Suggestions?

[Silver Dollar]

Another great gift if you can't settle on a jacket is some type of WWII history that is well written and accurate. There are a couple of fantastic books on painted A2's by Jon McGuire. They've got really great photos with good explanations. The only problem with a book like that is it may make him want an A2 even more.

 

[Edward]

That's the general meaning of 'bomber jacket' in the UK (short light jacket with elastic waist) — at least it was the last time I thought about it...

I think, too, unless you specified leather, most folks would think of something approaching an MA1....

The USN cloth jacket would have been my suggestion too, especially with his birthday falling in the Summer, then he might be able to wear it in and around the birthday - other option is to get something and not be able to wear it for months..?

 

[WolfeMan]

I think, too, unless you specified leather, most folks would think of something approaching an MA1....

The USN cloth jacket would have been my suggestion too, especially with his birthday falling in the Summer, then he might be able to wear it in and around the birthday - other option is to get something and not be able to wear it for months..?

Nonsense. he could wear it every day. Of course, this may result in heatstroke, but at least he will be happy.

Wolfe

 

[gyrobroyeur]

here are my 2 cents...

I try to remember how my brain worked when I was 15 years old. Don't care if a jacket is to hot or not for weather, don't care how it fits, don't care how much it cost.
A good present is a jacket I dream since a long time cause I saw it on different heroes on movies. If I can tell to my friend that it's a "real one", it's over the top...
An actual A2 could be a logical, and inexpensive conclusion to this équation. A more acurate WWII repro could be better for his WWII interest, but more expensive (and for teenager's mind, it could be consider just like a copy...)
Your son has a really good dad, he's lucky... :eusa_clap

 

[David Conwill]

Your son has a really good dad, he's lucky... :eusa_clap

And a great mom, since she's the one that started this thread!



-Dave

 

[gyrobroyeur]

And a great mom, since she's the one that started this thread!



-Dave

:eusa_doh: sorry Madame... A great mom... Yes!

 

[SheBear74]

:eusa_doh: sorry Madame... A great mom... Yes!

Lol he does have a good Dad too While he was looking at the site yesterday he showed a lot of interest in the Ike Jacket.

 

[Paisley]

Young men keep growing into their early 20s. I noticed this when I worked at the Air Force Academy: the male freshmen's fitted jackets fit them normally; the seniors' were snug.

I second the motion to think of another gift, and let the birthday boy save and buy his own jacket. He might be more inclined to see it as impractical and expensive in that circumstance.

 

[AngryNJ]

Gibson and Barnes are made in the USA (not sure if that is important to you). They have great jackets. Here are a couple videos from them:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdX8s7FmfbM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3Sb-6nO3Es

Main website:
http://www.gibson-barnes.com/Leather+Jackets/id/18/cat_id/18/

 

[Doctor Strange]

I have two G&B jackets and love them, but...

Like I said before, I wouldn't spend $300+ on something that may only fit for two or three years. If it would fit him, the XL size of the US Wings Kids A-2 (currently only $135) would be my suggestion. (If you have to go up to a Men's S, that's only $195 during the current sale.)

Most Wings jackets are also made in the USA, and are a good value for the price. Sure, they're current spec and not WWII repro... but there's nothing wrong with 'em, especially for a first A-2!

 

[Tomasso]

He did mention watches as well, that may be another idea,

Do this. He won't outgrow it and he can even pass it down to his children. I still have the watch I received for my high school graduation.

 

[Paisley]

I have the watch my father gave me for my 18th birthday: a white gold Lucien Picard that cost $60 at the pawn shop. I may not wear it much anymore, but I'd never part with it.

 

[WolfeMan]

Do this. He won't outgrow it and he can even pass it down to his children. I still have the watch I received for my high school graduation.

If you already had him looking at jackets its going to be a bit of a disappointment if he gets a watch, thats how i would feel.

 

[David Conwill]

Do this. He won't outgrow it and he can even pass it down to his children. I still have the watch I received for my high school graduation.

A watch is a great idea. The A-11 wristwatch was commonly issued to Air Force personnel during the war and is readily available in good working order.

-Dave

 

[1961MJS]

Hi

Actually, being in Florida he eventually won't be happy with a leather jacket (unless he moves). The good authentic WW2 wrist watch would be a Great gift. I'd also think about the WWII Impressions new Mechanic's hat, What Price Glory flyer's wool base ball cap, or At The Front's caps. I use the ATF caps for shooting. I think he'll like some things he can wear on a weekly basis instead of an A-2. I bought my Dad an Avirex A-2 about 1995 or so, and do the the crime rates in Springfield IL, he quit wearing it after about three years. It gets cold there too.

WPG makes safari jackets, and also British Aerotex Battle Jackets (British 8th Army) that would be a good Florida jacket / shirt.

Hope this helps.

Later

 

[SheBear74]

Any suggestions on where I might find an A-11 watch?

 

[1961MJS]

Hi

Here's some data from a good WW2 site. It has a lot of information, but they don't sell anything.

http://www.olive-drab.com/od_soldiers_gear_watch.php

Searched on army air force type a-11 wristwatch and got this one.
http://www.chronometer.net/nav.htm

This may be what you're looking for.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...ed2b8a0&itemid=260597144634&ff4=263602_263622

Later

 

[SheBear74]

Hi

Here's some data from a good WW2 site. It has a lot of information, but they don't sell anything.

http://www.olive-drab.com/od_soldiers_gear_watch.php

Searched on army air force type a-11 wristwatch and got this one.
http://www.chronometer.net/nav.htm

This may be what you're looking for.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...ed2b8a0&itemid=260597144634&ff4=263602_263622
Later

Thanks so much for the link!

What do you think of this one?
http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-MENS-MY...=ViewItem&pt=Wristwatches&hash=item3cabb21f0e


I think instead of the jacket, I will go with a watch, and also look for other accessories. Thanks so very much for all of the input and all of the help! I know he still wants a jacket, so maybe that would make a better Christmas present.

 

[1961MJS]

Thanks so much for the link!

What do you think of this one?
http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-MENS-MY...=ViewItem&pt=Wristwatches&hash=item3cabb21f0e


I think instead of the jacket, I will go with a watch, and also look for other accessories. Thanks so very much for all of the input and all of the help! I know he still wants a jacket, so maybe that would make a better Christmas present.

Hi, I was able to find the links, but unfortunately I know very little about antique watches. The one on Ebay does appear to be an older (1970) military watch. Since I have a Casio Atomic watch, I'm not a good person to give an opinion. Sorry to be a chicken.

Later