Identifying A-1 Jacket

[ShaneB]

Hi all - I'm new here and have got a question about an A-1 jacket, this jacket in particular:

There was on ebay that ended last night that I completely slept on unfortunately.

It's an A-1 jacket, though the design is more like a varsity and I can't find any inkling to it on the manufacturers that's listed within the description. Here's the ebay link:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AVIREX-WW...zBkKwVNbLGRRPzYpyLpXM%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

Any help is appreciated!

 

[Dr H]

Looks like an Orvis with a different label. http://www.orvis.com/p/a-1-light-leather-bomber-jacket/7h18

Elsewhere I read that it is/was a collaboration between Cockpit USA and Bills, so confusing either way...

 

[zhz]

It says Cockpit on the inside tag. So, I think it is a modern modified A1-like jacket. PS, Cockpit is the manufacturer of the current Arm issue A2

 

[ShaneB]

I've done some more digging and it might be Bill Khaki?

http://wingtip.com/product/bills-khakis/wwi-aviator-jacket-lrg-only/29292

 

[zhz]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-BILL-03...omber-Flight-Jacket-XL-1600-USA-/221216508057
I also found this that confirmed Dr H's point. It is a Collaboration between Cockpit USA and Bills

 

[ShaneB]

I've had a look at Cockpits current products and they don't have anything like this unfortunately.

I guess they've stopped making it / discontinued? Unfortunate as it's a great, practical design.

The Orvis version has been slated in the reviews. I might drop Cockpit an email.

 

[zhz]

You should email Bill's khakis. I think Cockpit build this jacket for them.

I've had a look at Cockpits current products and they don't have anything like this unfortunately.

I guess they've stopped making it / discontinued? Unfortunate as it's a great, practical design.

The Orvis version has been slated in the reviews. I might drop Cockpit an email.

 

[bretron]

I was watching this one too. A beautiful design. Especially, the pockets.

 

[feltfan]

At the list price you could have Johnson Leather of San Francisco make you a custom jacket.
Those Orvis prices are ridiculous for what you get.

 

[ShaneB]

I've sent an email to Bill Khakis about it so I'll see what they've got to say; failing that, I'll email Cockpit.

It's a fantastic design - I would have paid more than the winning bid, just slept on it. Problem won't see another one again!

 

[tropicalbob]

At the list price you could have Johnson Leather of San Francisco make you a custom jacket.
Those Orvis prices are ridiculous for what you get.

Truer words were never spoken.

 

[bretron]

I think Norshor and Bill Kelso may be other good options for this design

 

[thor]

I used to own one of these jackets; bought it direct from The Cockpit store in NYC (sold it afew years later). It was made of a nice grainy, lightweight russet leather (lambskin, if I'm not mistaken). Definitely a limited edition; mine was number of 357 of ??? (Don't remember the total number produced, maybe 1,000?). A high quality piece, for sure.

 

[ShaneB]

Oh well, should have got it when I had the chance!

 

[handymike]

I saw it too, but I've had a bad experience with the seller where his measurements were off (more than an inch and a half). He wouldn't take it back, and so I won't buy from him again.

 

[ShaneB]

I saw it too, but I've had a bad experience with the seller where his measurements were off (more than an inch and a half). He wouldn't take it back, and so I won't buy from him again.

That's poor! You could have forced the issue and opened a case via Ebay? If the item is misrepresented I guarantee Ebay would have found in your favour (infact Ebay almost always favours the buyer!).

Still waiting for a response from Bill Khakis; going to contact Cockpit as well though I'm not holding my breath! I wonder if Aero could modify their A-1 to mirror this one?

 

[bretron]

For better or worse, buyers win on eBay

 

[handymike]

I ended up selling it on for minimal loss.
So, other than a bad taste for the seller, everything worked out ok.
EBay actually ruled on his side because "The following measurements are approximate only and not exact:" we're in the listing. I didn't expect them to be so far off though.

 

[handymike]

I think Norshor and Bill Kelso may be other good options for this design

Whitefeather Mfg makes a very nice version!

 

[feltfan]

Whitefeather Mfg makes a very nice version!

Agree that Norshor is another fine option.

I don't think anyone is giving Whitefeather points for authenticity, but it looks like a nice jacket of some sort.


http://whitefeathermfg.com/produkt/product-1/