The Cockpit A-2 World War II Horsehide Jackets

[John McDonald]

Hi

My name is John....this is my first post on the site.

I am getting a new Cockpit WWII jacket and would like to have anyone's opinion. Which shade of brown would be better.....light (russet) brown or mahogany (seal) brown. I also notice on the site, the mahogany has gussetts under the sleeves, which the russet lacks.

My hair color is light brown, but I like dark brown better than light brown. I just like the shade better.

Anyone's opinion would be welcome!!!!!

Thanks,

John

 

[Jin431]

Welcome here, friend. Thanks for sharing and good luck with your upcoming jacket. Dark brown looks easier to dress up/down and easier to pair outfits with for me but maybe because I don't know how to lol

 

[John McDonald]

Welcome here, friend. Thanks for sharing and good luck with your upcoming jacket. Dark brown looks easier to dress up/down and easier to pair outfits with for me but maybe because I don't know how to lol

 

[John McDonald]

Yes I had thought the same, Jin. Easier for dressier occasions. I am an architect in San Jose, but need something that would look a little more professional....they say don't wear a bomber jacket on the job, but I am going to anyways....but yeah I probably will opt for the mahogany.

 

[Jin431]

Yes I had thought the same, Jin. Easier for dressier occasions. I am an architect in San Jose, but need something that would look a little more professional....they say don't wear a bomber jacket on the job, but I am going to anyways....but yeah I probably will opt for the mahogany.

Man, you are so close to Johnson Leathers in SF. I think maybe you should drive up 101 to see them if you want a bespoke fit

 

[John McDonald]

Yeah I will check them out online.....actually right now looking at a Cockpit 40th Anniversary A-2....always save the most important decisions until the last minute....has actually served me quite well in the 20th and 21st centuries.

 

[Jin431]

JL (Johnson Leathers) don't have an updated website. They do have an Instagram account and that's better kept up to date. Visiting the store and touching the leather is the best thing to do.

I have a cockpit m65 coat and I quite like it. I rarely wear it because leather jacket is life but it's always nice to wear when I do.

 

[John McDonald]

Yes, I have a Hammacher and Schlemmer M43 and it is nice. I don't wear it often....around the house and neighborhood mostly. I actually had a Real McCoy's A-2 around 20 years ago but sold it. It was very nice and I liked it....but I could never afford another Real McCoy's nor Buzz Rickson A-2 again.

 

[Jin431]

Yes, I have a Hammacher and Schlemmer M43 and it is nice. I don't wear it often....around the house and neighborhood mostly. I actually had a Real McCoy's A-2 around 20 years ago but sold it. It was very nice and I liked it....but I could never afford another Real McCoy's nor Buzz Rickson A-2 again.

I know what you mean as I pretty much do the same thing with my leather jackets. They do have those older preowned one and maybe check the classifieds here. I see members sell their A2 here, it could be worth a try to leave a wanting to buy thread on the classifieds

 

[John McDonald]

Thanks Jin,

I am getting the Cockpit A-2 WWII jacket in Mahogany. I like the Russett too, but will go for the one that just feels right.
I will be buying it in around a week and a half. Thanks for your input!!!!!

 

[Aloysius]

Thanks Jin,

I am getting the Cockpit A-2 WWII jacket in Mahogany. I like the Russett too, but will go for the one that just feels right.
I will be buying it in around a week and a half. Thanks for your input!!!!!

I realize that you don't want to drop Real McCoys money again- and totally understand that! I'd still pretty strongly recommend against the Cockpit jacket, especially at the price of the 40th Anniversary model, which is $700. It's not just a matter of the finishing being less exacting than the RMC; it's basically a different jacket altogether.

I'd recommend taking a look at the Aero Quartermasters Issue A-2s (which run $600), the JA Dubow A-2 (which runs $500), or FiveStar Leather ($200-$300, depending on options) which I recently bought as a gift and found to be every bit as well made as many of my much more expensive jackets (which include the Japanese repros). For your preferences, I'd recommend the seal Doniger A-2 among the FiveStar options. I was extremely impressed by it in hand.

 

[John McDonald]

Hey thanks for the info...yeah, I liked the JA Dubow ones a lot. They looked authentic although I'm no expert. When I bought McCoy's A-2 long time ago, I think they were based in New Zealand, although I think they are now in Japan. I would opt for a JA Dubow, but their server isn't up for taking orders right now. I'll probably wind up getting the Cockpit. Exact authenticity isn't a big issue with me. Just something that looks comfortable. And the JA Dubow, I think are designed more for the 1940's American men's build...trimmer and not so tall. I am not overweight...maybe 10 pounds or so. But I need enough room as I have wider shoulders than most people. But thanks again for the info. Mucho appreciado!!!!

 

[photo2u]

Cooper made a nice jacket some time ago as an official contract. Not a historical designed, but it is a true modern design at a nice price often in eBay.

 

[John McDonald]

Thanks. I'll probably just leave the collar unfinished. I probably will be buying some nice men's sports blazers. There is a good site online called The Territory Ahead that I bought a tan corduroy for around $150 recently. And am going to be buying another blazer (kind of a herribone pattern) for $300 in a few weeks from The Territory Ahead. For leather I have my G-1 US Wings and also an Aviation Leathercraft Irvin which was around $900 or so. A British company. For right now, I have enough leather jackets and am focusing on some different types of outerwear.

 

[Aloysius]

What's wrong with the collar?

 

[John McDonald]

Sorry about that...collar was from a different post I made. The G-1 US Wings, the collar faded rapidly from seal brown to light brown with a greenish tint. But, I will still be getting the Cockpit A-2 WWII model....in seal brown.

 

[Aloysius]

Sorry about that...collar was from a different post I made. The G-1 US Wings, the collar faded rapidly from seal brown to light brown with a greenish tint. But, I will still be getting the Cockpit A-2 WWII model....in seal brown.

Ah, the fade must look quite cool! Though I’m sure if you wanted you could have it replaced.

 

[John McDonald]

Hi all!!!!

Good news!!!! I am getting a Cockpit A-2 WWII size 44 in mahogany early September. Thanks to all for your input. It is very nice to have been in contact with you all!!!!!