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Admiral A1 jacket update April 2018

Persimmon

Well-Known Member
As the sun was shining today, I decided to post some updated pics of my Admiral A1 jacket
All pictures were taken by myself on the camera timer so forgive the lack of smiles as I was trying to get in front of the camera in time and in the correct spot !!
Its been worn well over the last few years both on and off my motobike.

Although their is no armour on it its so comfortable to wear that on those short journeys and warm days etc, its my go to jacket when riding the bike.
No issues with the capeskin, buttons and knits whatsoever.
For those who dont have a Capeskin jacket they are much stronger than you imagine.
All just doing their job so if anyone is looking for a A1 style jacket ( and their are new members joining the forum all the time) I will continue to recommend Headwind.

The jacket fits close just like as a waistcoat. A selection of pics show it buttoned and open.
Lots of wear on it - hopefully the pics give you the look.
A1 pics April 2018 009.jpg
A1 pics April 2018 010.jpg
A1 pics April 2018 004.jpg
A1 pics April 2018 006.jpg
A1 pics April 2018 001.jpg
A1 pics April 2018 002.jpg
A1 pics April 2018 008.jpg
A1 pics April 2018 003.jpg
A1 pics April 2018 007.jpg


In terms of things done, I added as per my Eastman A1 a name tag above the pocket where I have seen it placed in period A1 jacket photographs.
I did orginally put it on above a circular unit patch but took both off so if you look carefully you may see some stitch holes. All adds to the character.

A few years back I posted previously on the jacket.
Hopefully the link below works.

http://www.vintageleatherjackets.org/threads/a1-admiral-headwind-pictures-being-worn.18701/
 

CBI

Well-Known Member
Great pics and I need to him in as well with pics.............

I recently purchased an 18 month old Headwind brown cape A-1 from a forum member. The jacket was/is in new condition. I have been eyeing Jay's jackets for a while and was so glad to have this opportunity to pick up a HW jacket at a super price.

The jacket is really excellent and yes, IMO very competitive with high end repros. I prefer the cape to Eastman's offerings (I have owned 3 ELC A-1's) and prefer the jacket to my A-1 by The Few I used to own. These are super jackets for less than 1/2 the price of the majors.

If anyone is considering an A-1 or similar style, and may not want to wait a few years for a GW, then order one of these, you won't be disappointed. Everything about my jacket I really love.

Looks very similar to the one in the above pics but w/ the traditional A-1 collar!!!!
 

B-Man2

Well-Known Member
Hi
The jacket looks super!!
However I’m a little confused.
I thought that it was a Headwind 37J1 with lowered pockets. The new Admirals Jacket from Jay hasn't been released yet to the best of my Knowledge.
However, as I an wrong from time to time, I could be wrong about this so please let me know if that's the case.
Cheers
 
Last edited:

Skyhawk

Well-Known Member
Thanks guys! I really appreciate the feedback. Alan, the jacket is looking great. Really love the nametag above the pocket. It makes me want to patch one of our jackets up for myself!

All The Best,
Jay
 

Persimmon

Well-Known Member
FF77CA58-5DD3-4219-B0C9-78D756C65186.jpeg
Hi
The jacket looks super!!
However I’m a little confused.
I thought that it was a Headwind 37J1 with lowered pockets. The new Admirals Jacket from Jay hasn't been released yet to the best of my Knowledge.
However, as I an wrong from time to time, I could be wrong about this so please let me know if that's the case.
Cheers

To end the confusion for you.
As I already had a Eastman A1 ( pictured above ) with the standard collar I wanted the navy collar on this new jacket.
However I do not like the matching high pockets that comes with the 37J1 so I asked for an A1 jacket with the standard low set pockets but with the navy collar.
Hence it’s a mixture and it’s Admiral title
 

Skyhawk

Well-Known Member
Hi
The jacket looks super!!
However I’m a little confused.
I thought that it was a Headwind 37J1 with lowered pockets. The new Admirals Jacket from Jay hasn't been released yet to the best of my Knowledge.
However, as I an wrong from time to time, I could be wrong about this so please let me know if that's the case.
Cheers

This was a custom jacket we made for Alan. It is a hybrid of the A-1 and 37J1 jackets. It was dubbed "Admiral's Jacket" by Alan during the project but it is a custom jacket and not technically a exact reproduction.

Our new model "Admiral's Jacket" is an exact reproduction of one of the models of the 37J1 jacket. It was based on a surviving 37J1 jacket that belonged to Admiral Ballentine. Thus named the "Admiral's Jacket". It will be available in the correct mid pocket version and also in the modified low pocket version.
 

B-Man2

Well-Known Member
Alan
Thanks for the info. The jacket looks great and now that I see it next to the standard collar on the Eastman I like it even more. Great value for the money. You wear it well!!
Cheers
 

B-Man2

Well-Known Member
Jay
Thanks for the clarification.
I like Alan’s jacket a lot.
Can’t wait to see the waxed leather version of the new admiral jacket.
Cheers
 

dmar836

Well-Known Member
Love the look of the name tag as well. I didn't even noticed the stitch holes until you said something and I went back.

Dave
 

Skyhawk

Well-Known Member
Great photos! Looks like the gentleman with the tie has one of the Nubuck civilian A-1's that were popular back then.
 

dujardin

Well-Known Member
this jacket is simply splennnnnnnndid

the fit perfect

enjoy the wearrrrrrrrrrr

the nametag above the pocket is a real bonus
 

Skyhawk

Well-Known Member
so.....how about a jacket along the lines of the civy a-1 shown above, made of your new sand colored cape skin?

Yes sounds great! I would think that our Tan Nubuck with our Sand color knits would be even closer to that original. The Sand cape plus the Sand knits would look great as well. We are always up for custom projects!

Tan Nubuck & Sand knits:
Sand-knit.jpg


Regards,
Jay
 
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