Wear and Tear; Lets see your most Battle worn Bomber Jackets Fellas! :D

[Dumpster Diver]

I love the scruffy Tattered and Ragged Look of a beat up old WW2 sheepskin!

Sapped in Stale Engine oil, Smelling of a lifetime of history.

Like Forrest Gump, you can tell a lot by looking at the wear of an old Bomber Jacket.

Who wore it, Where its been.

Worn back panels and small size; Ball turret gunner

Worn under sleeve; Navigator perhaps, Which hand the wearer was.

I Like To read the stories by Closely Inspecting details of Scuffs and stains etc..

Lets see some pics or Hear some Amazing stories!

-Jules

 

[majormajor]

I love the scruffy Tattered and Ragged Look of a beat up old WW2 sheepskin!

Sapped in Stale Engine oil, Smelling of a lifetime of history.

Like Forrest Gump, you can tell a lot by looking at the wear of an old Bomber Jacket.

Who wore it, Where its been.

Worn back panels and small size; Ball turret gunner

Worn under sleeve; Navigator perhaps, Which hand the wearer was.

I Like To read the stories by Closely Inspecting details of Scuffs and stains etc..

Lets see some pics or Hear some Amazing stories!

-Jules

Gotta see yours first.....

 

[aswatland]

Each to his own I guess. I prefer well preserved WW2 sheepskin jackets rather than tatty, ragged ones. There are plenty of pics of beat up examples on Ebay.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

I agree. Balding..thinning dirty oil stained sheepskin shearling isn't appealing at all to me,either.
HD

 

[Plumbline]

I think leather jackets with wear and scars look quite cool .... sheepskin though should at least look and smell cleanish. Worn but clean sheepskin is fine but some of the wrecked and rotted examples I've seen have given me the dry boak !!!!

 

[Dumpster Diver]

well, you see, I have to say that Yes, while nothing is better than a well preserved Peice..my Budget Isnt holding up as well as some of your Jackets collection I fear. I have only the money to buy what I can afford, Therefore I can get a Nice Jacket that has got a Torn Gusset or backpannel and needs a little love, for a Fraction of what some of you well-to Do folks may be able to afford.
Keep in mind I am not called dumpster Diver because I think its a cool name.

theres more energy inside of a time-worn Jacket.

what is an unissued Jacket compared to one that has *been there* survived the war.

I dont think the new Look, is better or worse than, That to me, is like a false misconception, a useless Argument, like saying Digital recording is better than analog, BOTH have their pros and cons in different Areas.

I dont want to start a war opening up this topic, but Merely To make a point that the WAR-TIME look was Haggard and that is just the classic look of a Sheepskin Jacket that makes it so special to me personally. The mechanics who became Bikers after the war and wore their Jackets to peices, THOSE are more of a Romantic fascination I have with leather, The mood of the Era associated with that Style shows itself through the material in essence, I feel a deep psychic Value through touching and being around something that shows sighns of age and Wear.. these Jackets werent Exactly designed for SHOW, they were built rugged for Functionality...that to me is what appeals about a time-worn patina on a Busted in old chunk of Hide.

But I mean, In this thread here, I would like to discuss Wear and tear, We have enough threads here boasting NOS quality, Im talking about the Dogs bed Type of Jackets, the forgotten and verging on the brink of being thrown Away, The ones that got Rescued and saved!

maybe some resto peices worth a mention, the jackets with a HISTORY or Anecdote behind them...Those are what make them special to me more than just the Comfort and look itself that goes with donning a Bomber Jacket on a cold night, And feeling the secure warmth like an old friend.

I have a few that are worth a look, but I will have to take some photos, all in good time please.

Theres a Redskin that I have that someone Saved from the Dumpster of an estate auction out west..Theres a classic example of what Im talking about...not a collectors jacket value wise, something that A person looked at as a peice of Garbage, without realize its Value rests not aesthitically but inside of the Dirt and Age comes a thousand stories, THAT Is what makes something go beyond monetary Value and into the realm of priceless!

this jacket was one I bought knowing it was in TERRIBLE SHAPE! BUT!!! Saving money wasnt important, I thought it would have sold for much more, I had a few drinks to celebrate after I bought it I was so HAPPY! getting a good deal was a simple by-product, money can be no object if its going toward something you know you MUST own. I only buy a jacket that speaks to me, and something inside me says;

THIS ONE! THIS ONE!!! THIS IS IT! I can pass 100 Jackets, but I get that gut feeling when I know its already mine! Like a feeling of fate, Like somehow the Jacket has come to ME! like the ring of power, it wants me, seeking me out!

Saving money,...bah, but SAVING THE JACKET!

giving it a Respecting a loving home, where It is cared for and Kept to pass down to the future generation of people like us.

also;

HALF THE FUN IS WORKING TO RESTORE THEM!

the wear of it speaks to me many many years and stories..THAT is more what Im talking about than the Jacket and phsyical Leather condition itself, its the psychic Energy of the thing that is important in this particular Case to me at least.

