Best M-422(a) repro?

[thor]

Hey fellas,

Need your input on who you feel makes the best repro WWII USN M-422(a) flight jackets. I own an older ELC Gordon & Ferguson M-422a repro (very nice). Looking for a new jacket and just curious on your opinions (pros and cons). Thanks!

 

[Fletch]

One of 2 pre-A repros is Good Wear's Monarch M-422. In a lower bracket there's Bill Kelso'sWillis & Geiger M-422.

 

[Fanch]

Gibson & Barnes makes a fine Navy M-422A that is on their website. I think the zipper carries a life-time warranty, and the lining can be replaced by shipping back to G&B in San Diego. When I was in San Diego a couple of years ago and had an opportunity to visit G&B, I was very impressed with their jackets and currently own three.

 

[siddhartha]

Another option is to get an original. You can often find them on eBay at good prices. Things like the mouton collar, liner, and knits are easily replaced at places like Aero. You might like the end result-I did.

 

[bretron]

Another option is to get an original. You can often find them on eBay at good prices.

+1 Or for even cheaper, go for an early model G1.... Hard to tell the difference when worn

 

[nick123]

I have a Bill Kelso M-422a. I can't compare it to Goodwear or ELC, but it's nice. It has a NOS Talon zipper circa 1942.
The goat they use is grainy-and a bit stiff. Very comfortable though.
I've also heard good things about the Gibson Barnes 22a as well.
I believe it has chrome-tanned goat vs. vegetable they use on their Mark 31 A-2.
Go down a size with the G&B, but I don't think they run as big as they are hyped up to be. Maybe a bit blousy, but comfortable.
Many prefer the veg, but chrome tanned leather has its benefits as well.
Good luck.

 

[Edward]

Another option is to get an original. You can often find them on eBay at good prices. Things like the mouton collar, liner, and knits are easily replaced at places like Aero. You might like the end result-I did.

I'm not sure if Aero are still doing the repair side of things for non-Aero bits since the management change? Worth asking, though.

FWIW, Thor, if you're interested in a USN jacket and not specifically fixed on the M422s, an original G1 jacket is significantly cheaper. That said, I know the later G1s aren't supposed to be as good as the erly ones, so you might need to be wary...

My first Aero (still got it) is an AN6552 USN, lovely jacket. I'd love a good M422 to badge up as an AVG.... an ELC in really nice condition just sold this week on eBay UK for GBP150. If only I'd had the money at present... Although they seem to crop up less often than the A2s, they definitely go for less.

 

[thor]

I have a Bill Kelso M-422a. I can't compare it to Goodwear or ELC, but it's nice. It has a NOS Talon zipper circa 1942.
The goat they use is grainy-and a bit stiff. Very comfortable though.
I've also heard good things about the Gibson Barnes 22a as well.
I believe it has chrome-tanned goat vs. vegetable they use on their Mark 31 A-2.
Go down a size with the G&B, but I don't think they run as big as they are hyped up to be. Maybe a bit blousy, but comfortable.
Many prefer the veg, but chrome tanned leather has its benefits as well.
Good luck.

The BK 422 is one of the jackets I'm considering. Did you get their G&F or the Willis&Geiger model?
Andrew gave a very thorough and positive review of his BK M-422a jacket.

The BK W&G 422 is definitely on my radar!

 

[nick123]

The BK 422 is one of the jackets I'm considering. Did you get their G&F or the Willis&Geiger model?
Andrew gave a very thorough and positive review of his BK M-422a jacket.

The BK W&G 422 is definitely on my radar!

It's the Gordon & Ferguson repro.
I bought a used one on ebay last week.
I like the wider left pocket on the G&F as well as the reddish liner.
I do understand that there are some minor structural differences between the W&G and G&F though, I think in relation to the rear belt, but I can't elaborate on much else.

BTW up until this point I was against naval jackets...the bi-swing back, aesthetically, didn't please me. But the measurements on the ebay listing added up, and I thought I'd try it. Definitely a good looking jacket. A bit blousy, but mostly because I wear my jackets unzipped most of the time. The original zipper that comes standard on it is a very nice touch, but I am trying to not use it too much, because imho I don't think it would hold up well if used frequently. You might consider a repro zipper if you plan to zip up all the time/wear it frequently. Fortunately for me, I rarely zip up anyway.

 

[thor]

Thanks guys for all your input thus far. Of course I'd love an original M-422 but they don't come up in my size (44-46) too often. Same for early model G-1's.
I do like the idea of a brand new, stiffer goatskin hide that takes some breaking in (that's the fun part, IMHO) so am leaning toward a good repro at this point.
The searching (and researching) phase of jacket acquisition can be an interesting, fun, time.

 

[Fletch]

Gibson & Barnes makes a fine Navy M-422A that is on their website. I think the zipper carries a life-time warranty, and the lining can be replaced by shipping back to G&B in San Diego. When I was in San Diego a couple of years ago and had an opportunity to visit G&B, I was very impressed with their jackets and currently own three.

