USN G-1 pockets really uneven, fixable?

[Bob Harley]

Hey Guys (and Gals)!

Here is my vintage 1966 Brill Bros G-1 bomber. Everything about the jacket seemed great, leather was in amazing condition, knits in great condition, and it also fit nicely. One problem however, became quickly noticeable after putting the Jacket on. The pockets are really uneven. Has anyone ever heard of this on old vintage G-1s? Is there a way to fix this or is it stuck as is? Thank-you so much for your help!

 

[Fanch]

That G-1 shouldn't have gotten through QC, although it might not have but sold or issued as a "second". However, keep in mind that it was designed and issued as flight gear. If I were you, I would just forget about the uneven pockets and simply enjoy the G-1 as is.

 

[Bob Harley]

Alright, that sounds like pretty good advice to me. Thanks for the feedback guys, I really appreciate it!

 

[Peacoat]

Moving the pockets should be fairly simple; the trick is hiding the stitch holes after relocation. We have had discussions about this in the past. Seems to me there was a post in the last couple of weeks by a member who mentioned ironing over the holes and they disappeared. Can't remember what else he did. Perhaps put a damp cloth between the iron and the leather?

Maybe our members who have successfully hidden stitch holes can chime in with their methods.

 

[Steve27752]

+ Opening up the lining.

 

[bn1966]

That difference in postion would really bug me! I'd willing put up with stitch holes instead...just my ten pence worth.

 

[Lean'n'mean]

Yeah the difference would bug me too. I'd get out my Swiss army knife, slip the blade under the right pocket flap & patch pocket to cut the threads. I would then move the leather square forward & position it so as to be symmetrical with the left hand pocket & hand sew it on. I'd then sew the flap on. As for the stitch holes, there will only be about half a pocket's worth if you get me, since the other half will be covered by the pocket. I would probably sew in some thick thread through the holes so it looks like an original decorative feature........as for the lining, I would look for an area that didn't show too much & cut a slit a few inches long so I have access to the back of the leather when sewing on the pocket & then sew up the cut when I've finished.Having access to the underside of the leather will also give me the option of glueing strips of thin leather accross the stitch holes. If not, I'd just sew all the way through, lining an all. Having visible stitches on the lining will bother me less than having badly placed pockets.

 

[Carlos840]

All you can do is decide if you are more bothered by visible stitching holes or uneven pockets!
You can't have both unfortunately.

Personally i would leave it as it is. It has been like that for 50 years, i would see it as a quirk and live with it.

 

[ButteMT61]

I'd hate that jacket if I bought it. Just being honest.
There are ways to fix holes. I'd go that route or sell it.

 

[galvestonokie]

at risk of sounding a bit Neanderthal, you can place the area of the jacket with exposed stitch holes after moving the pocket and hammer the stitch holes gently. this will close them. my guess is that you will be more concerned about the exposed stitch holes than anyone else. i doubt that too many ppl will look that close at your mid-section. enjoy your jacket

 

[Fanch]

Looking at the pictures more closely, it appears that the right cargo pocket is longer than the left unless I'm looking at an optical illusion. So, maybe repositioning one of the pockets might not eliminate the problem? Honestly, I doubt that anyone seeing you wearing the jacket would even notice the asymmetry. I still believe I'd leave well enough alone.

 

[bn1966]

They must have been drunk when putting those pockets on, either that or it was a practical joke

 

[Lean'n'mean]

, I doubt that anyone seeing you wearing the jacket would even notice the asymmetry.

And if they did, they'll probably think it's just a $49,99 'made in China' jobby he unwittingly bought off eBay.

 

[Deacon211]

I have used a method of putting glue in the holes and it can definitely reduce their appearance.

But with bigger holes and old ones at that, I'm not completely sure how well it would work. It might take a little careful leather dye matching to reduce the appearance of the holes even more. But I do wonder how the underlying jacket has bent and stretched due to the pocket. It might take some time for the leather to relearn the new pocket placement.


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[devilish]

The thing I would worry about more than stitch holes (which are fixable) is the leather under the pocket being a different colour or texture? Due to not being exposed to daylight or wear?
I couldn't live with the pockets like that. I'd sell it on.

 

[Peacoat]

The thing I would worry about more than stitch holes (which are fixable) is the leather under the pocket being a different colour or texture? Due to not being exposed to daylight or wear?
I couldn't live with the pockets like that. I'd sell it on.

A very good point about the difference in color or texture. I checked two of my G-1 jackets, a current issue and an early 60s model. I compared the top of the shoulder, where the jacket would get maximum sun exposure, to the area under the arm where the sleeve joins the body (armpit area) where there would be no sun exposure. There was no difference in color or texture, even after over 50 years of exposure. These goat jackets just don't develop much patina over the years. So I think he would be OK with that.

Now the question remains, how can he sort the problem with the stitch holes?

 

[Monitor]

The steaming method / ironing might help with reducing the stitch holes but it might not get rid of them completely. And yeah, you put a damp towel over the holes and iron it for a while. The steam should shrink the leather a tiny bit, just enough for the holes to become less visible. But it doesn't work with really thick leather, only mid to lightweight hides.

Rubbing that white liquid-y glue like Eco Flo mixed with a leather dye or even shoe polish was also reported to have done a very good job at hiding the holes.

Real question here is, which pocket should be moved? Maybe even the right one, 'cause that way most of the stitch holes would be hidden on the side of the jacket, under the arm.

 

[Skyhawk]

Yep probably a factory second. Here's the specs. Defects: Categories Major / Minor A / Minor B

It is doubtful that this jacket was issued. Probably sold as a factory second. These jackets are pretty cheap and available. If it bothers you I would sell it on and look for another.

I didn't read through the specs enough to make a call on what is considered too bad to issue. It has to do with the amount of defects present. But I believe it would not pass with a major defect like this on the pockets.

 

[Doctor Damage]

I didn't read through the specs enough to make a call on what is considered too bad to issue. It has to do with the amount of defects present. But I believe it would not pass with a major defect like this on the pockets.

If the pocket is the only flaw, and if it's still usable/functional (which it is, no matter how offensive it might aesthetically), it might have been issued and used. Perhaps not post-war, but during the war I bet the USN would have issued it.

 

[Skyhawk]

Could be. On my way out so I can't read through the specs right now. The defects present are added up to a total amount of "points" to pass or fail Q.C. This defect is in the Major category. Not sure how that translates to the tolerances allowed. I do know that I have never seen the pockets this far out of alignment before and I have handled a lot of issued G-1s.

It's probably more trouble than it's worth to move the pocket with so many of these jackets available at low prices.