Jacket restorer in Europe?

[Royalcrown32]

Hi guys,

I just bought me two Navy G1 flight jackets from the '50's. Both need to be restored. The California Sportswear only needs a new zipper while the other one (Monarch) needs new cuffs, waistband, zipper and mouton collar. Most of the parts I can get from Mash in Japan. All I'm looking for now is a good taylor who understands and respects vintage jackets. I simply don't trust the local shops here in Holland (they would swap a good Talon in favor of a plastic YKK zipper). Can anyone recommend a good shop in Europe?

Thanks, Richard

 

[dubpynchon]

I’ve used Byson leathers in the UK with great results, although with the wait you might end up with the Brexit customs fee, it was around two months the last time.
http://www.bysonleather.co.uk/

 

[Captain Sensible]

This would be my suggestion also, used them a couple of times.

 

[Dr H]

Hill4Leather (near Aldershot) - have used them for years on jackets from Good Wear, LVC, and Freewheelers.

 

[GHT]

Most of the parts I can get from Mash in Japan. All I'm looking for now is a good Tailor who understands and respects vintage jackets.

If you have a local Tailor who has been in business a long time, that Tailor will understand your concerns about authentic replacements. You could even present the jacket(s) with the replacements that you have previously bought.
Anyone who has been in the business a long time, who can make a made to measure suit, shirt, overcoat and so on, won't be phased just because a garment is made of leather. In fact a good Tailor will say if it can or can't be done.
How do I know? My missus replaced the zipper in this original A2:

 

[Brettafett]

Byson, yes.
You could also try Donna Howard <donna.howard22@yahoo.co.uk>
She used to be with Cirrus, who made flight jackets. Lots of experience. She did a good job replacing the knitwear on my G-1.

 

[bn1966]

Byson!!!!!

 

[Royalcrown32]

Thanks for all the input! I'm in touch with Byson and they seem the right party to do the work. All I need to find now are the correct Conmar zippers...

 

[bn1966]

Thanks for all the input! I'm in touch with Byson and they seem the right party to do the work. All I need to find now are the correct Conmar zippers...

MASH Japan often have a good supply of NOS zippers