G-1 Jacket Purchase

[Deacon211]

I was one of the glowing reviewers of the 100 Mission.

It’s honestly a great repro and very affordable. The goat is pretty heavy compared to some and so perhaps not entirely correct. But it has great character and really does look like an old issue jacket of the 60’s that someone pulled out of their sea bag.

I love my ELC and it is my best fitting G-1. It does also feel like my most fragile G-1 however and there are small holes in the knit/lining already, probably from my watch.

Still, I’ve had it for several years so it’s not as fragile as all that.

Truly, if you are willing to put some work into it, you can’t get any more authentic than an original. I’ve had several repros, all of them lovely.

And yet every repro I’ve had is different from all the others and different from the originals I’ve seen.

So, depending on your authenticity needs....

Good luck with the search!


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[Deacon211]

Well, I was able to see the Cockpit G-1 in person on an impersonator the other day. Jacket looked really nice. This guy is a living repro.

View attachment 183625

Wow, where was this?


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[nick123]

Wow, where was this?


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L.A. Fleet Week. Was really a cool time. And I second your observation on Cockpit using thick goat. I gave that guy's jacket the once over and could see it was substantial, even from a distance. Really nice jacket. Had I found him again I may have asked to inspect it for sizing!

 

[kojax]

my cockpit usa g1 vintage goatskin going on 7 years old i like this jacket size 38

 

[Reginald Buckleaf III]

My mistake, I did not know that they made G-1’s that early. In that case I am with Peacoat as long as the collar looks to be in good shape.

I was mistaken earlier. The Brill Bros. is a D series based on a previous thread you posted in regarding how to date the jacket.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1968-Vietn...rentrq:0cd1f55c16d0ad31c3e6125dffbe1718|iid:1

 

[thor]

Wow that is a great looking D-series Brill Bros G-1! And that label is pristine. The 1968 year of manufacturing is very clearly marked.
Plus the mouton fur is aged to perfection!
Grab it! Just change the knits and enjoy a low-price vintage original.

 

[Reginald Buckleaf III]

Wow that is a great looking D-series Brill Bros G-1! And that label is pristine. The 1968 year of manufacturing is very clearly marked.
Plus the mouton fur is aged to perfection!
Grab it! Just change the knits and enjoy a low-price vintage original.

I agree. There is, however, a melted piece of hard candy in the front pocket. He just noticed it today and sent me separate images. Not sure exactly how to address that but the lining of the pocket does pull out so I can flip it inside out and wash it.

I also need to know who to send it to that can replace the knits. Any suggestions?

Still on the fence with the Brill...


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[thor]

I just buy replacement knits online (a complete set runs about $30) and I have a local tailor do the job (been going to her for years and she does excellent work!).

 

[jeepjeep13]

Anyone have any advice on Gibson Barnes A2s? I just bought this one one eBay and I’m hoping it will work as a solid “knock around” a2 jacket while my search for an Eastman continues. I think it’s an older version Mk31, but not sure.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Gibson-and...723513?txnId=2292379759012#vi__app-cvip-panel

 

[Deacon211]

Anyone have any advice on Gibson Barnes A2s? I just bought this one one eBay and I’m hoping it will work as a solid “knock around” a2 jacket while my search for an Eastman continues. I think it’s an older version Mk31, but not sure.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Gibson-and...723513?txnId=2292379759012#vi__app-cvip-panel

For several years, a G+B m-422a was my only repro. Built like a tank, the only reason I sold it was that I had outgrown it.

Looked at picking up another around 2012 but they had widened the patterns too much and the torso fit like a tent on me. Don’t know how the A-2 fits, but it will make a great knockaround at the least!


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[Reginald Buckleaf III]

Search Update:

Brill Jacket - Upon closer inspection the Brill previously had a large patch sewn on the right chest and there are a lot of holes present and there are a few other issues so I’ll be passing on it.

