as promised:
I LIKE this one. Very happy with the fit. I went down a size. I am a 42 regular, this is the (37-40) Medium.
Pros - lots of details, great features, lots of snaps. Warm but not heavy. Hardware lightweight but solid. Love the color.
Cons - collar very thin and smaller than the "typical" BIG Kanal collar - TBH - for contemporary wear, I actually like/prefer this smaller collar. A little artificial looking but it's growing on me. Actually, the collar looks like an old furry collar that has lost a lot of fur. According to ATF, the main zipper should be white plastic like the original they copied. The zip on this jacket seems very "modern" but what do I know. As you can see, the stitch work is OK, not top drawer but hey, for a wartime jacket, I don't mind.
This is about as good as its going to get as I don't see anyone else planning on making these. Noble House makes a similar product w/o the fur collar. There are a few other makers.
I am completely happy with this despite my few cons. I think for the price, its a cool jacket. I do think that in this price range, Bronson might have done a little better job but again, me likey............
I would say for level-headed folks who like this style, give it a try (restock is maybe this summer).
For the super OCD VLJ crowd, this might not be authentic enough. ATF states that using more authentic collar and interior wool would have brought up the price considerably. I would have been fine paying $100 more (current retail is $249.00) for that but would not go higher so, very nice at the current price point.
As I always say, if this jacket gets worn a lot, its going to look really good. I like that its a very different look. On my left chest is a large pocket. Its open, no zipper. Great for my phone accept I don't think I want that next to my heart!
Considering the popularity of B-3's and Irvins, I am really surprised the premium makers have not attempted the full blown leather version. I know proper hardware is tough to procure. This might be a job for 5 Star as they have the hides and seem pretty industrious.