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At The Front New Deck Jacket

CBI

Well-Known Member
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On At The Front''s FB page is a photo of their new 42 USN Deck Jacket. Not for sale yet but I will probably bite when they stock them.

link above or go to their Facebook page. It's a public page so no need to log in to FB
 

ausreenactor

Well-Known Member
They look good. Just bought a BR to replace the one on loan to an esteemed VLJ colleague in the UK. Always the way...
 

ausreenactor

Well-Known Member
Polar fleece lining on a WWII reproduction??

Creature comforts.. Small concessions that ATF customers demand, as long as the colour is right it's okay. And the price is right. They cried in horror when they started sourcing stuff made abroad. Until they realised that US made stuff would be three times the price. It's a pretty good imitation. US Navy kit was long overlooked. WWII Impressions stuff is prohibitively expensive...
 

Smithy

Well-Known Member
I'm one of those who is a recent convert to ATF and have to agree with Couchy that it's these little concessions which keeps their prices very reasonable. I picked up one of their B-10s recently which has some kind of fake lining instead of the alpaca wool on originals. Doesn't look terrible and having come into contact with a bit of alpaca clothing when I lived in Chile, I can say in this instance I'm happy it's not alpaca as that stuff makes me itch more than a monkey with a dose of the clap. I personally can live with these little historical inconsistencies but at the same time can totally understand why others want 100% replication with a repro. With ATF I think Rollin is trying to offer the best he can at the best price point.

I'll definitely be buying more from them, GyreneGreen's post of his B-9 has me wanting one of those and I wouldn't say no to this forthcoming deck jacket either.
 

CBI

Well-Known Member
ATF is trying to keep costs down and trying to appeal to the general public not just the reenacting community. I am a big fan of ATF despite the online rants of the owner!

A big part of this forum has been arguing for 100% authenticity in regards reproductions. As I get “older” in regards this hobby, my authenticity “needs” are loosening up. Also, I am not really wanting to spend loads of money on jackets anymore and with cloth, something very “close” is fine with me. Also, cloth looks pretty authentic to me once it gets “worn in” so “close enough” works for me. I have really enjoyed some of ATF’s modern concessions as they make ergonomic sense and I actually WEAR these items more often than the more “authentic” stuff. This is totally IMO. I think ATF is doing well with this more general public approach while still doing a great job. I opted for some more authentic items from SM Wholesale when I really wanted that extra little bit or correctness but I am not sure the additional expense was/is worth it. It’s also nice that ATF typically has things in stock which is a big issue with some other makers.

Also, a lot of the high-end cloth stuff is still not 100% authentic either so why spend all the extra $$$$$? Yes, I admit to my semi-OCD-ish approach with leather flight jacket authenticity so I guess there is double standard here. Can't afford $$$$$$$ to be that much of a purist with everything!!!!
 
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Thomas Koehle

Well-Known Member
I have been buying at ATF since more than 15 years when I was still more into reenactment and so - not "en mass" but some pieces here and there - and have always been satisfied with their stuff

only "downside" for Europeans are the high shipping rates and customs with remarkably add-up to their listed prices but that`s not their fault
 

Tim P

Well-Known Member
At the front, either through dedication or business savvy, offer in many cases two tier options for many items in their inventory, budget conscious and stitch Nazi grades. Sourcing woollen cloth for linings is a big expense and the point to me is that looking is not enough. There is a need to examine the item (not forensically) to resolve that it's an ATF item.
The ludicrously inflated prices of high end repros has priced me for one out of the market and I think there's a new wave of manufacturers offering what many folk are after.
The A2 jacket for instance offered by de brabander QM.be is cheap and I would consider it should I ever get another A2
 

ausreenactor

Well-Known Member
I have been buying at ATF since more than 15 years when I was still more into reenactment and so - not "en mass" but some pieces here and there - and have always been satisfied with their stuff

only "downside" for Europeans are the high shipping rates and customs with remarkably add-up to their listed prices but that`s not their fault

Check their eBay listings as they are through the Global Shipping Program, which is cheaper than their quoted rates. Which is scary....
 

Silver Surfer

Well-Known Member
i recently purchase a coupla navy chambray shirts from atf, and except for the orang arm length, i couldnt be happier. whats more, they are about half the price of the buzz version, which have been resized, and the new sizing is confusing.
 

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