Russet colored A-2's

[otisg]

Yep, $161.00 on Ebay

 

[Tim P]

I aquired a slightly used Eastman Cable raincoat and this is proper russet grainy goatskin. I was always of a mind that a dark A2 was de rigeur but this cable has swayed me a little. the pocket flaps have sharpish points to it, the grain is so much nicer looking than some smooth jackets and being goat it is supple and easy to wear right from the start. The natural permanent creasing on places like the arms is also coming along nicely.
I got that jacket because it was my size and a bargain. i never saw myself owning such an item but now it sits next to a dark bitter chocolate ELC Star in stark contrast and I think it rocks.

Hate to say it but the Eastman Rough wear jackets leave me high and dry, I have owned two and I have found them restrictive and impossible to soften up. Not so with the Cable.
Sorry to go on so but I am so impressed and never thought I would be.

 

[D-Day-Doll]

I have a russett A-2 from Eastman. Its nice but the leather is very very stiff! I rarely wear it since its so stiff and won't break in. My husband's Gibson and Barnes A-2 is beautiful, he wears it everyday.

 

[Tim P]

hi Denise..
509

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

A2 addiction,..........

I own a Gibson & Barnes (Flight Suits) Historical A-2 in russet horsehide. It's their take on a generic prewar jacket with a collar stand. The general opinion is that their jackets are cut a bit on the full side through the body, but mine fits me quite well, I think. The hide is great, and after about five months of wear it has broken in very nicely, developing some nice grain.

But be forewarned, these jackets are like potato chips -- you can't have just one. I'm currently awaiting delivery of my Aero Indian goat in seal brown with rust knits. Should be here in a couple of weeks!

Cheers!

Is what you got, pal. I know,....I got it too! I got my russet horsehide and painted some nose art on the back about 2 months ago. Now I have that overwhelming urge to get another, and another, and another,..........
But in reality, having several jackets is justified. It's like shoes or any other article of clothing. If you wear just one, day in and day out, it would be worn out and run over in short order. I've got 3. So I think I need 4 more at least,.........one for every day of the week!

 

[CiscoKid]

Jerky Hide?

Hate to appear so naive guys but just what does "jerky" mean in reference to hides?
Also, I can't help but notice that U.S. Wings is conspicuously absent from almost all discussions. Are they really that inferior?
Again, pardon my ignorance.

 

[Doctor Strange]

US Wings essentially makes current-spec jackets, and although they have quite a variety of styles and hides available, they don't make any "historical reproductions". They make no attempt at proper wool knits, cotton linings, period-correct zippers, etc. - or the much-desired trimmer fit of old-time jackets. Their stuff is roughly equivalent to the modern-spec jackets make by Cooper and lots of other vendors.

There's nothing wrong with that - lots of these are well-made, comfortable, snazzy looking jackets, and the average man on the street accepts them as doing fine for carrying on the tradition. But for folks who have been bitten by the "repro" bug, US Wings (like Cooper, Avirex, etc.) just isn't considered a player.

Oh, and jerky refers to jackets made from unmatched hides that have a lot of conspicuous grain and scars - the idea being that this is closer to the made-on-the-quick-with-whatever-was-avaiable wartime jackets than the gorgeous, perfectly matched, superior hides of most modern high-end jackets.

 

[grant]

Here's a photo of my five year old RMNZ Dubow. Grant

 

[bgbdesign]

This is a russet Real McCoy Japan horsehide A-2 that I bought from Glen Sweeting, author of "combat flying clothing and another on flying equipment.
He told me that they sent it to him for helping them with details or something like that for the jackets they were making. I sold it but ended up buying it back again... When I saw it on greedbay
Ii had to have it!
It's a copy of a J.A. Dubow brand A-2 with no collar stand. Russet is a bit orange in color from an original.
bg

 

[CiscoKid]

Many Thanks

Sure appreciate the information, Doc Strange. One more piece in the puzzle, so to speak.

And Grant, I must say that is one fine jacket!

From what I've seen of RMNZ, they are the finest. Maybe I'll get one someday; right now, I'm searching for a decent 50's or 60's Military G1, maybe an A2.
Any suggestions are appreciated.

Cisco

 

[falcodriver]

Sure appreciate the information, Doc Strange. One more piece in the puzzle, so to speak.

And Grant, I must say that is one fine jacket!

... right now, I'm searching for a decent 50's or 60's Military G1, maybe an A2.
Any suggestions are appreciated.

Cisco

A lot will depend on the size you need, and your price range. You should be able to pick up a great G-1 for under $300, perhaps $200 from the 7823(aer) series ,circa 1950's, to the later a, b, c series though more likely a 'c' model. If you can handle a size 42 or smaller, you'll be in great shape, selection wise.
Keep your eyes on ebay, get a feel for prices, and above all, DON'T be in a rush. Another one always follows. Best of luck.

Hacker

 

[grant]

Cisco,
50's era G-1s are still readily available in sizes 38 - 42 at flea markets, vintage clothing stores and online auctions. Try and look out for 7823 series jackets that still have the USN stencil under the collar. I'm amazed how cheap these over forty year old jackets still are compared to how well they were made.

Grant

 

[CiscoKid]

Appreciate the advice

Thanks, falco & grant.
Yeah, I've been perusing ebay for over a week now and have seen quite a few 7823 series in my size (40-42). I'm really holding out for one with a real mouton collar but I realize that's not always a guaranteed feature.
I think I may have blown getting a pretty good one (cagleco 7823, very good condition) because it just seemed to be getting a little too exoensive.
Winner got it for $261.50. I guess that's pretty reasonable, huh?
Well, thanks again for the advice and for sharing your pics.
BTW falco, I thought those WW II m22a's were like hen's teeth; how cool that you have a couple!:cheers1:

 

[grant]

Cisco,
Yeah somebody got a nice deal on that Cagleco. But no need to worry though, something will come up again soon in your size. A couple months ago I bought a mint L.W. Foster 7823 for $40 at a NYC flea market. Just be patient and keep your eyes open.

Grant