Just received this, brand new Lost Worlds A-2 for $350, very please with it, sleeves are a bit long, and the pocket/collar snaps are not nippled (to upset any authentic nipple twiddlers out there) but wow, what a jacket. Wanted a good repro, for a while, and stumbled upon this. The leather, as every one says is the best around, and I can't disagree, it is heavy and rich, and will wear in beautifully. The sleeves are a bit too long, but these can be shortened easily.
In the process of finding an NOS talon to fit to it at some point when this one fails, or maybe sooner, but very pleased over all.
Thinking of giving it a hot soak to see if that will release the leather a bit, and maybe shorten the sleeves a tad, but not sure, any opinions?
Anyway hope you all like it.
(best M.Chapman side shot repro)
Thanks, I know i'm gonna love this jacket. I have a nice collection of original G-1's which are all very slim cut, with this I liked the original issue look, which isn't perfectly tailored or fitted. I doubt I'll grown into it being 26, and 5ft6and a spit, but it's a nice thought Feltfan. Wish I would a bit, (Upwards though). But I am surprised anyone thinks it's big, Where exactly? I will get the arms shortened, suppose I could loose some of round the back, but the shoulders fit perfectly, (admittedly they look a bit wide in the front shot) and only wearing a polo shirt underneath.
But you don't think soaking'll effect it much Lando? I might give it a try anyway, no problems with yours?
Just took it out the tub, and let it drain, wrapped it in a towel and tried to put it in the airing cupboard, which was like trying to hide a dead dog, it was so heavy and warm, odd feeling. Anyway the dye from the linning ran quite a bit, but apart fromt that it's just the waiting game...
How did you LW A-2 come out? Do you have pictures?
It actually came out really well, I did put it in the tumble dryer a few times it shrank a fair bit, and is a great hard hard wearing jacket now, when i get the chance i'll pist some pictures, it's almost been a year now, barely worn.
What jacket do you wear the most out of all of yours, out of curiosity?
And yours has a nice deep brown color to it, is that Stuart's "russet" from the site? I'd been expecting something more red but his site reads that he only offers the black and russet.
My son is like that. A 36 and wiry as hell. I got a LW half belt for him and it fits great. I also managed to pickup a nice, unused Avirex HH A-2 from 1978. I'll eventually get him a "real" A-2 when he's a little larger. Like a 38 I did get him an Aero B-3 in a 38 that he's now just really starting to fit into, but lotsa layering room still.Looking at you, Chamboid, you remind me a bit of myself when I got my first Irvin. I was a 36" chest then (I was 18) and I got a size 38 from Aviation Leathercraft - and it drenched me. I looked like the frickin' Michelin Man in it. But I loved it. I distinctly recall putting it on to proudly show my dad - whose response was: "You've bought the wrong size, lad. A 38? Should have bought a 40." .... I thought "As if ! You know nuthin', dad!" ... but he was right. I wore it gladly for 18 years - until it was too tight on my chest (and I should have retired it before then) - and so I began the hunt for a replacement and an upgrade - and I discovered the FL and ELC .... and, at 45, I wear a 42 today.All I'm saying is, give it time. That jacket will last you. I'd see how much the sleeves fold with wear before altering ... And enjoy the jacket. It's clearly a winner and it suits you.
That's one of the unique characteristics of LW: their wonderful "russet" color. Not too reddish, not overly dark, not just plain "brown". It's true russet, the way USAAF specs intended. Makes me wonder if ALL Leather items used by the Army (holsters, service cap visors, shoes/boots, etc) were supposed to be the same shade of russet brown?
My son is like that. A 36 and wiry as hell. I got a LW half belt for him and it fits great. I also managed to pickup a nice, unused Avirex HH A-2 from 1978. I'll eventually get him a "real" A-2 when he's a little larger. Like a 38 I did get him an Aero B-3 in a 38 that he's now just really starting to fit into, but lotsa layering room still.
It happens lolYep, I had "layering room" for my old Irvin. Back then I never imagined I'd be wearing a size 42 B3 and contemplating a 44 for my next one ... I'll probably be looking like William Shatner by the end ...!