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Befton Clo. Co. A-2 Info

Technonut2112

Well-Known Member
Ran across this Befton Clo. Co. A-2 the other day.. I've seen others here and there over the years, but never could figure-out just who Befton is/was?? I am familiar with Sefton Clo. Co. (Steve Silburn's) A-2's, and am surprised there's practically nothing mentioned of Befton. Looks to be a VERY nicely patterned and constructed A-2 for the asking price (or better yet, a lower 'Best Offer'). ;) My strong Google-Fu is failing me on this one... Anyone have some info to enlighten me? :)

EDIT: Hmmm.. Upon closer examination, even the wrist knits on the Befton are seamed like Sefton's were, but the epaulets look positioned correctly, unlike Steve's, which were rolled more towards the front..

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Befton-Clo-Corp-A-2-Brown-Leather-Flight-Jacket-Beacon-NY-Size-48/152998838559?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649
 
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Ken at Aero Leather

Well-Known Member
Ran across this Befton Clo. Co. A-2 the other day.. I've seen others here and there over the years, but never could figure-out just who Befton is/was?? I am familiar with Sefton Clo. Co. (Steve Silburn's) A-2's, and am surprised there's practically nothing mentioned of Befton. Looks to be a VERY nicely patterned and constructed A-2 for the asking price (or better yet, a lower 'Best Offer'). ;) My strong Google-Fu is failing me on this one... Anyone have some info to enlighten me? :)

EDIT: Hmmm.. Upon closer examination, even the wrist knits on the Befton are seamed like Sefton's were, but the epaulets look positioned correctly, unlike Steve's, which were rolled more towards the front..

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Befton-Clo-Corp-A-2-Brown-Leather-Flight-Jacket-Beacon-NY-Size-48/152998838559?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

My initial thoughts were that it is a Sefton, maybe an early one with a mis-spelt label? We've had labels delivered with errors in the past, Lost Worlds have continued to use a Dubow label with a missing number. When is it financially worth ditching a paid for run of labels and when is it more ecconomical to bite the bullet and use what you've got? Buddy Holly's name was mis-spelt on the label of his first single, he stuck with the Holly surname, should have been Holley

On the other hand I've never seen a Sefton with contrast sleeve lining, and I've never seen one with such a badly positioned hanger loop.
 

Carl

Well-Known Member
Has someone not been busy with a gold marker pen to make it look "different" ?
 

Technonut2112

Well-Known Member
Has someone not been busy with a gold marker pen to make it look "different" ?

The Sefton's I've seen use a different label than the 'Befton' on eBay, so I see no reason for the 'Befton' to have an altered label:

EDIT: Looking closely at the eBay 'Befton', the label lettering looks original and unaltered. Curiously, both have the same contract / order #..

Sefton Label:

f4b764f5b07a0e58753d65967087e6cd.jpg


'Befton' Label:

s-l1600.jpg
 
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Ken at Aero Leather

Well-Known Member
The Sefton's I've seen use a different label than the 'Befton' on eBay, so I see no reason for the 'Befton' to have an altered label:

EDIT: Looking closely at the eBay 'Befton', the label lettering looks original and unaltered. Curiously, both have the same contract /

I'd say that the contract number virtually guarantees it's a Sefton, and judging by the tab sewing and lining, one from an early learning curve.
Whether Steve was using a (paid for but) mis-spelt label for the economics of a start up or he later decided to change the Company name, either way, it's the same firm
 

Technonut2112

Well-Known Member
I'd say that the contract number virtually guarantees it's a Sefton, and judging by the tab sewing and lining, one from an early learning curve.
Whether Steve was using a (paid for but) mis-spelt label for the economics of a start up or he later decided to change the Company name, either way, it's the same firm

Seems to make sense.. :) I've seen a scant few of these, and always wondered without researching further. The jacket looks to be actually patterned quite well, even better than some of his later work from what I've seen. The hanger stitching being off is noticeable for certain, but not a deal-breaker considering the overall nice construction, and other detailing. ;) If it can be had for a bit less than the asking price via Best Offer, it looks leaps and bounds above other A-2's in that price range. If one wanted to tinker, knits & lining could be replaced, but personally, I would leave it alone.. Sefton's are more or less wearable collector's items these days, with not many seen around. :)
 

Technonut2112

Well-Known Member
Can't edit my above post... In defense of the now sold 'Befton's wonky hanger placement, I ran across this Lost Worlds Dubow recently: :eek::p

LW Dubow.jpg


I wish I would have had the extra $$ to purchase the 'Befton'.. Good, solid-looking A-2 made by one of the pioneer jacket-meisters of our hobby... :)
 

Micawber

Well-Known Member
Another "Befton" surfaces..

Here

Judging by the colour and quality of the stitching it's clearly had a zip replacement..

19664

19665

19666
 

Ken at Aero Leather

Well-Known Member
I've never seen a Sefton with a collar stand, nor any other repro with a leather collar stand fitted inside the jacket (Excpet for the odd Easterrn made Mall A-2 on ebay)
This one makes me withdraw the opinion expressed in post dated Apr 29, 2018
 

Officer Dibley

Well-Known Member
Someone should ask Steve directly. He has his website and trades on ebay. I used to run across him a lot but he’s been less busy with his military vehicles these days.
I had a Sefton bought from him in 1996. It got nicked in 2002. Mine was steer but i’ve seen one that was very like FQHH - very/too heavy imho.
He’s a top guy and very talented.
 

robrinay

Well-Known Member
I messaged them earlier asking if they’d respond directly here or through me or another member. I included links to this thread and the jacket.
 

robrinay

Well-Known Member
Update - Stephen has replied to my eBay message - copied and pasted below -

New message from: izavailable (4,339)
Dear Rob, I can see why there is a discussion. The jacket and the label are absolutely nothing to do with me. When I ordered my labels I was sent a proof before they went into production so I cannot believe that the various differences on this label are anything to do with the label manufacturers. Furthermore, I took legal advice and I think I used a fictitious contract number. I wanted to avoid any chance of any legal wrong doing. But this Befton label carries the same number. The label looks particularly aged. Is it definitely embroidered? Could it be printed? I am intrigued! Please let me know what you find out. Regards, Stephen

Reply

Your previous message
Hi
Sorry to trouble you but this jacket is causing lots of speculation on the Vintage LeatherJackets Forum. Members are wondering if it’s an early Sefton with a misprinted label.
Would you be able to comment on the thread


directly or through me or another member please?
[/URL]

Kind regards
Rob
 

Micawber

Well-Known Member
I replied thanking him for his quick response and letting him know that I’d post his reply here on the thread and let him know what comes up.

Many ythanks for that, been a long, long time since I was in touch with Steve. Perhaps send him a copy of the other "Befton" label that Techno posted last year...

19793
 
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