I have mixed views about leather jackets, other than for motorcycle riding of course, although obviously I can appreciate Oli's forthcoming purchase for the thing of beauty that it is.
I've got a Schott A2 that I bought in Boston a few years ago, not quite in the same league but still a decent jacket and US made, I was surprised to see that they are. priced at £700+ in the UK now. I must try and wear it more often this winter but every time I go to put it on there always seems to be something better to wear, if you know what I mean. Leather just seems send out the wrong signals for me, must be me age dearie.
There's a danger of going down the costume route of some workwear wearers. I've also started to go down the Nylon route and the cloth flight jacket route as well. Again I'm aware of how easily I could look like I'm playing dress up. However at the same time I think if done right, I can still mix Ivy with US Militaria and Sportswear.
That said I was in the whistle yesterday and was as about as pure Ivy lleague look as I could manage. No chance to take pics unfortunately, but pretty happy I've nailed the look now.
That's excellent, Tommy. Love that midnight blue jacket.
Oli your the devil... I just sold my Cooper, the money's been put towards a second hand Aero or an Eastman A2
I brought a G1 for less than my Coop' cost me in the first place and though it's Goatskin as well, the quality knocks the newer jacket outta the way.
I still have a soft spot for Cooper's on the A2 front Tommy hehe...but plenty of excellent vintage G1s around for sensible moolah.... enjoy!
Will always buy a fair bit of vintage of course... got a corkin' 1940s Hercules recently which is the mutts...Bill Kelso is my man as far as modern shizzle goes....mainly cos the fit is spot on for meo...and they ain't as ludicrously priced as others in the same market...
My only issue with my g1 is its a lighter brown than the real dark seal brown shade you get. Still a coat of pecards has improved it and I might give it another to help it on its way?
Can anyone recommend where to get an A2 on a bit of a budget.
There's quite a few reasonably priced vintage items floating around the auction sites. I'm not sure if anything is presently available but keep an eye out. There's a seller on Etsy who specializes on old WWII stock and he's usually got some good stuff in his shop at varying price points. The vintage market on eBay is probably your best for anything > $500.
Has anyone come across this company before in London?
http://www.silvermans.co.uk/collections/clothing/products/gth-g1-usn-leather-flight-jkt?variant=4194607363
Worth the punt?
Georgie, if you want a G1, hold fire and I'll PM you some I've seen- I picked up a late 60s model for £80.
Anyone know of a really good quality leather cream?
I packed my jacket really tight in my luggage the other day and it's got some heavy creases and whiskers now in places that I'm not happy about. I'm hoping I can rub them out with some lotion or something. Any suggestions?
I've always found Saphire to be good on shoes, should be good on jackets too. Might be worth check if Fiebing make anything too.