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Made in China - Monarch A-2 repros

thor

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,007
Location
NYC, NY
I ordered the size 46. I checked the measurements, emailed Barry (the sales rep on eBay) and rolled the dice. Sleeve length is always my greatest concern. But the jacket fits perfect. The leather sleeve is 24 inches and there is a 3 inch cuff. The cuffs are a wool blend and pretty sustantial (tighter knit then the 2.5 inch all wool original cuffs). All in all, I am very satisfied.
 

thor

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,007
Location
NYC, NY
I will get some close-ups as soon as possible, probably have some real free time this weekend. Stay tuned....
 

too much coffee

Practically Family
Messages
912
Location
Not too far from Spokane, WA
Hello thor!

Your new jacket fits you well and I like the looks of the jacket itself. You're a brave man for being the first on the Forum to order Chinese Monarch and I tip my hat to you Sir. Perhaps the grain will start to pop once you wear it in the wet; salt water and rain. Good luck with the jacket.

Best regards, coffee
 

thor

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,007
Location
NYC, NY
Thank you coffee! And you are right...already in the high flex areas (shoulders, elbows, underarms) where there is alot of creasing action, the grain is definitely coming out! I'm actually looking forward to some more rain!

And this jacket has a lighter tan/khaki thread stitching so the contrast once it's well broken in (graining, creasing, top coat wearing off revealing the reddish-tan undercoat and the khaki-tan stitching) should be quite appealing.
 

jon z

One of the Regulars
Messages
265
Location
Southampton England
thor - I'm sure those links are very much appreciated by those who subscribe to facebook but for those of us that don't I for one find it frustrating that I can't view the images of your jacket. Any chance you could post here directly? Cheers
 

thor

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,007
Location
NYC, NY
Sorry jon z (and any other folks who can't access the links). I need to find a way to post the pic from my digital camera memory card directly to FL. I am using a new laptop and still figuring the darn thing out! :)
Posting to a public site like facebook was the quickest (temporary) solution to getting the pics out.

As soon as I get more free time I will post directly to FL.
 

HackerF15E

Familiar Face
Messages
66
Location
Oklahoma
Interesting. Very interesting. Great pics! Give the Chinese some time and they'll probably fix the flaws...then, watch out!

At some point, though, the Chinese-made jackets will lose their price advantage.

I just yesterday read an article that was talking about how some Chinese manufacturing businesses are resorting to imports from Bangladesh because the labor in China (given recent increases in regulation) just isn't as cheap as it has been.
 

Justhandguns

Practically Family
Messages
780
Location
London
At some point, though, the Chinese-made jackets will lose their price advantage.

I just yesterday read an article that was talking about how some Chinese manufacturing businesses are resorting to imports from Bangladesh because the labor in China (given recent increases in regulation) just isn't as cheap as it has been.

This is true, Nike, have in fact moved a lot of their lines to Vietnam as the cost of labour increases in China. The remain lines are the newer lines or premium lines over there. I am currently having my holiday in HK, the amount of 'rich' PRC tourists is beyond believe. 9 out of 10 carry a huge bag or stuffs from Gucci, LV, Prada, etc etc.
 

thor

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,007
Location
NYC, NY
I would rate the Made-in-China A-2 as better then The Cockpit and on par with Gibson & Barnes, though heavier duty horsehide in the Chinese A-2 but more authentic pocket dimensions in a G&B (the Chinese A-2 does have a pocket that is about half and inch taller then normal). The G&B horsehide A-2 jackets don't have much grain to them and the hide seems a bit thin, IMHO.
The Made-in-China A-2 is well worth the price (and cheaper then either The Cockpit or G&B).

I like how the jacket is weathering and the grain is starting to show. The thick hide is really conforming to my shape as I continue to wear it. I may even order another one (probably a light seal brown or seal brown A-2 without a stand collar).

Thank you all for the many positive replies re. the Made-in-China A-2.
 

Bonneville

One of the Regulars
Messages
173
Location
Canada
I looked into tanning in China a while ago. I'm not saying that all are as bad as the ones I've seen images and text on, but I'll not be buying Chinese leather goods until there's a way I can ascertain that there's some checkable element of animal welfare in the Chinese leather industry.

I so agree on this point! Sorry. Esthetically I see very little difference between it and so many other mid price A2s. I find pictures aren't very good at transmitting leather quality, one way or the other.
 
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thor

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,007
Location
NYC, NY
Yessir, deanglen, I wear the ol' collar snapped down. After a while it gives a stand collar that nice well-worn roll.

I respect everyone's opinion on the subject, but as far as ascertaining animal welfare in the Chinese leather industry, well, that's above my paygrade, as they say :)

I am very happy with the jacket and the leather is thick yet flexible, a gorgeous caramel brown, and is breaking in wonderfully! I get many compliments on the jacket and it fits me like it was custom made for me.
 

PADDY

I'll Lock Up
Bartender
Messages
7,425
Location
METROPOLIS OF EUROPA
Eastman=piracy

That type of public statement is not acceptable in this particular forum.
PM (use the Private Message function) me please 'within' the next 24 hours- ASAP, Okay? just to sort guidelines out that are beneficial to be aware of.

Thankyou for your cooperation.

PADDY M - (Bartender / TFL Admin Team).
 
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