With the right kind of ears you can listen carefully to a worn out old Jacket, and almost find yourself in another time and place.

 

[Sloan1874]

Is your caps lock malfunctioning, DD?

 

[rocketeer]

It's a tough line to cross if you compare collectors tastes, these have changed over the years as I have put in other posts. I have to say I am a %percentage with most here but tend to veer towards history rather than rarity.
Here are a few of my thoughts.
Most jackets that 'saw' action would have been in a fairly new state being recently issued, even if handed down. So yes you would get wear from use such as the under arm and what I would think as a well worn ball gunner due to cramped conditions etc.
Uncared for old jackets, being WWII or not do not really appeal to me either. Something rotten and smelly that the cat has slept on for 15 years is fine for the cat unless there is some history behind it. If not, let the cat keep it.
When I collected jackets the emphasis was mainly in the history of a jacket. Rough jackets were priced to reflect this. Of course this would be better if backed up with provenance of paperwork and photographs, especially if the jacket[A2 B3etc] were decorated in some fashion. So a said jacket with paperwork would always be worth more even if a little tatty, rather than an jacket without any history.
Most wear that is attributed to a 70 year old jacket would have probably been gained post conflict, as also most items that come up for sale having been 'stored since WWII' appear as you would expect, like new.
Now the collecting side of things appears to have shifted to interest in labels and rarities of contracts, which is not my thing at all. Yes it is nice to have only one of 5000 made, but how about owning something that was one of 50,000 made and that jacket that had been over Ploesti, on the Schweinfurt–Regensburg mission, or Tokyo, complete with some first hand history, even if the jacket was no longer really wearable.
I have a 15th USAAF A2 and I know some of the history of the air base and aircraft at least. I would never swap it for a pristine WWII jacket with no markings, no matter how much a unique piece, or how much it was worth.
And I love to plod around old airfields here in the UK, I dont think I will get the chance to venture to the bases in the Mediterranean areas of Middle East so I will settle for East Anglia.

If you have the resources to rescue old leathers thats great you can bring things back almost from the dead, though I have looked at a few that should have remained dead and buried and are only really salvageable for metalwork and zips etc. I have had a couple of battle scared jackets that I have usually traded to get a better example. Now my collecting days are over, I have moved on to better other hobbies but I still love to look at old and sometimes tatty jackets. Especially if there is some history attached to them.

JohnnyTee

 

[Dumpster Diver]

I would have to agree on many points, Some Jackets could seem beyond Salvage, but Im sure going give it my best shot to save what I can save. It makes a sensible hobby, most people my Age are interested in big screen Video games and *Um* Other things.

Provinence Is ok if your over 50 and have invested your Retirment fund Into your collection.

I Am just Saying take a close look at the wear on your Jacket and let it tell its story...

a particularily Deep elbow Scuff on a WW2 Jacket Could be from when the fellow who was shovelling the Snow on his Driveway and slipped on the Ice, OR, Maybe it was an older Scuff from say when he was in a crampt space like the belly of a B-24 and the plane shook and he tipped over onto a Sharp metallic Edge, say the Regulator valve on his Oxygen tank or what have you.

Its like Reading the Tea leaves, you can always see something you missed if you take a close enough look at the wear of a Jacket.

as for Saving a Well known Veteran Jacket thats been in the wars, you gotta do the best you can with what you have got, and that is all anyone can ever ask of you.

P.s. yes my caps lock IS BROKEN now that you mention, ThAnKS, I DIDNT NOTICE. Um, though I know some of you may think its my Brain more like.

DD is fine, but I prefer;

The Double D!

*wink*

..excuse me, One last thing now, how may I put a Capitol D on my profile name, I dont see an option for that in my personal Setting, perhaps one of you could be so kind as to Direct me how, or Take the liberty if they could if possible

Much love boys.

 

[aswatland]

The great thing about this hobby is that there is room for all tastes in vintage jackets. I have original A2s, B-3s and Irvins in excellent condition and many with documented histories indicating that they have seen action and were not simply used to fly a desk!

Restoring originals is a key part of the hobby for me, but some jackets are so badly deteriorated that they are only good for parts. If you have a small budget you can still pick up reasonable originals that with a little TLC can be restored to wearable condition. Perhaps DD you could post some pics of your jackets?

 

[Dumpster Diver]

Perhaps eh... we shall see.

This is what I get for asking to see some of your Jackets then is it..Right.

you can promise not to pooh-pooh or Nay say on them of course, You cant Really Tear down a Jacket that is already torn! Yuk Yuk!

