New A-1 jacket from Original Flightjackets, horsehide, crafted in Germany, PICS

[JanSolo]

Yesterday (upon a pre-Christmas visit at their shop) I was allowed to take a couple of pictures of Original Flightjacket’s ( www.original-flightjackets.com ) latest addition to their product range. It’s their brand new horsehide A-1. That jacket really is a stunner!!

By far the most luxurious and best fitting A-1 I’ve seen and handled so far.
It’s an A-1 that finally fits like a glove and not like a balloon. No excessive leather on the sides and the back and nice slim sleeves.

This jacket is not meant to be a super accurate replica of any specific A-1 but it’s merely an amalgamation of the best looking and most practical features paired with the best workmanship and the best (read hardest wearing) materials available. A dream-A-1 if you wish...
In my opinion a jacket that is quality-wise on par with ANY other premium manufacturer and might even succeed them in certain aspects. (lining, buttons, knits)

Here are some of the specs I remember from the long and pleasant conversation with Sascha Wolf (owner and founder):

• Horsehide A-1 made from either seal brown pure aniline horsehide or mid brown oil-pull horsehide, all chrome tanned, good weight and very pliable
• Updated pattern, slim and slender proportions, higher armholes, longer torso to accommodate modern styles of trousers
• (a wider and roomier pattern is also available)
• Jacket is entirely crafted in Germany, using German components, sewn on German Dürkopp-Adler machines with olive drab gauge 30 thread for all seams
• Heavyweight (check picture) but very smooth cotton sateen body lining (12 oz) in olive-bronze
• Super thick rayon viscose sleeve lining manufactured to German mil-spec
• Real horn buttons with abalone mother-of-pearl stay buttons
• Full leather facings for greater durability (and good looks)
• One leather bound inside pocket
• Super dense and thick 100% merino cuffs and waistband which are VERY tightly knitted (even tighter and heavier than Aero’s olive B-10 knits…)

Some pics to share (sorry, no tree and no goofy self-timer shots, this time)

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYBODY !!

 

[majormajor]

An excellent looking jacket. Thanks for sharing

 

[apba1166]

I'd like an A1 by somebody....now even more good choices. Would like to see the aniline. Did Sascha say when they may be for sale?

 

[JanSolo]

From what I remember the jacket is available now. A full set of jackets (40-48) was just completed. I've seen them on hangers. No problem with short or long sizes. Even stout figures can be served..they just have to order the fuller cut pattern A-1. If a jacket needs to be made wait time is usually around 4-8 weeks, sometimes only 2-4 weeks.

The jacket shown is a size 38 long made from dark brown pure aniline horsehide. Their oil-pull hh very much looks like Aero's oil-pull leather although it's not made by the same tannery. Thickness of both leathers is comparable to Aero's midweight hides but probably a bit heavier.

 

[spike42]

Wow, thanks for sharing. I too would love to have something that fits less like a pumpkin! Looking at the currency conversion rates
kinda took my breath away, however! Awesome jacket in any event.

 

[Aerojoe]

Jacket is entirely crafted in Germany, using German components, sewn on German Dürkopp-Adler machines with olive drab gauge 30 thread for all seams

Who's the manufacturer? This shop has a lot of great looking jackets but some of the makers are totally unknown. For instance, this Messerschmitt looks gorgeous;

http://www.original-flightjackets.c...sserschmitt-Flight-Jacket-Typ-A-black::2.html

...but I don't know who's this maker, Messerschmitt.

 

[Equality 7-2521]

Looks superb! Although it seems to me that the A-1 listed on the website is not quite the same as the one you pictured here? The pockets seem higher and possibly larger on the website.

 

[Ishmael]

Thanks for the pics and details Jan. There's just something about an A-1! And that's a beaut!

 

[nick123]

Where's the tree in the background? Taken indoors, I'd at least expect a Christmas tree!

 

[JanSolo]

No, the new one is not listed and described yet. The one shown on the site is the standard Aero version which is sort of ill-fitting if you are taller and not overweight.

The Messerschmitt brand is owned by Original Flightjackets / Wolf Continental. Those jackets are manufactured by the same small family business that makes the new A-1.
The Messerschmitts are truly great jackets if you are looking for a Luftwaffe style jacket. Absolutely in the same league with every Aero and Eastman jacket. Horsehide, brushed moleskin lining, RiRi zippers (the BEST zippers), Prym snaps etc.

