Well... the final countdown got extended...
John found that it will take a bit more of testing about certain aspects of my jacket to made it right.
So... I have to wait until those aspects get sort.
It is a great exercise to show myself that patience is a good asset.
In the meantime the countdown continues...:cry:
Visited John Chapman of Goodwear last week, SAT review.
I was in Seattle for the holidays and paid John a visit. I was checking out his shop and trying on some jackets and considering ordering one. Not wanting to wait 6 months for one i asked if he had any available for sale. To my surprise he pulled out his prototype for Security Aviation Togs model and said that it looks like it will fit and fit it did. So i bought it, then he took out the California Ventura that he modeled his after, so i bought another jacket...
SAT
GW's first prototype of this jacket in Seal Brown HH.
Leather
The leather is simply beautiful, i had a stack of new GW jackets in front of me and this color and texture resonated with me the most. It is thick and has a deep moist color, although it is a little squeaky.
Picture below is after about a week of wear and some HWT to tighten the waist and streach the shoulders. It is already taking shape and breaking in nicely.
Fit
This is a size 46 and it is just about right. I have a 43 chest and 33 waist, stand about 5'8 and weigh 175 lbs. I followed JC's instructions to HWT the jacket to shrink the waist and streach the shoulders for greater movement. Worked out fine. Like Redwing boots, I expect the jacket to fit better the more i wear it. Currently layering with a wool sweater for the winter, pics are with just a shirt. It fits like a sports coat so i will not be doing gymnastics in it. As opposed to the G1 that fits more like a parka which is much easier to move around in.
Construction
Quality is top notch and JC's passion for his craft shows throughout. I love getting stuff from local Seattle craftsmen and getting to know the maker. JC is a super nice guy that is truly passionate about his craft.
Details
I am not a A2 collector so could not point to all the fine details of the SAT jacket, but the pocket buttons are different from other A2s and easy to spot. Others more experienced think this is a good repro. I'd prefer to have an original but doubt that i would be able to find a wearable original SAT in my size, so this repro will have to do till then
Verdict
Great quality, fit requires some break-in depending on your body style, superb leather and great guy to do business with.
Here are a coule of pictures.
California Ventura
This jacket needs lots of restoration, the cotton threads have rotted away but the leather and metal are in good condition. My tailor is taking it apart and resewing the entire jacket and relining it with gaberdine. Will post the completed restoration in another thread.
I love the jacket and you look great in it. I ordered a 39 Werber from John about a month ago. I'm wondering how long to get mine. I want to blouse it like the soldiers in WWII.
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