The Flight Jacket Thread

[Slub]

Just to add to the half-belt reference, this is one Aero made for me last year. Cordovan colour leather and plain cotton drill inside. This thing is heavy! It'll take years to wear-in. I've worn it for about 6 months so will have to update with some pics of how the leather has worn so far - lots of scuff marks.

[jake431]

Nice Aero! Is that the 30's half belt?

-Jake

[Slub]

^ Sure is...

[fardin]

beautiful slub, thanks

any sizing infos?

can wait to see what it looks like now

great

[Happy Hooligan]

slub,

Once you break it in and if it's a size 44 or even a 42, I'll buy it from you...

Awesome jacket!

[Mr Black]

Hi guys, sorry to hi-jack this thread but I hope you can help on this. I have an old horsehide workwear/flight style jacket that has seen much better days. In fact some patches are almost suede rather than leather.

i'm guessing it's from the early 50's. I've had it for probably about 18 years or so and it was pretty much in this condition when I got it, although i've had the cuffs replaced. Can you suggest a product I can use to condition/preserve it?

[jake431]

Most jacket heads I know use pecards to remoisturize tired old leather. Multiple light layers, applied as the previous one has been soaked in, seems to be the trick. After you can't get more into the leather, usually after a day or week or so, you wipe off the excess. I think that's the process. Crownzip, any additional suggestions? I am not sure what it will do to a jacket that's become sueded with wear.

-Jake

[Happy Hooligan]

Most jacket heads I know use pecards to remoisturize tired old leather. Multiple light layers, applied as the previous one has been soaked in, seems to be the trick. After you can't get more into the leather, usually after a day or week or so, you wipe off the excess. I think that's the process. Crownzip, any additional suggestions? I am not sure what it will do to a jacket that's become sueded with wear.

-Jake

I used Pecards Antique on my jacket it it really brought it back to life. the leather looks almost new from 20 feet.

I also used it on an old club chair that had been in the sun for years and it brought it right back....

the Pecards Antique is nice that it doesn't really change the color of your leather as other products will!

[coleslawyum]

Looks like The Few re-did their website. Or am I late to the party? Anyway, quality looks fantastic.

[jake431]

I don't know if you're late to the party or not, but yeah, their shit is dope. That B-2 is the dopest thing. I will own one in my life at some point. Oh yes, I will.

-Jake

[jake431]

Here's another jacket of mine, a H&L Block M-422a. It's in good condition, unfortunately, a little small for me; it's what I get for working out after I bought it, I guess. I know it's an H&L Block because it has the stereotypical shorter arms, even despite the absence of a label.

Front:

Back:

Lining:

Leather Closeup:

Knits:

Enjoy the pictures, folks. It's a great old jacket.

-Jake

[crownzip]

sweet Block!

[crownzip]

Yep, Pecards rules for restoring old leather. I would only add be careful not to apply too much at a time and let the jacket sit for a few days to soak in the dressing before rubbing the excess off with a clean cotton rag.

[Yakboy Equals Nurturer]

Partially relevant, as some of the jackets are flight jackets, but Lost Worlds are direct selling some overstock on eBay at the moment and looks like there might be a couple of bargains as far as bomb-proof horsehide jackets are concerned.

http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/grapemoby_W0QQ_nkwZQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZQQ_mdoZQQ_sopZ1

[?uestionmark]

awesome thread. i got an original horsehide bronco mfg. a-2 from the 30's or 40's yesterday. probably the best thing i ever spent money on. this one is for the long haul. can anyone hint me to where i can find some pecard antique leather dressing locally (ny / nj) ? i wanna clean it up tomorrow or soon at least. and i dont know which to get, regarding the different ounces they come in. thanks in advance. ill post pictures soon

[edmond]

how much did you pay for it questionmark?

[?uestionmark]

i got really really lucky. 600 off ebay. and the condition is great. ill give it 8 out of 10. i can make it 9 with a little bit of cleaning off the dust. its a size 38 so i was even extra lucky

[fardin]

sounds great, wow what a prize .

will you post some pics?

congrats?uestionmark

[nemoulette]

So, uhh, I just found the sweetest thing ever.

Don't have the jacket at hand, but the tag says something like AIR FORCE TYPE, A2, FLIGHT JACKET. Anymore info? It's in really good condition.

The best thing? Cost me 30 bucks at a vintage store in CHILE. Haha, it's 30C right now and I'm backpacking around for another two months, what the hell...

[edmond]

you sure? it doesnt say something like G-1 rather than an A-2?

[nemoulette]

Nope, definitely "A2 TYPE" (tag is almost falling off).

[Happy Hooligan]

Not sure of the brand, but it's a civilian jacket. Looks 70's. Is the leather thick or thin?

[nemoulette]

Thick as hell. If I can't squeeze out more than lets say 400 bucks, I am keeping it (fits like a glove). I am almost hoping that it isn't very valuable because I LOVE IT.

Some more pictures:

Tag says:

"AIR FORCE TYPE

FLIGHT JACKET

A2"

The smaller tags down the lining says:

"LOT

size 42"

And a cleaning note telling me to clean it at "R Sherman leather cleaners, Bergen street"

And finally,

"This is a genuine leather garment".

Any ideas?

[nemoulette]

More pics:

[jake431]

It's definitely a civilian jacket - probably 70's - and is real leather, probably steerhide. I think the fur collar is quite nice on A-2 style jackets. There are several deviations from a authentic A-2 - mutli-piece back. fur collar, lining etc.

But it fits great and looks like a "flight jacket" - and that's pretty cool. Besides it has hand warmer pockets, which a real A-2 wouldn't, which I think come in handy.

-Jake

[Happy Hooligan]

I know that jacket as I've found a few myself. Classic 70's very thick leather jacket and fur collar.

you won't get 400 for it, but it's sure a keeper. Should take any punishment you can dish out. Let a good rain soak you both so it starts to fit your body...

[nemoulette]

I'm strangely happy to hear these things. I will wear it in good health. Now, I wonder how much it would cost to ship it back home...

[?uestionmark]

my A-2 Bronco MFG Corp with Talon zip

and for colder days

my B-15A complete with leather oxygen tabs, conmar zip and alpaca lining

[fardin]

man ?questionmark

great jackets.

the b 15 is nie, but the bronco,

thats really a great find, looks awesome.

and does it fit?

[?uestionmark]

dude i couldnt be more happier with the fits. ill post some eventually.

i need to find a good leather and/or vintage cleaner/restorator in nyc first.

i wanna get them cleaned and fixed at a few places to prevent further deterioration. they are around 70 years old.