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

[Rufus]

Interesting jacket..

I was really surprised in Italy how many high end Leather shops sported A1s in the window. (In Italy Leather has never gone out of fashion)

Here's a terrible picture I took earlier in the year in Verona...

 

[jack miranda]

I've been following the thread here and at VLC

and, I've seen several references to G&B's version of the A-1. But, a visit to their website discloses nada in regard to the jacket. Is this a custom item only with them, available upon request, or am I missing a link somewhere? [huh]

This is an academic question, really, because a GW is first pick, followed by Aero. I've never done business w/ELC, so they are an unknown quantity to me. And LW...well, that is such a strange place. Nome sane?

BTW, this place--the Lounge--is DANGEROUS. I thought I had all the leather jackets I'd ever want (Aside: is that possible?), but, nooooooo, now, the A-1 has become a goal for '09. I'm going to have rent a sccret closet somewhere or my lovely bride will have me committed.

 

[feltfan]

Interesting jacket..

I was really surprised in Italy how many high end Leather shops sported A1s in the window. (In Italy Leather has never gone out of fashion)

Here's a terrible picture I took earlier in the year in Verona...

How Italian. I love the extra ribs on the knits.
But like the Turnbull and Asser, it follows some of the
rules of the type A-1 without adopting any of the spirit.
Nice jackets, but I'm not sure why they bother. Better to
come up with something original- especially at what I
assume are astronomical prices.

 

[feltfan]

New Goodwear A-1

My A-1 has finally landed.
I'll spare you the story and go straight to the pictures.
Since you know what the jacket looks like, I'll go straight
to pictures of the jacket on me and close-ups of the capeskin,
which is probably what you're curious about. The A-1 was
probably not designed for someone as big as I am (the
Eastman site as much as says so, and doesn't make my size),
so the fit isn't quite as others you've seen. Tell me what you
think- I'm not *too* sensitive. I don't think it's the perfect
jacket style for my physique, but I think it's a great jacket.
And it looks great, IMO, with wide brim hats of the period.

Oops! Didn't notice the open pocket!

These next two are the worst- I might take 'em down!

Gotta love that capeskin:

Hope this helps clear up questions about the Goodwear A-1.

 

[dostacos]

I like the look but it is clearly NOT for the morbidly undertall like me

 

[CBI]

Very nice - John always does a great job!!!

 

[tudo]

Hello everyone ,lovely jackets.Can anyone tell me what the typical back- length of the jacket is?Many thanks in advance.T

 

[sunflo9968]

Hey Feltfan, That jacket looks great!! I've never seen cape in person, is it similar in feel to steerhide?

 

[feltfan]

Hey Feltfan, That jacket looks great!! I've never seen cape in person, is it similar in feel to steerhide?

Thanks.

It's very soft and very light. Most days I can't wear it
because it's too cold here in California (note to future readers:
it is now winter in Northern California). The Type A-1 jacket
is often described as a "summer weight" jacket.

That said, those Eastman A-1s look heavier, as does the
photo of the original that was posted on this thread a while back.
I can only speak to the Goodwear capeskin.

HTH

 

[jack miranda]

Capeskin

Hello, FeltFan & Sunfl9968:
I just received my Aero A-1 in capeskin. It, too, is very soft, like putting on an old sweater.

 

[feltfan]

Very nice, Jack. It's not actually black, is it?

Should be a good weight for our area most of the year.

 

[Rufus]

Hello, FeltFan & Sunfl9968:
I just received my Aero A-1 in capeskin. It, too, is very soft, like putting on an old sweater.

Beautiful jacket Jack! Is it seal brown in colour?

I too prefer the darker A1s. (like this model)

 

[jack miranda]

The real color is a seal brown, yes, rufus and feltfan

Sorry for poor color resolution. I had to shoot indoors yesterday as it actually rained in the Bay Area! There are better pictures over at VLJ under the 'A-1' thread. I didn't want to run the whole series in two places. The true color comes through nicely on some of those.

 

[fishmeok]

Sorry for poor color resolution. I had to shoot indoors yesterday as it actually rained in the Bay Area! There are better pictures over at VLJ under the 'A-1' thread. I didn't want to run the whole series in two places. The true color comes through nicely on some of those.

I think there re enough people on the FL that are not on the VLJ that double posting is not a problem. I do it all the time...
Cheers
Mark

As I said over on the VLJ- great A-1!

 

[Lt GUSTL]

Servus from Vienna,

as i wrote in an other post ("How many leather jackets ..."), a goal of mine for 2009 is an A-1 jacket from Aero Leather.

It took many hours comparing the range of products of A-1 jackets.
I found this forum, where i got many impressions of your points of view, which are very helpfully.

Comparing the models of ELC & Aero, i decided to by a jacket from Aero.
One reason is, that i do not own any Aero jacket.

I like to thank Mr. Miranda for the wonderful photos of his A-1.

Is there any gentleman out there, who has experience with the HH A-1 from Aero?


kindest regards

 

[John Lever]

Servus from Vienna,

as i wrote in an other post ("How many leather jackets ..."), a goal of mine for 2009 is an A-1 jacket from Aero Leather.

It took many hours comparing the range of products of A-1 jackets.
I found this forum, where i got many impressions of your points of view, which are very helpfully.

Comparing the models of ELC & Aero, i decided to by a jacket from Aero.
One reason is, that i do not own any Aero jacket.

I like to thank Mr. Miranda for the wonderful photos of his A-1.

Is there any gentleman out there, who has experience with the HH A-1 from Aero?


kindest regards

I know Capeskin is the correct leather to use for this jacket, but the Vintage horse hide is very beautiful.
Good to have an Austrian on board, my wife's family is from Wien and Salzburg, we love it over there.

 

[Lt GUSTL]

Servus from Vienna,

thank you for the warmhearted acceptance.

I know that Capeskin is very soft.
But would Capeskin be as tough as Horsehide when wearing it?

I tend to get scratches on my jacket very quick.

kindest regards to all

 

[John Lever]

Servus from Vienna,

thank you for the warmhearted acceptance.

I know that Capeskin is very soft.
But would Capeskin be as tough as Horsehide when wearing it?

I tend to get scratches on my jacket very quick.

kindest regards to all

The tough shiny surface of horsehide may show surface scratches faster than softer more pliant capeskin.

 

[tudo]

A question for John Lever,(or anyone who owns a bronco A-1) how does your Buzz Ricksons Bronco hide A-1 compare to front quarter hide of Aero's?
As I love the look of the Bronco A-1 and wonder whether it would work in brown fqhh.Thanks in advance.

 

[John Lever]

A question for John Lever,(or anyone who owns a bronco A-1) how does your Buzz Ricksons Bronco hide A-1 compare to front quarter hide of Aero's?
As I love the look of the Bronco A-1 and wonder whether it would work in brown fqhh.Thanks in advance.

The Buzz leather is slightly thinner with greater uneven surface grain. The Aero Vintage Brown is more shiny, slightly waxy/translucent and develops a marbled texture over time.
Both are beautiful leathers, but the Buzz is much more expensive. They are now £1050 plus import duty and VAT.
Go for the Aero.