Goodwear - I seriously considered the size 40 listed by NavyDoc. Clearly a gorgeous jacket but it was custom made for a fairly tall person with long arms so there’s a fair amount of extra length added. I’m 5’ 10” 155 lbs. While a 24.5 length back feels about and inch short in my Eastman A-2 I feel a 27.5” back length and a 24.5” front length of the Goodwear will be far too long for my torso.

I considered Aero’s version but the Aero G-1 collar appears to be too large and pointy for my taste. The more I look at the Cockpit 100 Mission the more the lack of the seam in the leather that runs parallel with the waistband bothers me... I also prefer more of a rust colored collar.

My current considerations are AVI Leather, Headwind Mfg, or a used Eastman... or if a size 40 reading this decides to part with one of their G-1s... [emoji16]

Also, for those of you that have owned veg tanned vs chrome tanned goat skin is there really a difference in the leather? The only veg tanned jacket I own is my Eastman A-2 and it feels and smells amazing. Is that the same with the veg tanned goat skin?


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[Deacon211]

Just FYI, the Cockpit is not the only G-1 that lacked the horizontal seam.

The Coopers issued in the ‘90s also lacked it.

If it was a historical accuracy issue. [emoji16]


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[Reginald Buckleaf III]

I now have three solid avenues for a G-1 purchase. I’m very appreciative of the support from the Fedora Lounge community. You guys are great! I may end up eating ramen noodles for a month after this but you’re great! [emoji16] Honestly I’d love to have all three. This G-1 business is a very slippery slope... Please share your thoughts and opinions. There is definitely a front runner in my mind but I want to hear what others have to say about the benefits, disadvantages (if any) and differences. I will say that the Eastman is the most expensive. The Star and RE are approximately the same price. They’re all in the same ballpark though.

1. Original Star Sportswear 55J14 in very good condition. The collar color is perfect in my opinion.

2. Original Ralph Edwards 7823C in excellent condition.

3. Eastman repro 55J14. I would be the third owner. Descent condition but it’s not a closet queen. Which is fine.

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[El Marro]

My choice would be the Star Sportswear. I have two of their later jackets (a D and an E series) and they are both very well-made jackets with a nice cut as well. The jacket you posted looks to be in amazing condition considering it’s age and I would buy it if I were in your shoes.

 

[pjman]

I need some advice / opinions. I’m in the market for my first G-1 jacket. I’m looking at a lightly used Eastman $900, an original USN issued Brill Bros. ($150 needs cuffs replaced), or a new Cockpit 100 Mission ($600). I can’t decide what to do. My budget is $1,000 but the older I get the thriftier I become. For reference, I currently own a Brooks Bros. G-1 inspired jacket (cow hide), an LL Bean A-2 (goat) and an Eastman A-2 (horse).

In theory, I’d love to have another Eastman but I’m having a difficult time with the thought of parting with $900 for a used jacket... In addition, while Eastman is clearly as authentic of a replica as there can be I’m not a huge fan of them sacrificing durability for authenticity (cotton thread, thin knits). I don’t want to feel like I have to baby the thing. I stole my A-2 Eastman for $475 and it ended up being one of the wardrobe jackets used in Catch-22. It was already really distressed and already has quite a few loose threads. That said, I don’t feel the need to baby it. Side note: the smell of that horse hide is glorious.

The thrifty side of me wants to buy the vintage Brill Bros., slam some new knits on the thing and call it a day.

Then there’s the Cockpit 100 Mission G-1. This jacket really intrigues me and I’ve read several glowing reviews. It’s clearly very well made in the USA and the price is very fair in my opinion.

So there are my current three options. Please let me know your thoughts and opinions / pros / cons on each jacket. Also, if you have any other suggestions for other brands please speak up. Thanks in advance.


