Prettyflamingo
Member
Hello and thanks to everyone who contributes to this forum.I would describe myself as an MA-1 enthusiast more than a collector ,and own two jackets at present.
My journey here began with an Alpha MA-1 Purchased from a West Village ,NY A&N some thirty years ago.It served me well and began my love affair with what I consider to be the finest utilitarian men’s casual jacket.As with any classic,it inevitably becomes a learning curve and a rabbit hole to find the best example ,in the best condition that satisfies your needs and tastes.That is my introduction and how I ended up here.
My next investment was a Lion Uniform reproduction.A heavy beast with arms as thick as a Philly cheese steak.A solid jacket that was like driving a Bentley after previously owning a Ford.However I could never reconcile my dislike for the sleeve appliqué .
I stumbled across a denim store in Manhattan that has a similar jacket without the offending artwork by The Real McCoys.It did however carry an offensive price tag.
So back to Ebay,sell my Lion to fund the McCoys and I’m a happy man.
Patience was my friend.After a year or so an XL McCoys was found in near to mint condition.I was jubilant.
It was around the same time that I read a forum post singing the praises of early Alpha production.I found another rabbit hole"....It must be nostalgia for an orange lining.
And so here I am today with a pretty much mint XL 1963 Alpha.I am astonished at how good the condition is,which brings me to the question,were these ever reproduced ?
Also there is a faded stamp mark on the waist that I can’t figure out and a number 3 ? Can anyone offer any insight?
Thanks
My journey here began with an Alpha MA-1 Purchased from a West Village ,NY A&N some thirty years ago.It served me well and began my love affair with what I consider to be the finest utilitarian men’s casual jacket.As with any classic,it inevitably becomes a learning curve and a rabbit hole to find the best example ,in the best condition that satisfies your needs and tastes.That is my introduction and how I ended up here.
My next investment was a Lion Uniform reproduction.A heavy beast with arms as thick as a Philly cheese steak.A solid jacket that was like driving a Bentley after previously owning a Ford.However I could never reconcile my dislike for the sleeve appliqué .
I stumbled across a denim store in Manhattan that has a similar jacket without the offending artwork by The Real McCoys.It did however carry an offensive price tag.
So back to Ebay,sell my Lion to fund the McCoys and I’m a happy man.
Patience was my friend.After a year or so an XL McCoys was found in near to mint condition.I was jubilant.
It was around the same time that I read a forum post singing the praises of early Alpha production.I found another rabbit hole"....It must be nostalgia for an orange lining.
And so here I am today with a pretty much mint XL 1963 Alpha.I am astonished at how good the condition is,which brings me to the question,were these ever reproduced ?
Also there is a faded stamp mark on the waist that I can’t figure out and a number 3 ? Can anyone offer any insight?
Thanks