Early 80’s Schott I.S.674.M.S - G1

[MissoulaGriz]

I found this Schott in a vintage shop a few weeks ago and the price was great so I picked it up. Overall it’s a very clean jacket. I sent these pics to Gail at Schott and she dated it as an early 80’s 675 based on the “Robin” zipper. She also said the original would have had a pile collar so this one must have had it removed.
It also looks like this is the cowhide version of this jacket as Gail said this time period of coat would have spec’d cowhide over goatskin.
My question is: what type of coating did Schott use with this leather? It has a very synthetic feel and honestly repells water like crazy. Just curious if anyone can shed some light on this for me.
Thanks so much!

Here’s a few “fit” pics. Sleeves are a tad too long but when you’re shaped like fire-hydrant (5.6, 165lbs) that’s what happens I guess I don’t think they’re worth shortening at this point?

 

[robrinay]

Fiebings do a number of leather finishes such as their ‘Resolene’, which are acrylic based. It’s possible that it has been treated with one of these or a similar product?

 

[MissoulaGriz]

Thanks Robinray. I gave the jacket sleeves some HWT treatment today and I can actually smell leather now, not chemicals! Perhaps that’s the trick to getting some of that finish off.

 

[tropicalbob]

That fit looks perfect on you. The nice thing about the knitted cuffs is that they give you an in or two to play with.

 

[MissoulaGriz]

Thanks Tropicalbob! The little extra sleeve length does help when I’ve got a light sweater underneath. In realty I’d probably need a size 38 sleeve with a 40 body.

 

[tropicalbob]

Thanks Tropicalbob! The little extra sleeve length does help when I’ve got a light sweater underneath. In realty I’d probably need a size 38 sleeve with a 40 body.

Exactly. It solves that problem. I'm waiting for my first A-2 this week and had to size up a bit, so I'm hoping for the same results.

 

[MissoulaGriz]

Congrats on the a2! Make sure to post up some pics and thoughts.

 

[MissoulaGriz]

I also forgot to mention what a great forum this is. It’s been fun learning all about these leather flight jackets, their history, fit, styles etc.

 

[Doctor Damage]

Thanks Tropicalbob! The little extra sleeve length does help when I’ve got a light sweater underneath. In realty I’d probably need a size 38 sleeve with a 40 body.

Just remember that if you shorten the sleeves then that's great for you, but selling the jacket at some point in the future would be a problem since the chest/sleeve ratio would be non-standard / non-average and hence the buyer pool for a modified jacket would be extremely small. But this jacket looks like a keeper!

 

[MissoulaGriz]

Great points, Doc. I also think this one is a keeper for sure and I’ll stick with the sleeve length on this particular jacket.

This forum has done absolutely nothing but fuel my desire for the next “step up” in quality, fit and finish of a G1.

Just remember that if you shorten the sleeves then that's great for you, but selling the jacket at some point in the future would be a problem since the chest/sleeve ratio would be non-standard / non-average and hence the buyer pool for a modified jacket would be extremely small. But this jacket looks like a keeper!