A1 recommendation ?

[omarco]

in my quest for a new spring/summer jacket I'm thinking an A1 could be a good option. I wondered what recommendations VLJ'ers might suggest. I do have a few caveats, I don't want to wait for months and months to get my hands on one and I don't want to pay Real McCoy prices. I don't mind about 100% historical accuracy for this one.

Any good suggestions?

Cheers.

 

[Dr H]

ELC A-1 (0.50 cal or regular) or Bill Kelso in Victory capeskin...

 

[stevetfire]

I'd also go with Ian's comment (DrH) , although A1's of any repro maker on the used market seem a rare bird these days, I have an ELC A1 that I bought from Ian a couple of years ago and I've worn and worn and is almost certainly one of my favourite jackets , I should post some pics to show its well worn patina

 

[omarco]

thanks chaps. Any civi type versions worth a look?

 

[Silver Surfer]

if you are a size 40, you may want to consider my elc a-1. i purchased it this past winter, and when i did, i asked gary to select the lightest colored cape he had on hand. only worn indoors, not even elbow creases. $750 +$16 shipping in the us. por, or go to the fb site a-2 appreciation for pix and description.

 

[omarco]

I don't know if I'm missing something but I can't find the A1 on the ELC site... I know it used to be there, I've looked at it before..

 

[johnwayne]

For my two pennyworth I suggest you try Norshor leather ( formerly Superior Flight Apperal).
Mark who turns up here from time to time is based in Minnesota and does a nice A1 at I believe a reasonable price but no idea his current production times - search both but I can recommend his work as I have an A1 of his and love it.
Cheers
Wayne

 

[omarco]

if you are a size 40, you may want to consider mine. i purchased it this past winter, and when i did, i asked gary to select the lightest colored cape he had on hand. only worn indoors, not even elbow creases. $750 +$16 shipping in the us. por, or go to the fb site a-2 appreciation for pix and description.

Thanks SS but I think I'd be a 42.. 6'1" with a 40" chest..

 

[Dr H]

For my two pennyworth I suggest you try Norshor leather ( formerly Superior Flight Apperal).
Mark who turns up here from time to time is based in Minnesota and does a nice A1 at I believe a reasonable price but no idea his current production times - search both but I can recommend his work as I have an A1 of his and love it.
Cheers
Wayne

Does Mark still offer the A-1, Wayne?
When I last spoke with him I thought that he's dropped it from the lineup?

 

[Rutger]

I don't know if I'm missing something but I can't find the A1 on the ELC site... I know it used to be there, I've looked at it before..

still there.....

http://www.eastmanleather.com/product_i ... cts_id=162

 

[omarco]

well spotted, I knew it had to be there somewhere.

 

[Skyhawk]

I am going to be making an A-1 soon, actually just finishing up the label design. It will be in russet sheep skin, very close to the weight and softness of capeskin. The color appears to be a near dead ringer to that (under the pocket flap) Eastman original's photos. The price will be in the $500 range, shipped and tailored if desired. Turnaround time should be around 10 days. You can PM me for more info if you like.

 

[chamboid]

They Kelso Capeskin is superb, a really beautiful leather, so soft to the touch with a lot of character. That would be my first choice. Otherwise I have a lively one made by Norshor in horse hide which is a great lighter weight jacket to wear. Both of course completely customisable.

 

[omarco]

Thanks for the input everyone, top of the list at the moment is Norshor and Kelso. I'm thinking of a civi A1 really over a repro, Norshor has those really nice olive knits but I'm a little worried that both will have wait times beyond what I'm prepared to put up with

Skyhawk, thanks for the headsup' I'll keep an eye on the project for sure.

 

[grommet]

Mark Fisher (Norshor) made a nice A-1 for me. He was very obliging and worked with me to get the right fit, leather and look (I had the pockets placed higher, like the naval aviation type). I think he is reasonably priced, at least he was when I bought it a couple of years ago and the wait time wasn't bad.

On the other hand, I purchased a Aeronaut from Bill Kelso which never fit properly even though I have a pretty standard build. I contacted them immediately and was told that if I just kept wearing it it would probably mold to my body. Needless to say, that was not good advice and, when I complained later, they said there was nothing they could do since it was more than 30 days and because there were some customized features.