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I need some advice / opinions. I’m in the market for my first G-1 jacket. I’m looking at a lightly used Eastman $900, an original USN issued Brill Bros. ($150 needs cuffs replaced), or a new Cockpit 100 Mission ($600). I can’t decide what to do. My budget is $1,000 but the older I get the thriftier I become. For reference, I currently own a Brooks Bros. G-1 inspired jacket (cow hide), an LL Bean A-2 (goat) and an Eastman A-2 (horse).

In theory, I’d love to have another Eastman but I’m having a difficult time with the thought of parting with $900 for a used jacket... In addition, while Eastman is clearly as authentic of a replica as there can be I’m not a huge fan of them sacrificing durability for authenticity (cotton thread, thin knits). I don’t want to feel like I have to baby the thing. I stole my A-2 Eastman for $475 and it ended up being one of the wardrobe jackets used in Catch-22. It was already really distressed and already has quite a few loose threads. That said, I don’t feel the need to baby it. Side note: the smell of that horse hide is glorious.

The thrifty side of me wants to buy the vintage Brill Bros., slam some new knits on the thing and call it a day.

Then there’s the Cockpit 100 Mission G-1. This jacket really intrigues me and I’ve read several glowing reviews. It’s clearly very well made in the USA and the price is very fair in my opinion.

So there are my current three options. Please let me know your thoughts and opinions / pros / cons on each jacket. Also, if you have any other suggestions for other brands please speak up. Thanks in advance.


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Hi, Reginald -

I have six G-1's: five vintage issued jackets, and one Coopwer that was made to Navy specs, but sold on the civilian market. For my money you just can't beat having the real thing. And fortunately, vintage issued G-1's in good shape are fairly easy to come by. In my opinion, I just can't justify paying upwards of $1,000 on a reproduction, when you can buy the real thing for a third of the price. And if you feel squeamish wearing someone else's jacket, simply wash it. I've washed five of my jackets with no ill effects at all. You must have a top-loading machine, use Woolite detergent on gentle cycle, and spin dry. Then hang it up to fully dry on a thickly-padded hanger. Once dry, apply a coat of Pecard's leather treatment, and your old vintage jacket will look and feel brand-new. So, I recommend to save money, and buy the real thing! I have a 1970 Brill Bros. D series, goatskin with a Dynal collar, and it, along with my 1971 Star Sportswear, are my favorite G-1's.

 

[seres]

With these three latest options, I would pick the Star. Get it while you can!

 

[Alexlutov]

I would also take the star, at least if we discard all the historical overtones it is visually better than Edwards. Eastman cool to be sure! but not so to sake of him not there is) in any case choice for you, luck))

 

[Alexlutov]

My Martin lane, I still wish I hadn't sold it...

 

[Alexlutov]

....recently bought this orchard from the coast guard and the cockpit is very narrow orchard)) and has pockets for hands. Cockpit's perfect.

 

[Reginald Buckleaf III]

Hi, Reginald -

I have six G-1's: five vintage issued jackets, and one Coopwer that was made to Navy specs, but sold on the civilian market. For my money you just can't beat having the real thing. And fortunately, vintage issued G-1's in good shape are fairly easy to come by. In my opinion, I just can't justify paying upwards of $1,000 on a reproduction, when you can buy the real thing for a third of the price. And if you feel squeamish wearing someone else's jacket, simply wash it. I've washed five of my jackets with no ill effects at all. You must have a top-loading machine, use Woolite detergent on gentle cycle, and spin dry. Then hang it up to fully dry on a thickly-padded hanger. Once dry, apply a coat of Pecard's leather treatment, and your old vintage jacket will look and feel brand-new. So, I recommend to save money, and buy the real thing! I have a 1970 Brill Bros. D series, goatskin with a Dynal collar, and it, along with my 1971 Star Sportswear, are my favorite G-1's.

I agree. Any repro I purchase will likely be second hand because I can not justify the cost. I do believe they are worth the price due to the painstaking details and processes some repro makers go to in order to ensure historical accuracy. That just doesn’t come cheap. Thanks for your input.


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