Bevan posted this morning on the VLJF, the following, tragic news.
David....(deeb7)...... passed suddenly and peacefully last night......21 Feb 2012.......RIP mate.
I hope that I am not out of order in posting this, but those of you here who knew David as an extremely knowledgeable...
While I'd baulk at wearing my 70 year old A-2 on a daily basis, Good Wear and Eastman jackets can't be cossetted IMHO. You just have to wear them in all weathers and regularly to develop the wear and character. My ELC A-1 is breaking in really quickly exposed to wind, rain, snow and sun.
It's unlikely that Aero would have used cotton unless specifically asked to do so, preferring a modern thread made from a synthetic polymer blend.
Original A-2s were stitched using cotton, but that was the norm for mass produced (cheap) garments in the 40s. The colour fastness, tensile strength...
No you misunderstood me Joel. Sorry didn't explain properly - I meant layering (wearing a thin insulating layer under the jacket) not modifying it.
My ELC A-1 is fine with a thermal vest, long sleeved shirt and sleeveless fairisle sweater. Put an old cotton scarf around your neck and/button up...
Don't be put off the thinner hide Joel. If the cut allows a thin modern insulating layer underneath it'll cope. It's hovering around zero C here and I'm wearing a capeskin jacket without discomfort.
There was a GW Doniger in HH on the VLJF a year or so ago (do you remember who commissioned it Andrew?). I recall it changing hands more recently.
Might be worth following up if you're set on a HH Doniger?
Joel
I've owned a GW Doniger A-2 in the past and currently own a civilian Doniger in the same pattern (posted elsewhere on the FL). If the sizing is right it is the most comfortable A-2 you'll wear. Neither baggy nor tight, it's a very flattering design. Wider sleeve tops, slightly longer torso...
It's how I (and several on VLJF) wear the A-1 - unsnapped at the waist in the manner of a leather waistcoat (gives it a real twist).
Really enjoying my ELC A-1 at the moment - very practical in the cold weather, worn under a thick coat.
Looking forward to picking up my Good Wear A-1 this month too.
John/Allen
I though that Electra had been a test jacket as I couldn't recall having seen it on the GW site. Moving away from the concept of the A-1, but a great 30s vibe going on...
Mark (Superior Flight Apparel) offers the A-1 with both pocket configurations: the higher form is correct for the US Navy/USCG jacket, while the more commonly seen (as a repro at least) lower pockets are correct for the USAAC version. Plenty of period images of both versions on VLJF.
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Thanks for posting.
The last shot 'Hell Divers' highlights what most manufacturers get wrong: the balance between weight/thickness of cape and its drape.
Great image.
I have a custom GW A-1, but have owned ELC A-1s in both 42 and 44. It depends on your preference for hide (ADC wears a Lost Worlds, which is a thick HH). For your budget, my advice would be to look for a used ELC in cape (or the older version in HH).
Good luck!
Scott, remember you'll need to go with the measured size, but GW jackets are invariably tagged a size larger. So, my GW A-1 is a 46, but fits as a trim, modern 44.
WTB A-1 jacket in capeskin
Hi,
I'm looking to buy an ELC A-1 in capeskin (rather than the heavier weight steer or horsehide) in a size 44.
Worn grained condition preferred, but please PM me (or mail i.hamerton@surrey.ac.uk) if you have anything that fits the bill for which you have no...
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