Chest size suggestions for a civilian A-2 from the ealy 50s?

[handymike]

Both of those are too heavy for my taste

 

[Dagenham Dave]

Both of those are too heavy for my taste

Ok. But is the colour better?

 

[handymike]

I like dark seal, and I have a 40s jacket in it.

 

[Dagenham Dave]

I do love the Aero "Happy Days" too. I just don't really like the grainy leather. Do you think the SMOOTH SEAL HH is an authentic looking leather if it was produced in the very early 50s?

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To me, smooth seal HH reminds me of the 1970's Sears Leather Shop bomber jackets that were/are a dime a dozen. I think the grainier hides show a better patina and have that nice burnished finish so reminiscent of older 1950's vintage jackets.

Back in the 50's, they used the chrome tanned solid pigment dark brown stuff. If you want period look, you are fine. Aero's FQHH is pretty, but not really period accurate. Don't hurt yourself over thinking to death.....

I like dark seal, and I have a 40s jacket in it.

So you definitely think that Aero's SMOOTH SEAL HH on a HAPPY DAYS jacket would look authentic very early 50s, despite what thor said (sorry for questioning you thor)?

 

[Seb Lucas]

Dave this could go on forever, mate. Bascially almost any hide will look period - it's more what you want from that hide. If it were me and I had to go with Aero, I'd do goat or jerky HH. I woudln't want any hide thicker than 2.5oz. The Jerky horse is very similar to the hides on older style jackets. But frankly they used many different hides in the 50's (cow, goat, horse) and you can choose a range of options and still look period.

 

[Dagenham Dave]

Dave this could go on forever, mate. Bascially almost any hide will look period - it's more what you want from that hide. If it were me and I had to go with Aero, I'd do goat or jerky HH. I woudln't want any hide thicker than 2.5oz. The Jerky horse is very similar to the hides on older style jackets. But frankly they used many different hides in the 50's (cow, goat, horse) and you can choose a range of options and still look period.

Beautiful, thanks Seb. Sorry for being so indecisive.

 

[handymike]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/351246102189

another one for you.

 

[Dagenham Dave]

I like the Aero Happy Days but I'm a sucker for grainy leather so I'd go with jerky HH or steer, maybe that new Vincenza HH?

What colour would you get Thor? And have you got any links to the Vincenza HH? Is it mid-weight?

 

[handymike]

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/show...l-Grain-Veg-Tanned-Horsehide-for-Aero-Jackets

 

[Dagenham Dave]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/351246102189

another one for you.

Wow. I love that one's colour and leather!

The description says HORSEHIDE.

What colour would that be?

 

[handymike]

in today's terms: seal brown mid-weight Horsehide

 

[handymike]

here is seal Vicenza:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/181603874287

 

[Dagenham Dave]

in today's terms: seal brown mid-weight Horsehide

Thanks - and seal jerky HH I am assuming, not seal smooth HH.

 

[Dagenham Dave]

here is seal Vicenza:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/181603874287

Looks nice. But is Vincenza HH thinner than mid-weight HH (jerky or smooth)? And more expensive?

 

[handymike]

Vicenza is more expensive.
Notjing wrong with smooth Horsehide, it will wrinkle and get texture as you wear it. Remember that these jackets have been used for 60 years. When they were new, they were smooth and evenly dyed.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Vicenza is more expensive.
Notjing wrong with smooth Horsehide, it will wrinkle and get texture as you wear it. Remember that these jackets have been used for 60 years. When they were new, they were smooth and evenly dyed.

Precisely.

 

[thor]

in today's terms: seal brown mid-weight Horsehide

+1

 

[Dagenham Dave]

Vicenza is more expensive.
Notjing wrong with smooth Horsehide, it will wrinkle and get texture as you wear it. Remember that these jackets have been used for 60 years. When they were new, they were smooth and evenly dyed.

Precisely.

Sorted - SMOOTH SEAL HH with SEAL WOOL cuffs and waistband. Brass zip.

You guys rock! Thanks a ton for all your help and patience!

 

[Dagenham Dave]

I think you are right on track either way Dave!
Cotton lining will be good as well, although many originals had satin/rayon as well.

For this jacket style and era, most originals had quilted rayon or nylon linings.

I had a 50s suede bomber made by MAGNOLI CLOTHIERS and it has a quilted rayon (or nylon/satin) lining.



Is quilted rayon/nylon/satin an option at AERO?

 

[handymike]

I don't think so, but you should ask them to be sure.