Early avirex A2

[Jon Crow]

Thought I'd post this, one out of my own collection, it's a early Avirex A2 small label, I get asked by friends all the time, is that really a Avirex, according to real A2 specs it conforms a lot, pockets, brown cotton lining, pockets, tapered epaulettes, one piece back, 2 part sleeves, collar specs, throat hooks etc, I get asked if it's a Perry haha, shame Avirex never continued this,

 

[rockandrollrabbit]

What year would you say this was made?

 

[Jon Crow]

What year would you say this was made?

At a guess I'd say early 70's but they didn't make before 78 did they?

 

[rockandrollrabbit]

I really don't know my Avirex history too well.

 

[Jon Crow]

Me also but I know they made a authentic or semi authentic batch early days, I really haven't seen another avirex like this, especially with the small label and those features, maybe the more knowledgeable can

 

[Fiver64]

That sucker's got some serious graining! Can you tell what leather was used? Love the "been there" look.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Looks like a 1978 version. There are still many of these around. Avirex (now Cockpit USA) have made many, many versions of the A2 since 1975 when they opened for business. Some closer to the real thing than others. I do remember people agreeing that there was a particular year or iteration that was better than the others and this information was posted somewhere here on this forum. Two part sleeves and one piece back are often found - cannot speak to the other details.


Here's a label in better condition:

 

[Jon Crow]

That sucker's got some serious graining! Can you tell what leather was used? Love the "been there" look.

Thanks, definitely has that look, it doesn't say what skin, all it has is a R.Sherman, deliver to us or mail cleaning label but if I had to guess, I'd say goat it only has two labels, the small black avirex label and Sherman cleaning label, worth the £50 it cost me.

 

[Jon Crow]

Looks like a 1978 version. There are still many of these around. Avirex (now Cockpit USA) have made many, many versions of the A2 since 1975 when they opened for business. Some closer to the real thing than others. I do remember people agreeing that there was a particular year or iteration that was better than the others and this information was posted somewhere here on this forum. Two part sleeves and one piece back are often found - cannot speak to the other details.


Here's a label in better condition:
View attachment 305726

Hi Seb I'd agree it's a early and closer to the real thing, I haven't seen many this close not to handle and not for sale anyway, some of the newer ones with the map escape liners are complete Frankenstein's,

 

[Seb Lucas]

From what I have seen, in 1978 they did very close one (your version - generally in goat - and one with a two piece back. The ugly ones with the wide shoulders and maps were always better sellers. Go figure.

Here's a large one. Does it look like yours?

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Vintage...645349?hash=item26566b8965:g:484AAOSwRFNgCc-A

 

[Jon Crow]

L

From what I have seen, in 1978 they did very close one (your version - generally in goat - and one with a two piece back. The ugly ones with the wide shoulders and maps were always better sellers. Go figure.

Here's a large one. Does it look like yours?

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Vintage...645349?hash=item26566b8965:g:484AAOSwRFNgCc-A

Hi Seb, better sellers, yeah I don't figure and yes! Exactly the same as mine, the shipping and USA import fees would kill it for me, I was lucky with this as the UK vintage seller used to import jackets from the USA

 

[Jon Crow]

From what I have seen, in 1978 they did very close one (your version - generally in goat - and one with a two piece back. The ugly ones with the wide shoulders and maps were always better sellers. Go figure.

Here's a large one. Does it look like yours?

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Vintage...645349?hash=item26566b8965:g:484AAOSwRFNgCc-A

Seb found another like mine has the label mine is missing, yep genuine goatskin, that clears that question up
https://www.ebay.es/itm/Avirex-Type...sh=item5242b06daf:g:IgYAAOSwVZxfyr-T&LH_BIN=1

 

[Jon Crow]

Good fit on this jacket also, tight and waistline like a old A2

 

[Jon Crow]

Good fit on this jacket also, tight and waistline like a old A2

Good fit on this jacket also, tight and waistline like a old A2

Good I guess I'm only 5-7 and 40 chest 31 waist old or vintage stuff fits me