I also own the G&B 422A. It's not a faithful contract replica, and the goatskin is chrome-tanned, but it's very solid and comfortable. Do make certain of your size, tho; they run big.

 

[Dr H]

One of 2 pre-A repros is Good Wear's Monarch M-422. In a lower bracket there's Bill Kelso'sWillis & Geiger M-422.

+1

 

[Dr H]

Thanks guys for all your input thus far. Of course I'd love an original M-422 but they don't come up in my size (44-46) too often.;

I am considering selling my G&F M-422A (44), what's your budget?

 

[chamboid]

ELC 55J14 if shaped wrong, very blowsy round the midriff, but the M-422a is cut trimmer, neither are orignal maker, but based round the L.W Foster 55j14 and G&F M-422a (they used to make an original maker one, but then stopped?)

Goodwear I haven't seen in person, but look great, but the bug bare now being the asking price, though with a years wait, you can stash a little away over the course of 12 months, if thats and issue. Their Monarch looks fantastic.

Bill Kelso's are great quality, seen their G&F in person, and is so close to my original, including goatskin patina, and the cut is as it should be. lining very close to original, mouton spot on. thats where I'd put my money. lower price, and wait time, good communication etc.

All the Japanese ones, just aren't quite right, shape, colour, goatskin etc and have a heft price tag.

On the other hand find an origina;, they're aren't that scarce, and there always on ebay in good sizes around 40, 42, 44, and command no where near as much as A-2's.

Have a look on ebay at the moment, there's a Church and a few Cagleco's (not stirckly a M-422a, but has the same USN stamp as a G&F M-422a and nice scalopped pockets)

Think there are two Eastman's as well, anyway, worth a look.

 

[thor]

I am considering selling my G&F M-422A (44), what's your budget?

If its in solid, very wearable condition I could go up to $600 or so. Would have to check the measurements though (I have long arms). Thank you very much Dr H!

 

[thor]

ELC 55J14 if shaped wrong, very blowsy round the midriff, but the M-422a is cut trimmer, neither are orignal maker, but based round the L.W Foster 55j14 and G&F M-422a (they used to make an original maker one, but then stopped?)

Goodwear I haven't seen in person, but look great, but the bug bare now being the asking price, though with a years wait, you can stash a little away over the course of 12 months, if thats and issue. Their Monarch looks fantastic.

Bill Kelso's are great quality, seen their G&F in person, and is so close to my original, including goatskin patina, and the cut is as it should be. lining very close to original, mouton spot on. thats where I'd put my money. lower price, and wait time, good communication etc.

All the Japanese ones, just aren't quite right, shape, colour, goatskin etc and have a heft price tag.

On the other hand find an origina;, they're aren't that scarce, and there always on ebay in good sizes around 40, 42, 44, and command no where near as much as A-2's.

Have a look on ebay at the moment, there's a Church and a few Cagleco's (not stirckly a M-422a, but has the same USN stamp as a G&F M-422a and nice scalopped pockets)

Think there are two Eastman's as well, anyway, worth a look.

I am leaning toward a BK. I've asked Andy for a leather sample of the seal goatskin. He also e-mailed me measurements for two different size jackets.
Thank you for the input!

 

[Dr H]

Oh, it's very solid and wearable:

But if I'm selling I'll be looking to recoup my costs.

Drop me a PM and we can talk. Away on business at the moment.

 

[thor]

Sweet jacket Dr H! I'll shoot you a PM.

 

[Jeff M]

I own several vintage M422's and G1's, in addition to 2 Goodwear M422's and a BK W&G M422.
I'd recommend keeping an eye out for a good condition original G1 or M422.
Goodwear is spot on when it comes to design and leather/mouton quality and overall construction....but will likely cost you more than an original...especially if you include G1's in targeted jackets.
After reading several glowing reviews of the BK W&G M422, I orderred one early last summer. Received it in the fall.
Was very disappointed with it.
On the plus side, the mouton was nice.
Compared to my vintage M422's/G1's, the fit was way off.
M422's/G1's have a more tapered fit in the body. The BK was way too large across the torso. If I had a huge beer belly it would have been fine...but I don't.

The sleeves and body length were also way too long for a standard size 44.
I stand 5/9", and vintage size 44 M422's and G1's fit me fine length wise.
The BK was so long in the sleeves and body that I ended up giving it to my son...who stands almost 6'4". Length fit him fine...though again, too large across the belly.
The leather on the BK was also disappointing. Had nice texture/pebbling, but was very stiff. That contributed to the length problem in the sleeves. Not much creasing going on when wearing it to shorten the sleeve length.
The goatskin John is getting for his Goodwear M422's is much closer to the orignal.
If looking for a "repro" M422/G1 and you don't want to pay Goodwear prices, I'd say go with Gibson and Barnes.

 

[Fanch]

I also own the G&B 422A. It's not a faithful contract replica, and the goatskin is chrome-tanned, but it's very solid and comfortable. Do make certain of your size, tho; they run big.

I seem to recall the G&B A-2's seeming to run bigger (blousy) than the G-1's when I visited the factory. I can say that my A-2 and Expedition both seem to run big.