Phew there is me worried i had too many at 15! haha! 7 Excelled , 3 Brill 2 Imperial 1 Edwards 2 Cooper .Ok, I just counted and I actually have 18 G-1 jackets in total. That’s more than I ever planned on having but that’s the nature of being a collector, I suppose. Afew I haven’t worn in a while but haven’t gotten around to selling. Others (like my original H. L. Block M-422a) are worn on special occasions and are not among my everyday “beaters”.
The only bespoke jacket is my BK M-422 Willis and Geiger repro, tho I did buy a used Lost Worlds G-1 which is extremely nice.
I really prefer finding a used, government issue G-1 (I’ve even sleuthed out details about the pilots who originally owned them, which is half the fun in collecting G-1’s).
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@Peter 1956 I can see why you horde these Excelled G-1’s! The leather is really impressive and looks identical to the hide on my 1950’s LW Foster as well as my early 60’s Ralph Edwards. And the fact that they aren’t cut as short in the body as those earlier jackets make them a winner. I’d venture to say that these first Navy contract Excelled’s are an exceptional value (I got my size 48 for a hundred bucks) and a great choice for anyone starting their G-1 collection.
Imperial Leathers G-1, I think it’s from the 70’s.
I replaced the fake collar for a rust mouton from Aero and new wool knits.
I think it turned out alright.
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On my Excelled G-1 I added an inside drop-pocket on the right side of the lining (I used a heavyweight canvas pouch that was formerly a Willis & Geiger belt bag). It’s large enough for a pair of gloves, any size cel phone, maps, envelopes, airline boarding pass, passport or just about any medium size items that won’t fit in the front patch pockets.
The good thing about finding an economy priced used leather jacket is that you don’t mind experimenting a bit (I don’t think I’d attempt this “field modification” on an expensive, bespoke $1,000 jacket!).
Great jacket you can never have enough Excelled ones haha!View attachment 113961 View attachment 113960 View attachment 113958
On my Excelled G-1 I added an inside drop-pocket on the right side of the lining (I used a heavyweight canvas pouch that was formerly a Willis & Geiger belt bag). It’s large enough for a pair of gloves, any size cel phone, maps, envelopes, airline boarding pass, passport or just about any medium size items that won’t fit in the front patch pockets.
The good thing about finding an economy priced used leather jacket is that you don’t mind experimenting a bit (I don’t think I’d attempt this “field modification” on an expensive, bespoke $1,000 jacket!).
I just received a repro G-1. You lads (and ladies) are in for a TREAT!
Anyone considering ordering a repro G-1 or are looking for G-1... WAIT...
You are going to want to see this.
Great news, Brettafet. How does the sizing run? I guess you'd have to get it right the first time - returning something to UK could get expensive.