Original Navy G-1 Repair

[Adam_N_TN]

I recently rediscovered my father’s old G-1 jacket in the attic. I believe it is early 60's vintage but the tag is long gone so I can't be sure. I want to restore it and pass it on to my daughter as a family heirloom.
Do any of you have recommendations as to who can clean it and replace the cuffs and waistband?
I know some of you would kill me for this but I am also considering having my father’s original ship and squadron patches sewn on to it as well. He passed away years ago, so naturally it is very sentimental to me. He was retired Navy so I like the idea of his career being displayed on his jacket rather than in a box. Any recommendations? Thanks!
Adam

Dad's G-1

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[Atticus Finch]

Your jacket's photo appears rather small on my screen, so I can't be sure of what I about to say, but I'm guessing your Dad's G-1 was made after 1969. It appears to have a dynal collar which would place it post mid-D series.

I would suggest joining this board and asking your restoration question to the members there. I know of several companies that have done restoration work in the past, but the guys on VLJ will probably know who is the best for the money right now.

http://www.vintageleatherjackets.org/

AF

 

[Atticus Finch]

I just clicked on the image of your jacket and was able to enlarge the photo so as to get a better look. It is a E-series jacket which would date it from 1971 or later. Guessing from the pocket shape, and what appears to be a thick goatskin shell...and the dynal collar, I would say it is a 1972 Star Sportswear. It is a great jacket and worth repairing, even if it wasn't part of your family's history.

AF

 

[Peacoat]

Atticus, great job!

I would wait on putting patches on the jacket until you know what you are going to do with it. The way it is now is the way your Father wore it, and that is the way I would keep it if it were me.

If you get the patches in the wrong place, the jacket will lose its authenticity. Had your Father patched it and worn it that way, it would be fine, and would be part of jacket's history. But he chose to wear it un--patched, maybe because of his units regulations, or maybe because of another reason? But whatever the reason, that's the way he and the jacket went through history together.

 

[captaincaveman1]

Fixed link.

Yeah I'd say get it fixed up first then think long and hard about the unit patches. Perhaps after wearing it awhile w/o the patches you might prefer it that way. But should you add them, the stitch holes will be irreversible.

 

[Adam_N_TN]

Thanks for the info! I know he wore it till he retired in 1978 then I took possesion of it. I proudly wore the jacket all through school until I graduated. It ceased to fit so into the closet and later the attic it went.
The date you say it is does make some sense. I have another G-1 that he gave my mom and I think it is dated 1971. He might have got them together.
I just wish I could talk my brother out of dads old WEP jacket.

Mom's G-1.

 

[too much coffee]

Hello Adam!

Welcome to the Lounge. I agree w/Atticus, Peacoat and captaincaveman1 about leaving off the patches.
My reason would be if your G-1 should happen to walk (and someone lifted my A-2 while vacationing in Spain) at least you would still have Dad's patches. An idea would be to take the patches and any other accoutrements and appurtenances you might have from Dad's Navy service and place them in a shadow box where you could proudly display them in your home.
There is a place here in Tucson that could sew new knits on for you. You supply the materials and they would charge you about $70.00. Not exactly a bargain but they are very good.
Great looking jacket!
Regards, coffee

 

[too much coffee]

Darn I forgot to insert in my previous post.............You said you didn't want his patches displayed in a box but I will tell you, done right it is a continual reminder of ones service to the Nation and of course remembrance of the veteran himself.

 

[Atticus Finch]

Mom's G-1 is a 1971 Brill Brothers...the very first of the E-series jackets. This firms up my opinion that your jacket is a 1972 Star as '72 was the first E-series Star Sportswear contract. Your jacket's thick, dark-seal goatskin makes me believe its a Star...as opposed to a Brill, like your Mom's. Brill Brothers jackets tended to have a more russet finish.

BTW, the 1971 Brill and the 1972 Star were the only black-tag, E-series G-1s.

AF

 

[Adam_N_TN]

Thanks for all the advice, info and comments. I will take your opinions under advisement. It was mentioned about the possibility of it getting stolen. I considered having an RFID anti-theft thingy sewn into it but I don't know if that would do any good. Have any of you ever heard of this being done?
I don't know why he didn't patch the jacket. I do know he was very proud of his country and service but he didn't show it off. Over the years I have come to think he just felt he was doing his duty and didn't expect a reward. He was quite reserved and kept things to himself. Not really sure if it was all his personality or if it was because of events during his service.
One of the many fond memories I have of him is that whenever a Corsair II or a Skyhawk (I guess he knew the engine sounds) would be approaching the house he would stop whatever he was doing and dart outside to catch a glimpse of it as it passed by. Boy, he would have grin on his face for the rest of the day.