Been a while since my last post.
Still lurk but haven't really been terribly interested too much in the past couple of years.
I have an original and several reproduction A-2s from the big named manufacturers and might I add I have no problem with any of them.
After the Eastman book came out confirming the use of cowhide in original A-2s I began to realize that there could be many more available options for an "accurate" repro jacket that are more affordable since horsehide is quite costly.
I haven't purchased any new jackets for a while but one day I was looking at the SM Wholesale website and was immediately drawn to the chestnut steer hide A-2 that they produce. I contacted them directly and spoke with Steve McColgan and found him to be extremely informative and easy to deal with.
I ordered the chestnut shade in my suit size.
I was blown away when I received it. The fit is excellent, it's got a comfortable and accurate looking drape with trim sleeves, comfortable yet snug armholes, lengths spot on etc.
The weight and feel of the hide is tremendous and the jacket, although not modeled on any one particular original contract, reminds me of the last Aero contract in a dark brown shade with brown knits (18775P) or a darker shaded Pougkeepsie with the pocket shape, stitching on the epaulets and collar. The hardware is accurate and it comes with a repro Talon zipper.
There currently are three shades available, a russet, a dark chocolate and chestnut.
If I was told I could keep just one reproduction A-2, this would be it.
Currently I am technologically challenged and do not have access to a digital camera and can't post photographs but will do so shortly.
I give the SM Wholesale A-2 my highest endorsement.
Still lurk but haven't really been terribly interested too much in the past couple of years.
I have an original and several reproduction A-2s from the big named manufacturers and might I add I have no problem with any of them.
After the Eastman book came out confirming the use of cowhide in original A-2s I began to realize that there could be many more available options for an "accurate" repro jacket that are more affordable since horsehide is quite costly.
I haven't purchased any new jackets for a while but one day I was looking at the SM Wholesale website and was immediately drawn to the chestnut steer hide A-2 that they produce. I contacted them directly and spoke with Steve McColgan and found him to be extremely informative and easy to deal with.
I ordered the chestnut shade in my suit size.
I was blown away when I received it. The fit is excellent, it's got a comfortable and accurate looking drape with trim sleeves, comfortable yet snug armholes, lengths spot on etc.
The weight and feel of the hide is tremendous and the jacket, although not modeled on any one particular original contract, reminds me of the last Aero contract in a dark brown shade with brown knits (18775P) or a darker shaded Pougkeepsie with the pocket shape, stitching on the epaulets and collar. The hardware is accurate and it comes with a repro Talon zipper.
There currently are three shades available, a russet, a dark chocolate and chestnut.
If I was told I could keep just one reproduction A-2, this would be it.
Currently I am technologically challenged and do not have access to a digital camera and can't post photographs but will do so shortly.
I give the SM Wholesale A-2 my highest endorsement.
