At Long Last: The Eastman D1 Mechanics Jacket Arrives

[bn1966]

Well folks at long last I've managed a trip to ELC in deepest, darkest Devon, tried a couple of D1's on, gone for the XL and received it in the post this morning. What a quality jacket it is IMHO & a lovely bit of shearling.

The outer is a rich dark brown with plenty of character, the fleece a warm cream. The zips appear robust and all work fine, the pockets are quite deep (certainly enough for my mobile & wallet).

I love the pure simplicity of the cut, the fit on me (46 chest & 5.10 tall) is trim but relaxed & enough space for a winter sweater when needed, so OK for layering. The length extends just past the belt on my Levis.

This D1 should get plenty of wear & here in the UK should be fine for 3 seasons of the year. I must admit I love having a shearling with pockets. Overall a great practical jacket that I will enjoy breaking in.

 

[Fanch]

Very good looking jacket. In N Texas I would get a max of 1-2 months' use with a D-1, which is better that only 1-2 days' use from a B-3.

 

[bn1966]

Hi Fanch, thanks for your comment...my Irvin has only been out a few days this year with the mild winter we've had.

 

[archbury918]

Great looking jacket. I know you will have years of compliments when wearing it. In fact you may make excuses to wear it more often!
I can't see from the photos, but it does have the russet trim?

 

[bn1966]

Hi Archbury, according to the wife the trim's Bourbon biscuit color...would you consider that russet? I'm useless when it comes to describing color. Thanks for your kind comments

 

[sola fide]

Cool jacket, just learning to appreciate vintage leather.
Mike A

 

[archbury918]

according to the wife the trim's Bourbon biscuit color...

I would NEVER question the authority of a lady to accurately describe a color...to me, ecru is light tan... If she likes it, that's the most important thing.
I do like how ELC works those contrasts in their jackets. It draws the eye and makes it much more appealing.
You will love the pockets. One tip, use a fine grit paper on the teeth of the zippers. I got tiny scratch marks on my bare hands until it was more broken in.

I bet you'll want to wear it to the dinner table tonight you will like it so much!

 

[bn1966]

I do indeed feel the need to have it on, but didn't wear it on a trip to the pub today which involved children & a dog

 

[jon11]

really like jacket enjoy

 

[Deacon211]

Beautiful! Congratulations.

Here's my B-6 after 13 years...ELC makes 'em to last!

 

[eggleman]

Think it's getting a bit colder next week , so hopefully you can get some wear out of it sooner rather than later ..
I've found that the pockets are better for storage than for hand warming as those zips can get you !
Are you going to treat the jacket at all ?

 

[Bunyip]

That's a great jacket...one of my faves...a great alternative to the super heavy b3 that needs arctic conditions to get any wear from. Is the d1 and b6 a similar thickness of fleece?

 

[HoosierDaddy]

That's a great jacket...one of my faves...a great alternative to the super heavy b3 that needs arctic conditions to get any wear from. Is the d1 and b6 a similar thickness of fleece?

Yes.

 

[Tarwater]

Very nice. I may have to put one at the top of my list for a winter jacket.

 

[alsendk]

Congrats with your fine new D1. Looking at Deacons 13 years old B6, your new jacket will only become even better looking in the years to come. I agree very much about your wish for pockets. As I understand it, all D ones had side pockets, but B3 only had a map pocket on right side of front. Were there any restrictions about how to use these pockets

 

[archbury918]

Some D-1's were made without pockets. I don't know if that was a War time expediency or not. As for restrictions, it was well known within the USAAF that their chief, Gen Hap Arnold didn't favor pockets on flight jackets. He said he "didn't want airmen sticking their hands in pockets, standing around looking like truck drivers".
Traditionally the flight suits had the numerous pockets for needed gear.

 

[pipvh]

Beautiful jacket. They do 'em nice down here on south Dartmoor! The colour looks amazing. The D1 is the most wearable shearling in our climate, I reckon.

 

[Smithy]

What a cracker BN! You really have to love ELC's sheepskin stuff, it's the bee's knees.

 

[Worf]

Nice looking hide. Deep rich color... body pics please!!!!! (drool)

Worf

 

[bn1966]

Will do some pics soon