Newbie First Post - G'day from Downunder!

[Dan in Oz]

Looking at picking up my first A-2 and after tossing my head around between Aero, Eastman & Real McCoy, think I'll settle for a Good Wear 21996 Contract.

Never had any of my clothes tailor made, so this will be a first and of all things a leather jacket.

Been reading that John is a great guy to deal with and I can also say, after speaking with him yesterday that he is. Really looking forward.

Have seen CBI's nose art GW and his patches looks awesome. Hope to go the same way. Anyone else done the same with their GW 21996?

Cheers

Dan

 

[Smithy]

G'day back Dan from chilly Melbourne and welcome to the Lounge.

John's jackets seem to be the benchmark for A-2s nowadays. They do look beautiful but they are hideously expensive for those outside of the US and the wait time is loooong. Saying that, I haven't heard a bad word about them.

I'm thinking of forking out for an Eastman house in seal HH. I already have an Eastman Irvin which I love and the ELC house is exactly what I'm after.

Cheers and post pics of the jacket when she comes!

Tim

 

[Shangas]

Gidday Danno! Welcome, also from freezing Melbourne!

 

[Spitfire]

G'day from Denmark too. And welcome to the Lounge.

 

[Windsock]

I'm also a proud GW owner (pre-production United Sheeplined and a Dubow just commencing it's third season) and I just love mine (wearing the Dubow right now).

I do own an RMNZ Dubow and whilst it has the best smell of any jacket i've owned the leather whilst grainy has a painted finish and will never develop the character of originals. I like ELC's but not over a GW, you can't do better than than talk to the man himself and have it tailored to suit, plus he is the expert on the subject.

Left top RMNZ Dubow, right GW Dubow, lower right GW USL

I also have several originals two of which were used as study models for GW- one is a 21996 so I guess you could say it's the Grandpa of the one you're thinking of. You're doing the right thing going for the best you can get first up.

Left Perry, right 21996

 

[Greyfox]

Welcome to the gang. Enjoy yourself here.

 

[Peacoat]

We are glad to have you here. From everything I have heard, you will be happy with a Good Wear. I have one on order. It takes a while, but I think the wait will be worth it. Welcome to the Lounge.

 

[Papa M]

Have seen CBI's nose art GW and his patches looks awesome. Hope to go the same way.
Dan

Hi Dan, and a warm welcome.

Don't rush into the "patches arena". Further down the line you may prefer to have your wonderful jacket completely unadorned. Several of us have gone that route.

 

[andy richards]

Hello Dan, and a warm welcome from The Netherlands.
Andy

 

[Edward]

Hi Dan, and a warm welcome.

Don't rush into the "patches arena". Further down the line you may prefer to have your wonderful jacket completely unadorned. Several of us have gone that route.

I would hold off for a bit too. My A2 has only the USAAF shoulder decal, and that alone is enough to somehow give the jacket more of a 'casual' feel. I quite fancy a couple of patched jackets - a Flying Tigers M422 and an A2 from the Fighter Group into which they evolved - but that would be several jackets down the line. Thing is, they're not exactly something you could wear to the office on a less formal day, they're always going to stick out. And if you think Indiana Jones comments are irritating, just wait until some idiot starts shouting "Hey! Top Gun!"

Of course, everyone's tastes and budgets are different, so your mileage may vary, but I would think twice about patching an 'only A2' and thus reducing its practical wearability.

With respect to an accurate A2, I can't claim expertise, but folks like Andrew (Aswatland) and the guys here who own several originals, have experienced pretty much all the repros and really know their stuff all swear by them. I was myself right about to buy one, but when I had the cash together, the pound had dropped through the floor against the dollar, taking a doable GBP400 to an unaffordable GBP600. I actually ended up with a used Eastman which I found on eBay for a little less than half price (a fair bit below the going used rate). Great jacket. All things being equal, I would still love to have one of John's, though. Maybe one day when the dollar drops to USD2.20:GBp1.00 again... Not sure how the Aus dollar figures into that, though the pound for the last year or so has been significantly lower against everything I've encountered, including the Chinese RMB... :eusa_doh:

 

[Happy Jack]

Hi, Great information, I'm also trying to decide on which one.