A2, which of the 5?

[rikbb]

I am getting a bit confused. Looking for a nice A2 (repro), I've seen 3 dissappear, or almost, before my eyes yesterday, 2 on ebay and 1 here on the forum (even before I could receive any photos from the seller).

I was following a 'Good Wear' A2 on ebay, and was astonished seeing it go far more expensive than a new one (which would be made to mesure…). I know old jackets might look nicer, but I read somewhere that 'Good Wear' jackets look great from the day you buy them. (OK, I wouldn't like smooth leather neither).

I've started doing some research prior, on this forum and elsewhere. After seeing sizes vary ('a 46 that sizes like a modern 42', 'a 44 that fits more like a 46…') I decided to go for mesures. As I live in France now, there is no place I can try an A2 on, except for a small shop that sells Aeros for 750 euros (!). (At least I found out an Aero 44 fits me, though slightly wide, the 42 being too narrow in the shoulders)

Living in France makes postage costs (and import taxes) low on items from the UK. So 'Aero' and 'Eastman' came to my attention in the first place. But then I found the 'Good Wear' website which shows an extensive interest in A2-making. Amazing to see one company specialised in A2s. I was not prepared to pay that money, but since yesterday it almost seems inevitable. And John describes all the cuts and fits in detail, I like that.
But then I'd have to wait 10 to 14 weeks. And winter will be over…

The seller of yesterday's 'Good Wear' on ebay advised me to check 'Real McCoy's' and here on the Forum there was a 'Buzz Rickson'…

All of them seem to have it. But which is the one,
Aero, Eastman, Good Wear, Buzz Rickson or Real McCoy's?

I'm looking for a repro because I want a jacket to wear, and don't want to wear off a piece of history. And I think the prices go a bit beyond my budget. I like true precise cuts (1940s), and historically accurate details. The leather is important too. (Haven't made a choice between Horse or Goat yet).

Any suggestions, or important things to know?

 

[havocpaul]

This really is a million dollar question, different makers have their 'fans' and in some cases they can get quite heated over it! Don't necessarily take as standard that GW that sold for a silly amount on eBay recently, it appeared the buyer was enjoying a bidding war and the price was hiked accordingly; hopefully it won't lead to anyone thinking of selling their GW's (and quite a few do appear quite regularly it seems) that they'll get that sort of price every time. You might want to consider whether you want to go for one particular contract style (e.g. Rough Wear, Monarch, Star, Aero etc etc) or go for one of the 'house' styles. Then there's the hide, if you want a jacket that will look vintage then the new GW horsehide looks the part as does Eastman's 50.Cal or 'Time Worn' finish, Aero will also offer more worn-looking hides too. So I am not really answering your question am I? I have owned many Eastmans, a couple of Aeros, a GW and a Buzz Rickson...all had good points and some minuses too, I guess I am often biased towards Eastman and maybe if you are also worried about shipping and taxes an Eastman or Aero might work out cheaper as we are within the EU. Waiting times matter too, both Aero and GW have I believe very long waiting lists which is why the eBay option is sometimes better. Take your time and choose what YOU like, contact the manufacturers as most are very helpful with their advice....good luck!

 

[CBI]

Good advice above. This question comes up all the time. I would say though that if you have taken the time to do this much looking and are considering all of the makers, then in the long run you won't be happy unless YOU feel you made the right choice. If authenticity is what you want then its Good Wear for sure. The latest hoursehide from Japan used by GW is simply the best out there, authentic and LOTS of character. Pay extra, wait it out - in the end its worth it. I can almost guarentee that if you go with Eastman, Real McCoy's or Aero, you will be happy (for a little while) but then you are going to want to upgrade.

True - many of us who buy Good Wears end up wanting another jacket but chances are its ANOTHER Good Wear because we are so happy with the first one - the collector mentality kicks in! So, Good Wear gets my vote and in the long run, the wait time and extra price are worth it. There are of course exceptions and many different experiences of jacket collectors.

 

[rikbb]

thank you very much

Thank you for all the advise. I'll check a few more size details at Eastman, and Real McCoy's, with whom I had a e-mail exchange. True better go for the best, though I'd like to get a jacket before it gets too warm, ofcourse without any regrets… I''ll show what ever I decide to get…

By the way, an A-2 is actually not really a winter jacket, is it?

 

[Edward]

When I looked into it quite a lot a year or so ago, Goodwear came out on top for me. Unfortunately, I didn't have thed cash when the pound was worth USD2.20, and since sterling has sunk so low in value since then, one of John's jackets has been beyond my rach. Maybe one day... I have just fallen in with a horsehide Eastman via eBay for less than half the new price, and I am very pleased with it. It is definitely not a Winter jacket; leather itself doesn't keep much warmth in, and a historically accurate A2 lining is simply a thin layer of cotton. Were you looking specifically for a warmer, Winter jacket, I'd suggest something along the lines of a B10 or B15, or, if warmer still is desired, one of the shearling options. In my opinion, an A2 excels in the Spring, on chillier days or evenings in Summer, or even milder days into the Autumn. I did wear one out on an unusually mild night last week, but it can be much warmer here in the City than elsewhere, and I also wasn't outside much - home to the tube was five minutes' walk, and similar at the other end. I'll not be shedding the B3 in favour of the A2 on a daily basis for some months to come!

