USAF N-3B parkas - Let's talk about them!!

[Jon Crow]

Spiewak, where have I heard of the company before?

The older Spiewak USA still say Spiewak New York I had a nice B10 once Spiewak USA

 

[Jon Crow]

The older Spiewak USA still say Spiewak New York I had a nice B10 once Spiewak USA

By 1906, Isaac's vests were in sufficient demand around New York for him to establish a small manufacturing space in Brooklyn, calling it "House of the Golden Fleece". The moniker "Golden Fleece" was first branded in 1919

 

[Behemott]

his is the Reed, which I am keeping, but for academic purposes will share some pictures of.

Wow! Both your N-3A's are in superb condition. I think the ''short'' sleeves were by design and meant to be worn with the heavy N-4A mittens that required enough space to cover up the wrist and forearm, longer sleeve would get in the way... just a idea from experience.

Cheers,

D

 

[WolfofStateSt]

The older Spiewak USA still say Spiewak New York I had a nice B10 once Spiewak USA

I’ve been tempted to get a B-15 but I already have so many jackets already and I already have a B-3.

 

[dannyk]

I’ve been tempted to get a B-15 but I already have so many jackets already and I already have a B-3.

A good B-10 has been on my list. The issue is the cheap ones are really cheap and the good ones are very expensive for what they are. Super nice, but nearly the cost of a brand new leather jacket. Originals are harder and harder to come by and kinda the same boat as the repros. The cheap ones are usually cheap because they are falling apart and the nice ones are expensive.

 

[Jon Crow]

A good B-10 has been on my list. The issue is the cheap ones are really cheap and the good ones are very expensive for what they are. Super nice, but nearly the cost of a brand new leather jacket. Originals are harder and harder to come by and kinda the same boat as the repros. The cheap ones are usually cheap because they are falling apart and the nice ones are expensive.

Danny I had two 80s Spiewak b10 on here once are quality

 

[dannyk]

Danny I had two 80s Spiewak b10 on here once are quality

Good to know I’ll keep my eye out for 80s Spiewaks. Add them to the shortlist of good stuff.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

A good B-10 has been on my list. The issue is the cheap ones are really cheap and the good ones are very expensive for what they are. Super nice, but nearly the cost of a brand new leather jacket. Originals are harder and harder to come by and kinda the same boat as the repros. The cheap ones are usually cheap because they are falling apart and the nice ones are expensive.

I think B-15 is much more unique and visually interesting because it has the offset zipper.

 

[Jon Crow]

Good to know I’ll keep my eye out for 80s Spiewaks. Add them to the shortlist of good stuff.

Oh their stuff is on the A list

 

[WolfofStateSt]

I’m selling my vintage 1951 N-3A Parka: https://www.ebay.com/itm/3654072934...zcal7txt8k&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

 

[Peacoat]

I’m selling my vintage 1951 N-3A Parka: https://www.ebay.com/itm/3654072934...zcal7txt8k&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

List it in the Classifieds, not here.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

List it in the Classifieds, not here.

Ok

 

[Vodzilla]

Saw several pictures in the news. Appears to be made of more nylon material

https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/4689/live/e989d1b0-0cb6-11f0-97e3-3568f3d0bae1.jpg.webp

 

[WolfofStateSt]

Saw several pictures in the news. Appears to be made of more nylon material

https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/4689/live/e989d1b0-0cb6-11f0-97e3-3568f3d0bae1.jpg.webp

The second lady is wearing a modern Alpha Industries parka, with the “red remove before flight tag.” The VP similarly seems to have a cheap repro. All the original authentic parkas I have traded and owned in green are usually a lighter, duller shade of olive drab, closer to khaki olive. Those are also pre-70s parkas, so make of that what you will.

There is a subtle level of irony: “Alpha Industries jackets are now made primarily in China” — https://www.highsnobiety.com/tag/alpha-industries/

(If this forum requires me to cite in APA or MLA, I’ll quit.)

Maybe Vance’s coat is made in the USA. I couldn't tell from this picture; the color isn’t quite the same as his wife's.

Still, with their hardline anti-US companies manufacturing in China, I would hope that they spend the extra cash on something from Cockpit USA, for instance, which is made in the USA. Put one’s money where their mouth is, so to speak.

I’m not partisan, but I value consistency, especially if my hobby, which typically requires importing already expensive jackets from abroad like Japan, is complicated by tariffs and politics. Luckily as of now, there is only a 10% tariff on Japan and the UK—so buy your Real McCoys and Eastman in the next 90 days lol.

But I’m also done buying stuff I don’t absolutely need, at least if all these high-end products we tout on this site truly last for life.

Just need money for groceries and gas.

Edit: Spell check it’s “red remove before flight tag” not “red removed the before flight tag.”