New member...my Aero collection

[JanSolo]

Hello everybody,
I am new to the forum and I would like to introduce myself. I've studied English, German, and Economics in both England and Germany.
Apart from having a strong interest in vintage clothing, flightjackets and all sort of products which exhibit a "passion for quality", I also collect vintage mechanical wristwatches, mostly military diver's and aviators watches. I used to work for a german company that manufactured high quality upmarket pilot's watches.
I' ve been following this forum for at least 14 months now and I very much like the fact that most people seem to be quite knowledgeable and helpful at the same time. Most questions can be answered because threads seem to stay on topic. I also like the fact that all members treat each other in a very polite manner. All in all a very nice and informative place!

I've posted various picturetrails below to show some jackets of my collection. During the last decade I have bought jackets from various sources including Eastman, Aero, LostWorlds etc.. But when it comes to overall quality, customer service and willingness to alter models to your personal taste I think Aero are probably the best.
I know that some collectors of military repro jackets criticise some of Aero's hardware i.e. press studs, zippers etc. for accuracy, I still think that their choice of different leathers and precise workmanship is outstanding.

I am especially picky when it comes to stitching and I prefer a thick thread and a seam that strictly follows the shape of the leather panel....and Aero has never let me down. Their seams are a piece of art and I regard all machinists at Aero as real craftsman. So far I had jackets made by Edith and Janet and at over 12 Jackets I had so far none of them had a single stitch mistake. Plus the thread Aero uses is probably the hardest wearing stuff I've ever seen.

Most of the jackets that are depicted further down are size 40. I am 6 ft. tall and weigh approx. 155-160 lbs. My chest is 39 inches. I am quite slim but athletic as I work out 3-4 times a week. I try to stay that way and don't want to gain more muscle as I prefer to wear trim fitting clothes in medium sizes.

The jackets are all FQ horse (black, brown, vintage brown) except for the M422a which is seal veg tanned goatskin. Aero's goatskin is my favourite leather at the moment as it is so thick and durable but only mediumweight and very flexible at the same time.

Please ingnore/excuse the funny faces I seem to make as soon as a camera approaches me.

Cheers,

Jan

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3040/2966926928_9bd1da2265.jpg?v=0

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[Edward]

Welcome to the Lounge, Jan. Nice collection! Would you mind identifying which Aero models those are? I'm guessing the longer-length is a long half belt?

 

[JanSolo]

The Aero Jackets are:

M422a, seal goatskin, size 40

ANJ3, vintage brown HH, M422a pockets but with press studs instead of buttons, size 40, body length plus 1 1/2 inches

Cheyenne, brown FQ HH, mariner pocket flaps, Highwayman style yoke, two piece back, no handwarmer pockets, jacket shortened by 2 inches

Ace Cafe Racer, black FQ HH, action back, size 40

Hope this helps.

PS: I never had a Long Halfbelt before, but I am thinking of ordering one in the not too distant future

Jan

 

[Creeping Past]

The custom Cheyenne works well. I'm in the middle of saving for and choosing a custom leather jacket design and that's helped me on my way, although you'll be pleased to hear I'll not be copying yours.

 

[JanSolo]

Glad to hear that some of my picture were of interest.

Jan

 

[Marv]

Welcome Jan....nice jacket collection

 

[JanSolo]

Thanks,

Jan

 

[kampkatz]

Very nice collection, Jan. Are there any A-2's in your current group?
If so, please post some photos. Thanks, and welcome to the forum.
PK

 

[JanSolo]

Sorry, no A2s at the moment. I always felt that the M422a despite its trimmer body was the more comfortable and sharper looking jacket. I've got an A1 in oil-pull HH incoming which will be a christmas/birthday present for my father. As soon as it has arrived I will post some pictures. It's a size 40 but Will said it's closer to 42. I hope that my father won't be disappointed.

A very trim and slightly waisted version of the Cheyenne is also to be delivered soon. (Again mariner style pocket flaps, curved yoke, shortened by two inches). This time in seal veg tanned goat with reddish brown contrast stitching...

Jan

 

[Smithy]

Welcome Jan and what a great Aero collection you have there.

 

[Mr. 'H']

Outstanding. The fit is amazing.

:eusa_clap

I think Aero would do well to use you to model their jackets on their website. They could pay you in new jackets!

