Vintage Talon Zipper

[J. M. Stovall]

Hi gents, where is the best place to get a 19/20" Talon Zipper (with brown tape)? I looked on that auction site and people are selling them in lots, and I don't need a lot (they also don't look like they are brass jacket zippers either). I have a 30's leather civi jacket that the tape ripped on right next to the teeth. Thanks in advance!

 

[Senicko_Spain]

Hi gents, where is the best place to get a 19/20" Talon Zipper (with brown tape)? I looked on that auction site and people are selling them in lots, and I don't need a lot (they also don't look like they are brass jacket zippers either). I have a 30's leather civi jacket that the tape ripped on right next to the teeth. Thanks in advance!

Check Mash Japan.

 

[J. M. Stovall]

Thanks Senicko_Spain. I see the two zips in 60 and 62 cm. Does it need to be the exact length, or does it just get cut off at the top? I know nothing about sewing and such.

 

[Tourbillion]

You can shorten a zipper by cutting it off at the top, but you'll probably need to make a new "stop" for the zipper so you don't pull the zipper pull off. You can do this with thread, but it won't look as perfect as the original one.

You need to make sure that if you do it yourself, that you don't cut off the zipper pull (I know someone who did, my mom), and then there shouldn't be any problems.

If you take it to your tailor or alterations person these kind of problems will be avoided.

Not sure about sources for vintage zippers, I usually buy new metal ones.

 

[J. M. Stovall]

Found this thread with more good info:

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=24077

 

[BellyTank]

If you but a NOS/Repro from Japan, it will be supplied with the top stopper clips loose, so you can tweak the zip to your correct length and specification.


B
T

 

[Baron Kurtz]

I recently replaced the zipper on a 30s suede jacket owned by the Baroness. I bought a replacement period zip, and it was a little long so i had to remove some teeth and move the stops down. It was quite easy, really.

Just ensure you know how to do the right kind of stitch or the re-sewn zipper will look terrible (a big problem with market stall vintage leather - shoddily replaced zippers). And get the right kind of thread.

bk

p.s. I see that mash will also reduce the length of the zipper for you if you ask.

 

[MrBern]

Talon repro

In the RANT section over at the AT THE FRONT reproduction website, theres been talk about producing a higher quality WWII M41 field jacket. Amongst his findings:

And, wonders never cease, Talon (Tagit-Pacific) has suddenly decided they can indeed make a pull and slide that is almost the same as WWII.

He often sells replacemnt hardware, so hopefully these new production zips will be easier to come by.
Cant say I care much for the previous talon zips on his jackets.

Feraud & I noticed some excellent zips on some Varvatos garments. So perhaps thats why the manufacturers are turning out these vintage style zips.

 

[Eyemo]

I've got a few brand new Talon zips...unsure of the length and are packed away in a box somewhere:eusa_doh: ...when do you need it by, as I will be going through my stuff in a couple of weeks time.

 

[J. M. Stovall]

Thanks for all the advice and offers! I just bought a vintage zip from an FLer so I think I'm set for now. I am a little concerned that it's done right though. If I was to pack it up and ship it to someone to replace for me the right way, who should that be? Preferably in the USofA.

 

[Eyemo]

Found that Zip if you still need one...

 

[J. M. Stovall]

So should I trust my 30's leather jacket to my local tailor, or should I sent it to an "expert".

 

[Feraud]

Do you trust the tailor? Have they done any similar, or work for you at all?
I recently lost trust in my tailor after they started giving me a hard time over some minor tailoring issues and am looking for another.

I would hold the jacket for as long as necessary than have it messed up!

How is that zip?

 

[J. M. Stovall]

Well I've used them for many things, they even reassembled a vintage shirt of mine when the stitching was all rotted. I'll take it in and tell them what I expect and see their reaction.

And the zipper is perfect! Thanks again!

 

[Feraud]

Well I've used them for many things, they even reassembled a vintage shirt of mine when the stitching was all rotted. I'll take it in and tell them what I expect and see their reaction.

And the zipper is perfect! Thanks again!

They sound competent. I expect they can replace the zipper.
You are welcome!

 

[Feraud]

J.M., Did you replace the zipper?
How'd it work out?

 

[H.Johnson]

It depends what you mean by "almost the same as WWII". I've seen them and they don't look that close to me. I suppose it depends how fussy you are.

In the RANT section over at the AT THE FRONT reproduction website, theres been talk about producing a higher quality WWII M41 field jacket. Amongst his findings:

"And, wonders never cease, Talon (Tagit-Pacific) has suddenly decided they can indeed make a pull and slide that is almost the same as WWII".

 

[J. M. Stovall]

Well I did have the zipper replaced, but they kind of mucked it up at first and then "kind of" fixed it. See what happened is the zipper was longer than I needed and I explained that to them and they seemed to understand. But when I went to pick up the jacket they had installed the zipper all the way to the tips of the collar so they could use the entire zipper. Then it took me twenty minutes to convince them that the jacket was not like that originally. When they did fix it they just kind of tucked the end of the zipper into the seam at the top, and when they sewed the collars back they paid no attention to the original holes. Now this jacket is a late 30's horsehide and is really broken in and aged so it's really hard to tell by the casual observer that the collars went through this so I still wear it and it looks fine, but it still pains me a little when I wear it...because I know.

I'll take some pics this weekend.

 

[Baron Kurtz]

This is the very reason i taught myself to do the basic fixes. Shoddy workmanship from others just got on my nerves a little too often.

bk