MA-1 recommendations?

[El Marro]

There was a USS Wisconsin hat I had for when I take my scale RC Battleships to the lake. I figured I would never get mistaken for a servicemen since I am so young and because Iowa class battleships retired long before I was born.

My father served on the battleship Wisconsin as a Midshipman First Class during the summer of 1959. I know they sailed through the Panama Canal and he told me that there was just barely enough for them to pass.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

My father served on the battleship Wisconsin as a Midshipman First Class during the summer of 1959. I know they sailed through the Panama Canal and he told me that there was just barely enough for them to pass.

That’s so cool! I’m a colossal ship nerd, hence the hat. I will admit I bought a Philippine Seas hat because that was the ship my grandfather served on during peacetime. But I don’t plan to wear the hat out in public. Those hats with ships on them are the coolest snapbacks ever.

That’s also cool because I didn't realize the Wisconsin was in service that long.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

I just bought a 1974 Alpha MA-1. Looks a little worn but it should be fine for hunting season next year. I don’t usually go hunting myself, but where I live if you’re going to be out in the country side you have to wear orange. So it’s nice to have the option to reverse if needed. Also I have preference for wool pile lining.

 

[Dick Dressler]

I have an older Alpha Industries Blue "Vintage MA-1" that needs cuffs replaced. If anyone can recommend a reliable source I'd sure appreciate it.
Thanks

 

[bn1966]

I have an older Alpha Industries Blue "Vintage MA-1" that needs cuffs replaced. If anyone can recommend a reliable source I'd sure appreciate it.
Thanks

MASH Japan, just had knitted waistband replaced on a blue ‘vintage’ series.

 

[Peacoat]

My father served on the battleship Wisconsin as a Midshipman First Class during the summer of 1959. I know they sailed through the Panama Canal and he told me that there was just barely enough for them to pass.

Did your father graduate from Annapolis?

 

[Dick Dressler]

Do they have a US location...? Their website didn't mention payment in dollars.

 

[El Marro]

Did your father graduate from Annapolis?

He did not. He was in Navy ROTC at Harvard when he sailed on the Wisconsin. I guess the ocean did not agree with him because he ended up becoming an officer in the Marine Corps after graduating. He was fortunate to serve between the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

 

[Peacoat]

He did not. He was in Navy ROTC at Harvard when he sailed on the Wisconsin. I guess the ocean did not agree with him because he ended up becoming an officer in the Marine Corps after graduating. He was fortunate to serve between the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

Harvard is a step or two above that boat school in Annapolis, and a step down from The United States Military Academy at West Point. But still, a good educational experience–one of the best in the country.

 

[Edward]

I already have two Harrington jackets that I love including one from Baracuta. Is the L-2B any warmer than them?

I have owned an Alpha Vintage Series L2A. Not issue, but close enough in manufacture to the best of my knowledge (colour difference aside), and a bunch of Harringtons of various brands. I did find the Alpha somewhat warmer because the nylon isn't breathable the way a Harrington would be. And while it wouldn't be my first choice in pouring rain, on aa cold drizzly day in Glasgow one Summer I remember it being warmer than a Harrington because it kept the rain off better than a 'showerproof' Harrington. Once the sun comes out, you'll cook in an L2A/B a lot faster than in a Harrington. WArmth-wise, it's basically an MA1 without the insulation.

 

[Edward]

Yeah I think they're winding down production or might even have stopped. Lots of military surplus stores seem to stock their jackets though.

I was afraid that might be the case when I couldn't get a website for them, and lot of places have them coming up "unavailable) including amazon, which would have been the easiest option to buy from alas). I was hoping to buy one in the Spring, but I might jump now if that's the case rather than miss.

My main issue now is whether I should go up to the XXL, or if that would be overkill. I'm XXL in a lot of UK stuff, but I often find US sizing a little more generous. I wear a 48 in a blazer. The VA lists everywhere a size chart that has 46/48 for XL and 50/52 for XXL. Sounds like the XXL would be too big for me. Normally I can get away with a size up on a coat that doesn't need to be too fitted, but I don't want to risk the Michelin man look with one of these. You don't have any idea, by any chance, what the actual jacket measurements are closer to? I'd most likely be wearing this in spring over a shirt, but I could see wanting to have a sweater as well in some conditions.

Edit to add: best as I can make out, issued XLs from the period they were in military use and made in the VA factory were 25" pit to pit; would that mean 54" for the XXL?

 

[WolfofStateSt]

The MA-1 I bought is actually a 1969 Sportmaster Inc. Any thoughts on what to expect?

 

[Aloysius]

I was afraid that might be the case when I couldn't get a website for them, and lot of places have them coming up "unavailable) including amazon, which would have been the easiest option to buy from alas). I was hoping to buy one in the Spring, but I might jump now if that's the case rather than miss.

My main issue now is whether I should go up to the XXL, or if that would be overkill. I'm XXL in a lot of UK stuff, but I often find US sizing a little more generous. I wear a 48 in a blazer. The VA lists everywhere a size chart that has 46/48 for XL and 50/52 for XXL. Sounds like the XXL would be too big for me. Normally I can get away with a size up on a coat that doesn't need to be too fitted, but I don't want to risk the Michelin man look with one of these. You don't have any idea, by any chance, what the actual jacket measurements are closer to? I'd most likely be wearing this in spring over a shirt, but I could see wanting to have a sweater as well in some conditions.

Edit to add: best as I can make out, issued XLs from the period they were in military use and made in the VA factory were 25" pit to pit; would that mean 54" for the XXL?

I'll see if any surplus shops around me have them, and then I can check measurements for you. I should get one for yourself too; these kinds of "new deadstock" products are the dark horse of many hobbies!

If they're sized like many of the MA-1 contracts were, they'll be quite oversized (to account for being on top of other outerwear layers) but we don't know for sure without checking.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

I have owned an Alpha Vintage Series L2A. Not issue, but close enough in manufacture to the best of my knowledge (colour difference aside), and a bunch of Harringtons of various brands. I did find the Alpha somewhat warmer because the nylon isn't breathable the way a Harrington would be. And while it wouldn't be my first choice in pouring rain, on aa cold drizzly day in Glasgow one Summer I remember it being warmer than a Harrington because it kept the rain off better than a 'showerproof' Harrington. Once the sun comes out, you'll cook in an L2A/B a lot faster than in a Harrington. WArmth-wise, it's basically an MA1 without the insulation.

Yeah, I got it today. The construction is fine, but the fit is odd; I would post it here, but I fear that would be sidetracking too much from the MA-1 this thread was originally about.