 

[JanSolo]

Thanks for the warm welcome.

I think Aero would do well to use you to model their jackets on their website

With that grumpy face Aero wouldn't sell a single jacket, that's for sure. Customers would probably ask if owning an Aero jacket makes you sad...

Cheers,

Jan

 

[Burnsie]

Great looking jackets! Thanks for posting - I've had 3 Aero A-2's, the 2 I have at the moment were both made by Edith - I agree, exceptional quality and craftsmanship and the stitching is beautiful. Yes I've seen the rest, I love Aero and their customer service.
Welcome to the Lounge!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Justdog]

Excellent

:eusa_clap

 

[bobjones]

The Aero Jackets are:

M422a, seal goatskin, size 40

ANJ3, vintage brown HH, M422a pockets but with press studs instead of buttons, size 40, body length plus 1 1/2 inches

Cheyenne, brown FQ HH, mariner pocket flaps, Highwayman style yoke, two piece back, no handwarmer pockets, jacket shortened by 2 inches

Ace Cafe Racer, black FQ HH, action back, size 40

Hope this helps.

PS: I never had a Long Halfbelt before, but I am thinking of ordering one in the not too distant future

Jan

RE: the Cheyenne, a few questions:

- what size is it?
- what is the length?
- can you post some pictures of it buttoned, from the front and back, from a closer perspective than the ones used, from say at around 10-12 feet?

Thanks!!

 

[Roadrunner]

Nice pictures, thanks for sharing. It gives a completely different perspective to see a jacket being worn rather than laying on a table. Quick question for you if you don't mind... how easily can you move your arms wearing your jackets, especially bringing them over your head? I almost bought a Highwayman yesterday, but passed because when I tried it on I couldn't raise my arms over shoulder level without bringing the whole jacket over my head. I would have looked like a turtle trying to get something off of a tall shelf. I'm just curious what owners' experiences are and you have quite a collection to comment on. I'd appreciate the information.

 

[felix03]

Thanks for posting Jan.

The pics I've seen and the info I've read on this forum motivated me to buy the Aero Cafe racer (brown FQHH, silver/nickel zips).

You are all evil.

Ordered it on 24 Sep, so hopefully I'll be getting it soon.

Jan, you seem to have too many jackets and I could wear a 40. Let me know if you want my shipping address.

 

[JanSolo]

Sorry, I can't post more pictures of that Cheyenne, because I don't have it anymore. I felt it was too roomy and sold it. A new trimmer and slightly waisted Cheyenne from Aero is already on order. All the pictures were taken a while ago when it was still warm and sunny over here.
Anyway the Cheyenne was in size 40 with 2 inches taken off the standard body length. I don't know the actual length of the jacket.

All FQ Aero jackets initially seem to limit your ellbowroom due to the stiff and heavy leather. But given time they break in nicely and mould to your body and ultimately become much more comfortable. I don't know though how much vertical reach is considered normal for a jacket that doesn't have gussets...
I think you should have given that Highwayman a chance...

 

[Edward]

The Aero Jackets are:

M422a, seal goatskin, size 40

ANJ3, vintage brown HH, M422a pockets but with press studs instead of buttons, size 40, body length plus 1 1/2 inches

Cheyenne, brown FQ HH, mariner pocket flaps, Highwayman style yoke, two piece back, no handwarmer pockets, jacket shortened by 2 inches

Ace Cafe Racer, black FQ HH, action back, size 40

Hope this helps.

PS: I never had a Long Halfbelt before, but I am thinking of ordering one in the not too distant future

Jan

tHanks, Jan - they're a great bunch of jackets you have. I know what you mean about the M442a fit as compared to an A2. I like A2s myself (planning a couple at least ), but certainly the Navy jackets (mine is an Aero AN6552) are able to have that snugger fit over the shoulders due to the action back / arm gussets. I like that feature a lot. Interesting you went with press-studs rather than the original-design buttons on the pocket flaps. I can certainly see how that would in practice make them much easier to operate when you either didn't have a second hand free, or wanted to avoid taking gloves off.

 

[blethook]

Jan,

Great jackets! I too own Aero's AN-6552, and I have to agree that the goatskin is simply top notch!!

Like you I wear size 40, but I'm only 5'7", 150 lbs...

Wear it in good health!!