A-1 Jacket / A1 Flying Jacket - The ultimate Golden Era flying accessory!

[Dr H]

Looking out the 44 now, but for comparison the 42 is:

Eastman Leather Company A-1 (42)
Weight = 1.0 kg
Shoulder width = 47 cm
Pit-to-pit = 60 cm
Front length = 59 cm
Back length = 65 cm (from top of back panel to bottom of waistband)
Arm length = 65 cm (including knitted cuff)
“Epaulette length” = 18 cm
Collar depth = 7 cm

 

[Capesofwrath]

Thanks for doing that Dr H it's very useful. I assume they are all the same? I don't believe Eastman alters jackets at all but just make R and L versions? So I assume this would be a regular? Would the leather fit fairly tight on the waist like an M422A or baggier like an A2?

 

[Dr H]

No problem. They don't vary much - I've had three 44 (two R and one L); those I've had were similar.
The waist is more trim than an A-2, but not nipped in like a G-1.
Measurements to follow.

 

[Capesofwrath]

Sorry to hassle you Dr H but is there any joy on the 44 sizes? I have my eye on a 44 which is for sale and don't think the seller knows how to measure.

Those measurements for the 42 would indicate that it's a similar fit to an A 2 and might fit me well for length and sleeve and be a good slim fit on the chest. The shoulders seem a little bit narrow though and mine would stick out a little past the seams.

One thing I am not clear about these lackets is whether they have the high cut small arm holes of the A 2? If I fit one of those under the arms they are always baggy at the waist and a bit too long.

 

[Dr H]

Hi
Sorry for the delay.
My .50 cal A-1 (size 44) measures out at:
Pit-to-pit = 62.5 cm
Front length = 59 cm
Shoulders = 50.5 cm
Back length = 65 cm (from top of back panel to bottom of waistband)
Arm length = 65 cm (including knitted cuff)

The shoulders are nippier than an A-2 with similar armhole configuration.
Cheers
Ian

 

[Capesofwrath]

Sorry to be a nuisance. I think the 44 is more my size but it wouldn't fit very much like a thirties pilot's. I am always slightly between sizes. Thanks again.

 

[Dr H]

If anybody is interested, I've just listed my fabulous Good Wear Leather capeskin A-1 in the classifieds section.

Gorgeous, comfortable and high quality jacket, but not getting the wear it deserves.

 

[Dinerman]

This style of jacket was popular years before it was adopted by the military. They were primarily advertised as golf jackets or leather windbreakers, and were adapted to military use with minimal changes. Many of the early ones were suede.

 

[Dr H]

Preliminary images of a custom order for a Type A-1 from Bill Kelso (Victory capeskin, size 44) subtly modified from standard to include older style pocket flaps, single button collar and buttoned waistband. Review to follow on VLJF when I have it in hand - please direct questions on FL to Andy F of BK.

This one is based in part on:

The pockets are proportionately larger in the original pictured as the wearer was very slender (34 or 36" and short in stature) whilst the pockets were probably produced to a standard pattern (like the A-2) and so looked much larger on smaller jackets.

 

[bretron]

I bet you're an excited boy right about now that looks really sharp

 

[Stearmen]

This style of jacket was popular years before it was adopted by the military. They were primarily advertised as golf jackets or leather windbreakers, and were adapted to military use with minimal changes. Many of the early ones were suede.

Good eye there Dinerman!

 

[Boyo]

RRL take on the A-1 for fall/winter 2013..

 

[Sloan1874]

Nice! Like the single button collar and contrast leathers.

 

[handymike]

Yikes, $1600!!!!
Get me in line for a Goodwear. ;-)

 

[ButteMT61]

Yikes, $1600!!!!Get me in line for a Goodwear. ;-)

But for the fashionista, it's "not bad", price-wise.

 

[alladin]

Hi,

I wanted to inquire if anyone owns the Type A-1 Flight Jacket Gordon & Ferguson featured on the original flight jackets website (http://www.original-flightjackets.c...A-1-Flight-Jacket-Gordon-Ferguson::676.html)?

Would be interested in opinions.

 

[Jeff M]

Hi,

I wanted to inquire if anyone owns the Type A-1 Flight Jacket Gordon & Ferguson featured on the original flight jackets website (http://www.original-flightjackets.c...A-1-Flight-Jacket-Gordon-Ferguson::676.html)?

Would be interested in opinions.

For that price I'd go Eastman.
Neither is quite designed as I wish they would be.
The Eastman is less expensive.
Don't like the hide used on the G&F for an A1.
The Eastman is made with good quality cape skin...which seems to be hard to find these days.....which drapes the way an A1's leather should as opposed to horse or steer hide which the G& F is made from, which doesn't.
Of course you can make an A1 of any hide....or cloth....and I find some quite appealing. The "classic" military A1 however was made out of hide like capeskin which was less heavy than standard horse or steer, softer, more comfortable, better drape. Designed more as a "leather jumper" than a tough leather flight jacket.

 

[alladin]

For that price I'd go Eastman.
Neither is quite designed as I wish they would be.
The Eastman is less expensive.
Don't like the hide used on the G&F for an A1.
The Eastman is made with good quality cape skin...which seems to be hard to find these days.....which drapes the way an A1's leather should as opposed to horse or steer hide which the G& F is made from, which doesn't.
Of course you can make an A1 of any hide....or cloth....and I find some quite appealing. The "classic" military A1 however was made out of hide like capeskin which was less heavy than standard horse or steer, softer, more comfortable, better drape. Designed more as a "leather jumper" than a tough leather flight jacket.

Thanks.

 

[richard gerrard]

What a beauty and you wear it well.I got to have one someday.Good Luck

 

[bretron]

PSA- Guy Ferguson of Viberg is selling off two Himel Herons sz 40 over on the StyleForum. $650 for black Shinki, $550 for a wool one....

Dayumn