Vintage G-1 brands to avoid?

[pjman]

I'm looking to purchase another vintage issued G-1, and I'd guidance on which brands to look for and those to avoid. I know that Irwin B. Foster and Martin Lane are considered better brands, but what about Imperial Leather and Star Sportswear? I have five issued G-1's in my collection (a '69 Martin Lane, '70 and '84 Brill Bros., an early '80's Ralph Edwards and an early '80's Cooper) and damned if I can tell much difference in the construction and workmanship, aside from some being goatskin and some cowhide. I'd love to have an early '60's C series jacket in my collection, but with my budget I'll probably be purchasing a late-'60's or 1970's D or E series. Any guidance on brands to pass on would be appreciated!

 

[Brettafett]

Hi there, I had an original Star Sportswear G-1 (mid 60's, I seem to recall it being a C series)... It was very nice. Construction, workmanship was very good. Mouton was that lovely soft red/mid brown... The goatskin was not thick, but had decent grain and draped beutifully. No hesitation recommending a Star. I let it go, cause the sleeves were just too short to be comfy for me, but I have that problem with every jacket. Good luck.

 

[pjman]

Hi there, I had an original Star Sportswear G-1 (mid 60's, I seem to recall it being a C series)... It was very nice. Construction, workmanship was very good. Mouton was that lovely soft red/mid brown... The goatskin was not thick, but had decent grain and draped beutifully. No hesitation recommending a Star. I let it go, cause the sleeves were just too short to be comfy for me, but I have that problem with every jacket. Good luck.

Thanks for the information on Star Sportswear jackets. I'll add that brand to the 'buy' list.

 

[Peacoat]

I agree with @Brettafett about Star Sportswear. Never heard anything negative about the company. I also have a 1962 Irwin B. Foster G-1 that is a well constructed jacket.

 

[pjman]

I agree with @Brettafett about Star Sportswear. Never heard anything negative about the company. I also have a 1962 Irwin B. Foster G-1 that is a well constructed jacket.

Thanks for your thoughts - looks like Star Sportswear jackets are keepers.

 

[El Marro]

I don’t think there are any brands to avoid when looking at the C and D series G-1’s. However, there are some differences as far as fit goes. If I recall correctly I remember reading that the Ralph Edwards jackets are cut a bit trimmer than the Star Sportswear.

 

[pjman]

I don’t think there are any brands to avoid when looking at the C and D series G-1’s. However, there are some differences as far as fit goes. If I recall correctly I remember reading that the Ralph Edwards jackets are cut a bit trimmer than the Star Sportswear.

Thanks - what do you know about the Imperial Leather G-1's?

 

[Fanch]

I have a 1963 Irvin B Foster G-1 that is also very nice. It is a size 44 but a bit trimmer in the lower torso than most other contracts. It is incredibly well preserved for a G-1 that is 55 years old that makes me think it was perhaps carefully stored for many years. Mine is much older than the 1964 G-1 that @Peacoat has!

 

[Peacoat]

I have a 1963 Irvin B Foster G-1 that is also very nice. It is a size 44 but a bit trimmer in the lower torso than most other contracts. It is incredibly well preserved for a G-1 that is 55 years old that makes me think it was perhaps carefully stored for many years. Mine is much older than the 1964 G-1 that @Peacoat has!

Hah, mine is a 1962. That goat just doesn't age much.

 

[Fanch]

Hah, mine is a 1962. That goat just doesn't age much.

I am concussed! I meant to say mine is much NEWER than your 1962.

 

[pjman]

I agree with @Brettafett about Star Sportswear. Never heard anything negative about the company. I also have a 1962 Irwin B. Foster G-1 that is a well constructed jacket.

I just bought a '71 D series Star Sportswear on the Bay! I'll post pics as soon as I get it.

 

[Peacoat]

I love this revived discussion of the G1. Although I have a Goodwear A-2, I am a fan of the G-1 and have several of them. I particularly like the larger build of the G-1 that allows for a sweater underneath. I use this to good effect when the temps are down around freezing—0 C and 32 F.

 

[bn1966]

Wish I could find an original that I could wear with a T Shirt underneath

 

[pjman]

Wish I could find an original that I could wear with a T Shirt underneath

I've found several great vintage issued G-1's on eBay, but most I see for sale are in the size 38-44 range. I'm a 42 R so it's fairly easy for me to find my size.

 

[bn1966]

I'm a 48 in the shoulders so need at least 21" in that department, sold my 48 Star Sportswear because it came in at about 20", had it cloned prior to selling it, sold the clone because the chest came out too narrow (shoulders were good)

 

[bn1966]

I've tried on an ELC G-1 the other day (48) and it fitted great, trouble is I'm finding it increasingly hard to justify spending the money repros are starting to cost these days & I've got a Monarch contract A-2 repro that I've yet to break in (stinking hot summer here)

 

[Fanch]

I love this revived discussion of the G1. Although I have a Goodwear A-2, I am a fan of the G-1 and have several of them. I particularly like the larger build of the G-1 that allows for a sweater underneath. I use this to good effect when the temps are down around freezing—0 C and 32 F.

When the weather gets at all cold I generally look for something else to wear, although I will say the mouton collar of the G-1 is far more effective at combating cool weather than the A-2. I remember going through USN pilot training in Pensacola in 1967, during which time we were required to open the canopy during take offs and landings, and recall both me and the my G-1 getting drenched on one particular landing but saw no ill effects regarding me or my G-1 after drying at room temperature.

 

[G-1_USN_USMC_USCG]

I have a 1963 Irvin B Foster G-1 that is also very nice. It is a size 44 but a bit trimmer in the lower torso than most other contracts. It is incredibly well preserved for a G-1 that is 55 years old that makes me think it was perhaps carefully stored for many years. Mine is much older than the 1964 G-1 that @Peacoat has!

Shipmate,
I am looking at a Irwin B. Foster G-1 on eBay in Size 46. I tend to fit a larger 46 to a 48. Based on your experience, would the IB Foster 46 be a bit snug for me? Just wondering if it is worth the bidding. Thanks
Cheers,
Mike