 

[Equality 7-2521]

Oh I see, yes it didn't look quite as sharp as the one you listed here, no wonder then . Thanks for the information as always.

 

[Aerojoe]

The Messerschmitt brand is owned by Original Flightjackets / Wolf Continental. Those jackets are manufactured by the same small family business that makes the new A-1.
The Messerschmitts are truly great jackets if you are looking for a Luftwaffe style jacket. Absolutely in the same league with every Aero and Eastman jacket. Horsehide, brushed moleskin lining, RiRi zippers (the BEST zippers), Prym snaps etc.

Good to know it The Luftwaffe jacket and the A-1 you posted look both great.

 

[pauleway]

Jan - very nice jacket. I do prefer the A-1 that is shown on their website, but both very nice jackets!

 

[Gancho]

Wow!!!

Jan, thank you for posting pictures of my next jacket. I love the A1, but all I seen till now are tents. The Aero A1 is based on their house A2, the 42-15142. Will was willing to make me an A1 based on the Bronco, but I think my chances to get this are below zero.
So I more than glad to see this.

Merry x-mas,

Olli

 

[Peacoat]

No, the new one is not listed and described yet. The one shown on the site is the standard Aero version which is sort of ill-fitting if you are taller and not overweight.

The Messerschmitt brand is owned by Original Flightjackets / Wolf Continental. Those jackets are manufactured by the same small family business that makes the new A-1.
The Messerschmitts are truly great jackets if you are looking for a Luftwaffe style jacket. Absolutely in the same league with every Aero and Eastman jacket. Horsehide, brushed moleskin lining, RiRi zippers (the BEST zippers), Prym snaps etc.

Both of those are nice jackets, but I really like the Messerschmitts jacket. If I didn't already have an Eastman Luftwaffe jacket, I would be on this one in a minute. Thanks for posting the pics.

 

[JanSolo]

Thanks, chaps. (Merry Xmas btw) Yes, both the Messerschmitts (A, B, +C) and the A-1 are stunning jackets. Their soft and pliable (nonetheless thick and substantial) leather offers an incredible amount of comfort. The A-1 almost felt like a cloth jacket when I tried it on. A very suprising and pleasant experience...

Their JV44 is also something really special...

Here are some facts I pinched from their site:

Specification sheet:

Authentic reproduction of the only officially commissioned German Luftwaffe flight jacket of WWII. Entirely handmade in Germany.
Historically accurate pattern that offers both comfort and clean looks.
Mineral tanned, aniline dyed Italian grade A horsehide. A lavish and luxurious leather that needs to be seen and touched to be fully appreciated.
Big merino mouton collar with a very soft and dense fur. The collar can be turned up and fastened with a press button throat latch.
Front closure via real horn buttons and press stud storm flap.
Zippered cuffs with press stud latch. Additional internal storm cuffs seal out drafts.
One external breast pocket with vertical entry.
One internal map pocket with zip closure.
Internal waist drawstring for a snug fit.
Smooth and durable rayon Serge lining, manufactured in Germany according to TL standard.
Swiss made premium RiRi zippers.
Buttons and press studs made by Stocko and Prym, Germany.
Jacket is available in both black and dark brown horsehide
Sizes from 36 to 52, long and short sizes available.

 

[Windward]

This is what I like on Christmas . . . new jackets, unfortunately this year not for me.
Stunning jacket! Do we see also new shell cordovan shoes!?

 

[JanSolo]

What do you mean, Windward? Those ankle boots that I'm wearing? I wish they were shell cordovan (!)... but they are just plain brown calfskin.
But they are very well made and my master cobbler Marco Gräfe completly rebuilt the stacked leather heel, put a new edgetrim on, and resoled them with natural plantation crepe.
Here's a better pic:

 

[Windward]

I love these boots and never thought that a contrast sole looks so good. A real Master cobbler is hard to find and like a family doctor....good job.
And as always - thanks for the great pics!

 

[JLStorm]

Great review as always Jan. But no goofy self timed tree shots??? You realize that we look forward to the humorous yet super detailed reviews of yours right? So, technically, I think you owe us a few extra humorous shots with the pre-requisite tree in the background in your next review