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REAL SAFARI JACKET/VEST by Willis & Geiger!
Occasionally, model cars, expensive dolls, and sometimes even weapons come with the warning "This is Not a Toy"--and a similar warning could be affixed to this jacket! Not that anyone would give this to a child, but it also shouldn't be confused with the "fashion" version of the classic Safari Jacket--for this is the real thing, designed for use big-game hunting (or spotting) on the African veld of tiger tracking in India.
That this is a real Safari Jacket/Vest is apparent even at first glance, for it's quickly clear that this is simply packed with features--and nothing is extraneous. And this should come as no surprise, for this was made by Willis & Geiger, one of the premier adventure outfitters in the world.
By way of background, Willis & Geiger started in 1902, with Ben Willis developing clothing for Artic exploration. Their reputation was solidified in 1908 when they outfitted Teddy Roosevelt for safaris in Africa; they then diversified during WWI to outfit aviators. (This aviation heritage was continued with their outfitting Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh in the 1930s.) In 1932 they developed their signature "bush poplin"--the fabric fro which this was built. (More on this below!) This led to their outfitting Ernest Hemingway in a bush jacket of his own design.
Their garments weren't only practical, they were also stylish--no less than Grace Kelly and Clark Gabel requested that W&G produce their wardrobes for the 1953 movie "Mogambo".
And, unlike many companies (Abercrombie & Fitch, I'm looking at you!) Willis & Geiger are still true to their original adventure heritage; in the 1990s they outfitted competitors in the first around the world air race.
This jacket/vest thus has an exceptional pedigree. But it gets better, for this is cut from the signature Bush Poplin that W&G developed precisely for safari wear. All cotton, this is tightly woven 7.5oz mercerized cotton cloth, which is water resistant, lightweight, sueded, and extremely durable--perfect for the adventurers for whom it was designed.
And this is simply packed with features. First, it is a Jacket/Vest; the arms can be zippered off so that the jacket converts into a vest. It also features a full-length game pouch at the back, which could be used to carry the arms if they are detached. The main closure and the arm attachment zipper are heavy-weight plastic--perfect if you're concerned about a metal zipper being susceptible to either temperature fluctuations or being susceptible to moisture damage in the humidity of an Indian summer.
The interior of the jacket has at the neck wicking terry cotton to absorb moisture from the back of the neck. The shoulders are lightly quilted, and have fully functional epaulettes; the quilted cape supports two D-ring tabs for attaching kit that would need to be acquired quickly. (Emergency whistles, for example, or small flashlights.) The right-hand chest pocket is heavy-weight mesh and includes pencil holders; this enables what is included to be quickly identified. The left-hand pocket features a zippered side entry, a smaller slanted slash pocket on top of the main pocket, and a velcro'd main opening into the deep front pocket. Moving down, there are two deep bellows pockets on either side, secured with multiple studs; each of these also features a deep pocket behind the bellows pocket that is closed with a security zip; this reaches into the game pockets inside the jacket. Both lower front pockets also feature integral side-pockets.
The jacket features a drawstring waist for both ease of movement and additional protection against rain, and a wicking bush poplin double mesh panel constitutes the main part of the back to prevent this jacket sticking to whatever is worn under it when it gets damp, and to provide additional (and significant) ventilation.
There is both mesh and grommet ventilation under the arms. The hem can be adjusted using studs for a tighter or looser fit, as can the cuffs of the sleeves.
This is a truly superb, function garment, built by one of the most storied companies in the United States to exceptionally exacting standards!
Apart from a tiny snag in the interior and a small blemish under one of the pockets this is in excellent condition,and will no doubt last under the harshest of field conditions for decades to come.
This is a bargain at just $85, or offer, boxed and shipped in the USA. (An absolute steal--jackets like this that are missing the arms run about $135 plus shipping on eBay right now!)
Tagged L, this measures:
Chest: 23 1/8
Sleeve:c. 35 1/8 (measured like a shirt)
Shoulder: 22
Length:31 1/4
