

Good to know. I'll keep an eye out for that.

 

[regius]

The best MA-1 in my opinion, is the Steven McQueen The Hunter jacket, which I happened to own one identical. It's a 60s Alpha Industries with vertical wind flap stitching and dark orange lining.

 

[Smithy]

The best MA-1 in my opinion, is the Steven McQueen The Hunter jacket, which I happened to own one identical. It's a 60s Alpha Industries with vertical wind flap stitching and dark orange lining.

I have a soft spot for the L-2 with the oxygen tab but good luck finding an original in mint condition for less than a small fortune!

 

[Atticus Finch]

The best MA-1 in my opinion, is the Steven McQueen The Hunter jacket, which I happened to own one identical. It's a 60s Alpha Industries with vertical wind flap stitching and dark orange lining.

I've seen that movie and noticed the unique windflap. Could you post a photo of your jacket's spec tag? Thanks!

AF

 

[bn1966]

I would also like to see the Steve McQueen please

 

[kowalski]

I've seen that movie and noticed the unique windflap. Could you post a photo of your jacket's spec tag? Thanks!

AF

hi Accticus

jacket's spec tag my alpha MA1 repro vitage series ? . Oryginal Alpha MA1 \foto spec tag on the previous page is pasted.
St McQu. in Huter It has MA1 jacket which have flaps closure pocket and wind strip zipp with vertical seams.
My jacket MA1 not identical he had in the film , but still it is always MA1 family. (and pants LEE and rolex submariner ) Buy exactly the same jacket it miracle now

 

[Doctor Damage]

For what it's worth, here's the auction sale of the jacket worn by McQueen:
http://www.invaluable.com/catalog/viewLot.cfm?afRedir=true&lotRef=34bf0d7028&scp=c&ri=592

 

[kowalski]

It also is not

See the difference wind flap\panel zipp - Oryginal has vertical seams. Your link jacket seams on the bias

 

[Doctor Damage]

See the difference wind flap\panel zipp - Oryginal has vertical seams. Your link jacket seams on the bias

Well spotted:


That means the auction jacket was (1) a fake, (2) or was one of several jackets used in the film, (3) or the jacket worn by McQueen in close-ups had the extra stitching added. It must be remembered that movie people often modify stuff, which means you can only rarely go into a store and buy the exact same thing. Does anyone know if original military issue jackets had vertical stitching?

 

[archbury918]

On the subject of McQueen, I recently picked up this definitive coffee table book covering his filmography.
Can't recommend it enough!

There are many photos of him in the jacket from that film.

http://www.daltonwatson.com/homepag...e-mcqueen-the-actor-and-his-films/theclash-21

 

[Atticus Finch]

The reason I would like to see the Steve McQueen jacket's tag is to determine what series it is. Issued 1980s Alpha F-series jackets have vertical stitching on the windflap. They are the "ground crew" MA-1s that were made after the jacket was no longer authorized for flight. They have polyester insulation, not wool, and they have green liners, not orange. Otherwise, I don't recall seeing an original Alpha contract with vertical windflap stitching.

AF

Post Edit: I know it has an orange liner, but the McQueen jacket really looks like an F-series MA-1 to me. Or a repro. It has pocket flaps and they didn't appear on MA-1s until the E-series jackets were introduced in the early seventies...

 

[kowalski]

Hi AF

sory , now my camera refused to work , here is the link to my place of purchase my MA1 Alpha vintage series , are the details and is also a photo tags

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-ALP...=US_CSA_MC_Outerwear&var=&hash=item232ea1cee4

 

[bn1966]

The great Vintage series