 

[rikbb]

hello Edward

It's definitly the style of the A-2 I like. Probably I was using 'winter' as a pretext to speed up buying a A-2… I have a great ELC irvin for the colder days (Like today = 0°C in Paris). Now I am actually looking for a half-season jacket. An A-2 seems perfect. But to be honest I don't think I've ever touched a real nice A-2 yet. So I am guessing. Thanks for your input!

 

[rikbb]

final choice = GW

Hello and Happy New Year,

I ended up ordering an A-2 jacket from John Chapman.
A Poughkeepsie in dull pigment dark russet brown HH:
http://www.goodwearleather.com/pages/gwpough_images1.html
And after some size discussions fitting doubet etc, I received it within a week. It's amazing. It's just great, fits lightly, like a second skin.

Yes, a bit more expensive then I initially planned to pay.
But it's really worth it.

I'll post some photos of it later,
thanks again for the help,

rik

 

[bobbyball]

I have to say that IMHO the new Japanese horsehide that GW use is fantastic.

I have had Eastman, McCoy, Aero and Buzz Rickson and none compare to the character of John’s jackets.

The others are all very good but there is really something old world and special about GW jackets. I have a Doniger goatskin and a RW horsehide and they just look much closer to originals than the others.

The collar of the GW RW in particular is the best and closest to an original I have seen.

I have not yet spent the money on ordering a new one from John so I know price is a factor, especially at the current exchange rate, but I would say they are currently the best jacket. His range of contracts is not matched by any other maker. I have spoken and emailed John on a few times and he is a really nice guy who cares passionately about what he does.

 

[SamReu]

Good Wear is the real thing

I'll pile on with a brief comment. I decided to get a good A-2 more than two years ago. John Chapman had started producing the GW brand, and what few products he'd made looked good. I called him, we talked, and I decided to get his Aero-style 21996. It arrived four weeks later, in September 2007. It has been a marvelous jacket.

I still have the invoice, which shows my jacket was No. 0000026!

 

[Hawk_Eye]

I'm extremely happy with my Eastman "Cable" A-2. They're using an incredible mid-brown goatskin that has a grain that has to be seen to be believed. Highly recommended.

 

[Mike K.]

I will also put in my vote for Good Wear jackets. John makes an outstanding product! As I write this, I am actually wearing my new Werber Sportswear A-2 (yes, we finally have Florida weather cold enough for a jacket ) made from John's new aniline horsehide. The leather is absolutely amazing, the details are incredible, and John's individualized service is better than the best! You get what you pay for and Good Wear is definitely worth every penny. Besides the "1941 in a box" look of John's jackets, they actually fit well (unlike a lot of other A-2 jackets I've tried).

 

[bobbyball]

I spoke to JC a while back about reproducing an original I have – it is an Eighth AF named jacket to Robert Stalker (there is a thread about this jacket elsewhere on the forum).

John actually called me on my mobile following an email I sent and we discussed the jacket. It is the no name contract attributed to Cable Raincoat. The only reason I have not gone ahead is I need to source the Fightin Bightin patch and the lieutenant bars – there is a painting on the back but I will probably leave it plain on the repro.

John emailed through a whole load of pictures of the Cable repro he makes along with some archival pictures of Gen MacArthur who wore one amongst many other A2s he procurred (good to be a General eh?).

I know Gary Eastman and the Team quite well and they are really nice guys and have always been very helpful. Perhaps the thing with John is he is not so large-scale as Eastman and therefore it is still a very personal business that he is conducting.

Yes, his jackets are expensive compared to the UK competition – there is no getting away from this but what you get is a completely handmade and customised service. His investment in research and getting EVERYTHING right is something in this day and age that is incredibly unique and difficult to put a price on.

If you look at the high end “designer” leather jackets – they are complete rubbish and are price well above Goodwear. We are a specialised, non-fashion clientele who look for absolute perfection in the small details of a particular contract and particular hide.

I have had three Eastman jackets from new (approx £1200 in total) and have traded them all on because something was not quite right for me. The GW jackets are completely different for me – they are like originals you don’t have to worry about wearing.

 

[rikbb]

voilà

some pictures of my new Goodwear Poughkeepsie jacket,
it smells really great too, amazing leather,
rik

 

[Peacoat]

What a great looking jacket. And you got it so quickly. I'm glad the analysis you did and the angst over what to get worked out for you. Really can't beat John's jackets. Congratulations on your choice.

 

[aswatland]

Very nice indeed and a good fit too. The colour and grain of the leather is almost the same as my size 44 original Poughkeepsie. john has done an excellent job!

 

[Phantomfixer]

Before I saw that the jacket was from John I thought it was a very nice original based on the first picture. Very nice

 

[andy richards]

Thanks for posting the pictures, Rik. You have made an excellent choice. Great colours, details and lining.
Enjoy wearing it,
Andy

 

[deluxestyling]

looks like you're sorted Rik...

and in my opinion you made a fantastic choice. You mention living in Paris and not being able to try on reproduction leather jackets. Thought I'd pass these guys on to you... http://www.rockerspeedshop.com/

As many here will testify this interest is adictive and I doubt that A-2 will be your last jacket purchase.

 

[deanglen]

Excellent choice!





dean

 

[Peacoat]

Now I wish you hadn't posted those pics. Never been much of an A-2 fan, but that jacket has caught my fancy. There is nothing about it I don't like. Guess I will have to send John an email. Wonder how long the wait time is?