Micawber
Well-Known Member
Hmmm, just to throw my 2p into this can of worms, don't know why, really...
i've had many original A2s , G1s, Irvins., B3s, B6s etc over the last 50 years, bought to wear on vintage bikes and WW2 jeep, there weren't the repro makers working back then. I still have a really cheap repro A2 that I used to wear on my bikes, no idea of the maker, still going strong, and it did the job of not being an original to ruin. I'd guess that whichever company is making the repros now spends far longer in making each one than the contractors back in the war days, so probably the stitching is better, the hides are better quality etc, guys want better fitting etc etc and obviously import tax etc plays a major part of cost if involved. In my opinion buy an original in good condition, quite often these cost less than a repro anyway and treat it well. But then a collector's repro market seems to have been established as well, seems strange to me that a repro can cost a lot more than a plain unadorned WW2 A2, G1 etc. then again I wouldn't want a repro Porsche 356A or E type etc .. it's all down to taste and perception. BUT I'm not knocking repros... I have to admit that 20 odd years ago I bought a Buzz Rickson (second hand then) horse hide ANJ3A cos an original was too hard to find, pre i/net (still a pretty rare beast I think), worn it a few times and it's still like brand new, don't think there are many original or repros out there.
never mind, let's all enjoy whatever we can afford & wear with pride
cheers
Back in the days when plain, unadorned originals in good sizes were relatively easily available, keenly priced and with no or very few repro's / representation garments available I would have had no hesitation in agreeing with you. However the last two or three decades have seen an increase in the collector market and less plentiful supply which in turn has driven up prices. Those decades have inevitably taken their toll on original garments meaning while I was quite happy to mooch about in original stuff on a day to day basis years ago I am less happy doing so now. Add to that, and generally speaking, the populations of some western countries have undoubtedly got heavier, broader and taller so repro gear is really the only available choice for reliably solid garments.
I mean when was the last time you went into Milletts or other surplus places and saw original Irvins being sold for not a lot?