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  1. thor

    Why are original G-1 jackets so cheap compared to A-2s?

    Yeah, leave it to the haute couture fashionista's to bastardize the classic beauty and elegance of an A-2 or G-1. I'm so glad that vintage workwear and military surplus style has been embraced by some small market manufacturers (like Eastman or Pike Bros. for example) and that we have many...
  2. thor

    Why are original G-1 jackets so cheap compared to A-2s?

    In the 1980's, the A-2 was a top "civvy fashion jacket" when everyone was wearing those slouchy, over-sized lamb skin Avirex A-2's. Watch any Hollywood movie or TV show made during that time and someone is usually sporting an Avirex A-2 (sometimes with the sleeves pulled up to the elbows!)...
  3. thor

    Famous People in Flight Jackets

    They have one of Amelia's original leather jackets (along with many, many other historic aviation items) at the San Diego Air & Space museum. It's a great place to see lots of different types of aircraft as well as an actual Mercury space capsule.
  4. thor

    Famous People in Flight Jackets

    In WWII, RAF fighter pilots left the top button of their tunics unbuttoned to signify their status. Also there is the oft-mentioned red silk lining of an A-2 jacket for USAAF fighter aces. I think fighter pilots always distinguished themselves, one way or another.
  5. thor

    AN-J-3 liner options

    I agree with Bunyip; offering a mil-spec "authentic" version and a "civilian" version seems like the way to go. There were quite afew civilian jacket manufacturers back then that copied military jackets (hence the many WWII references to "private purchase" jackets that were worn in combat by...
  7. thor

    Lost Worlds jackets.

    Strokes1251, the grain on that LW A-2 is magnificent! When LW horsehide really breaks in, it's truly incomparable. Awesome jackets.
  8. thor

    US Authentic (flightjacket.com) A2 fit.

    I am 6' 1" with a 43" chest. I used to have a U.S. Authentic A-2 in a size 44 Long. It had a military trim fit. A size 46 would have been a looser fit but still acceptable. I think the 48 would have been way too large for me.
  9. thor

    Avirex A2 identification.

    Just a guess, but it looks like an early 1980's jacket and the leather looks like cowhide. Later jackets had much better knits and (usually) a one-piece back as they tried to be more authentic in their line of A-2's. Also, later jackets were clearly labeled "genuine goatskin" or "genuine...
  10. thor

    A-2 Jacket

    And the Mk 31 G&B has a SILK lining! Very, very nice.
  11. thor

    A-2 Jacket

    Also of note, some A-2 makers use very thin, lightweight goatskin with no character or heft to it. Others use a more substantial weight of goatskin (Aero, Goodwear, Lost Worlds, etc). Vintage, vegetable tanned full grain goatskin does develop some amazing patina and is very abrasion resistant...
  13. thor

    My Modified A-2; how's the fit?

    There's also Pop's Leather. He makes all sorts of airline and military pilot flight jackets with all conceivable options including an A-2 with G-1 gussets, zip-out linings, detachable fur collars, thinsulate lining, gun pockets, Velcro name tags, etc, etc. I've heard that many USAF guys got...
  14. thor

    USN M421-A

    I'd say they're a bit on the large size with longish sleeves (I'm tall so the fit for me was spot on).
  15. thor

    USN M421-A

    Haley Enterprises sells a nice copy of the M-421B on eBay, all sizes, for $110 with free shipping. I've got one and it's definitely worth the price.
  16. thor

    How warm is the A2 and M422 / G1?

    I think the Navy chose rayon as a flight jacket lining because cotton tends to rot easily in a salt water/salt air environment while rayon is more water/weather/salt resistant. They also made blood chits out of rayon because, aside from lasting longer in salt water and wet jungle conditions...
  17. thor

    A-2 Jacket - Interior Modifications?

    Sporty's and The Cockpit make modern USAF A-2 jackets with built-in pockets.
  19. thor

    My Repaired H&L Block AN6552

    Great jacket! Looks like Shaul did a very nice job with the replacement knits and collar. I didn't know he had access to replacement mouton in that nice mid/light brown color. Congrats on the cool jacket. Wear it in good health!
  20. thor

    Coldest Weather I've been in

    NYC is getting drenched in a Nor'easter (a prelude to Hurricane Joaquin); cold and raw with gusty winds and lots of rain. Walked around the city for about 90 minutes in my LW goatskin Raider and was warm and dry. The LW goatskin is just as tough as their HH.
  21. thor

    New LW Ryder

    The Test and Suburban might be generally similar but the Test has a more detailed back as well as leather cuff straps making it's construction probably more labor intensive and thus a more costly jacket. Both look like absolutely superb jackets.
  22. thor

    Tanker vs. N1 Deck Jacket

    I agree. Cold weather: N-1, moderate/cool weather: Tanker. If I could only choose one, I'd go with the N-1. I have a Buzz Rickson N-1 which is very comfy and warm in just about any cold climate.
  23. thor

    FS: Whistles, Bomb Tags, and Capri Bell(Real) Deck out your A-2 or G-1!

    Sorry Les, I have a couple of whistles already and I'm not in the market for a Capri bell. Thanks again and best of luck. I'm sure they'll go soon.

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