 

[ButteMT61]

I think assumptions were made in your description in the opening post. Aside from thinking we're all 1%'ers here, you would have done the cause better to show what you did or are doing. Many ere with experience have seen beyond repair junk, and I think they replied in kind to that visual. If you're restoring old jackets, that's awesome. We'd love to see them. And if someone is mean or unkind, they will be dealt with. Everyone here that replied and good guys with varying levels of experience, knowledge, and collections. No need to get defensive - although I see why you felt that way. It's the Internet, and it's hard to communicate all the time without misunderstandings. Post 'em up! Let's see yer work. And BTW, my brother and I and friends spent our childhoods scavenging through the town dumpsters. Got lots of great things in there! Everything from bottles to return for cash to bike parts, pocket knives, etc. I just don't fit in one well today lol

 

[rocketeer]

Something on eBay UK for you Dumpster
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ww11-b3-flying-jacket-/310645837116?pt=UK_Collectables_Militaria_LE&hash=item4853ef4d3c
JohnnyT

 

[aswatland]

Yes, an interesting patched/repaired B-3 with part of the collar missing!

 

[rocketeer]

Yes, an interesting patched/repaired B-3 with part of the collar missing!

I think you need your glasses Andrew! Most of the jacket is missing, not just the collar:eeek:

 

[Dumpster Diver]

Hey no Harm no Foul, Im Just saying I cant afford the Museum Quality stuff. Respecfully, Its a rough life in my neck of the woods boys.

You cant Afford Eastman On Minimum wage, put it that way.

I take what I can get.

Speaking of that, 185 Pounds for that Jacket, hahah, Yeah....[huh]

Doesnt give me a chance even.

That is the type of Jacket for me though. shot full of more holes than a bomber What came back from the Flak house.


no description, hmm, something smells a little Fishy, and I dont think its Just that Jacket.


I am working pretty hard on a couple projects right now, So give me a couple days I will take some decent shots of a couple things of interest.

for now at least here is one I havent had time to work on, Im softening up the Hide, I treat them With some Cleaning and oil before It stitchin Time.. takes a year or two sometimes to Revive the PH balance, and establish a Solid Base depending.

This is ONE for now (not my pic but the sellers pic from where else but the inevitable Fleabay) of the Redskin I mentioned, some of you out there probly saw this or even Bid maybe!!!

maybe That is another reason Im shy to Send pics, Im sure some of you out there might have lost these Auctions to me, myself, hahah

BEWARE The Sharks in the Dark Waters! :eeek:

Its looking a little better since these pics, I doubt it would fit anyone here, He was Just a little guy!

 

[aswatland]

I think you need your glasses Andrew! Most of the jacket is missing, not just the collar:eeek:

Very funny!:eusa_clap

 

[schitzo]

Keep in mind I am not called dumpster Diver because I think its a cool name.

.

The Double D, I think it is a cool name and I dig your outlook. You got a cool hobby going on which is great. I for one will be interested in seeing some more pics of your projects, so don't be shy with those. If others don't like it **** em. They don't have to look

I'm afraid I don't have any jackets of my own that are beat up enough for this thread, but if I come into contact with any I'll try and remember to snap a few shots

 

[Dumpster Diver]

No, seriously I dont mind of course if people have a different oppinion on how they prefer a Jacket.

I wasnt offended, or anything, I appreciate people for being honest and oppinionated and sharing.

I like both new AND old, I just thought this would be a good place to make a thread about Jackets with a little mojo.

Im glad people have a different outlook, a perfect world Is a boring place.

I think Im glad people had a difference of oppinion, its all good. more inspiration to express what makes a beater Jacket so special.

I cant change hearts and minds, Beaten up old Jackets can be easily overlooked.


some of you may recognize this Hardwood floor, Im sure this Ebay seller has sold a fair share of flight jackets over the years.

this one smelled like Cigarettes, I put a LOT of hard work into it since then.

Great deal though!

I fixed it up, its slightly Fragile in the shoulders, but Every once in a blue moon I can put it on, and take a walkabout, just to keep it supple.

amazing wear considering it had NO patches or Tears though! check the Patina!!! This one was DEFINETLY a wartime*LONER* haha

you know, the type you Find kicking around in the packing tent.

 

[rocketeer]

Here's a couple of mine. The first B3 I owned, it's an Aero Beacon NY.
There are a few repairs here though the basic jacket was wearable. Just under the left arm can be seen a banana shaped repair to the body. It looked like a depot repair as the patch matched the other leather facings.
Note on this jacket the upper arm re-enforcing does not wrap around like most B3s I have seen. Eventually the zip split the attachment points, the sheepskin was very weak and ripped like a postage stamp. I re sewed the zip further in and sold it on.

OK, not sheepskin but a wartime G1 or M422A, really cant remember much about it but the back collar had USN stencilled in white. No back view but the collar was worn a bit and the back had a massive hole where it must have been hung up wet and rotted out. The waist knit was great as were the pockets and zip. Cost me only £35 so no loss when I sold it on for spares.

Another Navy jacket, this N1 had a USS Lexington connection(posted about previously) I was not really aware of till I had sold it on. Not leather but full of holes at all the crease points.

After an incident with an ANJ4 I stay well away from rotten old sheepskins now, even so called bargains.
J