Any domestic U.S. sources for repro vintage zipper parts?

[coolhandluke]

Too often my OCD leads me to replace zipper pulls and stops on pieces that I've purchased from Bronson and other budget manufacturers. Instead of tossing the cheaper repro pulls, I've started reusing them on some of my modern garments from Banana Republic, Ralph Lauren, etc to help them look a little more vintage. They're easy to remove and reuse on other pieces down the road if needed.

I've stupidly developed a full blown zipper disorder to the point that I wouldn't mind finding a few spare repro Talon, Conmar, Waldes, etc zipper pulls to keep on tap for zipper upgrades. I just hate using NOS '40 & 50's era zips from MASH on these types of projects. It's a bit of a waste and gets expensive.

Does anyone know of any sources in the U.S. that sell repro vintage Talon No 5 (or similar) pulls? Any leads would be appreciated. I've pretty much come up empty on eBay and Etsy. I've located some NOS examples, but MASH is cheaper.

BTW...here are the most recent victims from this evening's zipper swap projects. Both are Banana Republic full zip "bomber" sweaters. They work great for layering under an A-2 or USN jacket and are quite a bit warmer than a C-2. I didn't use C style zipper stops since both zippers are 50's patterns (Talon is a repro M-50? from a Bronson M-421, Serval is an original).

 

[mulceber]

I've stupidly developed a full blown zipper disorder

Luke, I'm proud of you. Going all in on this hobby!

As to your question...no idea.

 

[coolhandluke]

Luke, I'm proud of you. Going all in on this hobby!

As to your question...no idea.

I've heard the term zipper nerd used. I feel more like a soon to be patient of Dr. Leo Marvin. Pretty sure Bill Murray is talking about YKK zips and I agree...

 

[mulceber]

You, me and @Grant can start a club. I'm already planning how to *upgrade* my incoming Real Simons B-15C....

 

[Silver Surfer]

you can find vintage zipper pullers on eb and Etsy, Lucas. most are attached to short non separating tapes. sometimes you can find them on vintage mens toiletry bags on eb. there is a company in Japan that sells "hookless", and waldes repro pullers, collar stops, and full zippers. inexpensive and fast delivery. problem is, my wife cleaned up my computer "pig sty", and I cant find the link for the site.

 

[jack31916]

Maybe you can have a look at this Ebay seller.

He's got several vintage (looking) sliders which maybe a good alternative.

Security Measure

www.ebay.com

 

[coolhandluke]

Maybe you can have a look at this Ebay seller.

He's got several vintage (looking) sliders which maybe a good alternative.

Security Measure

www.ebay.com

Thank you sir. I was actually planning on purchasing a couple straight bar Talons from that seller. I doubt that repros would be any cheaper.

 

[CBI]

..................yes, beginning to worry about you

 

[Silver Surfer]

for the Hershey bar talons make sure that they are #5 [#5 fits the wwll talon zipper tapes] and have the squared off pull ends. the ones with the rounded ends are from the 50s-early 60s.

 

[coolhandluke]

for the Hershey bar talons make sure that they are #5 [#5 fits the wwll talon zipper tapes] and have the squared off pull ends. the ones with the rounded ends are from the 50s-early 60s.

Thanks Vic. That was the only reason that I hadn't pulled the trigger on any yet. These should fit a No 5 zipper tape, correct? I know they're not '40's era as you mentioned.

 

[Silver Surfer]

yes, I believe they will fit. however, this model is a rounded end [50s-early 60s] the ones from the 40s are squared off at the end @ 90 degree angles. the seller on eb is a guy that had a notions and sewing supply store in nyc, and has been liquidating his old stock for a few years now. his stock is 1950s-1970s, with the exception of some Conmar pullers he had that were 1940s nos.

 

[coolhandluke]

yes, I believe they will fit. however, this model is a rounded end [50s-early 60s] the ones from the 40s are squared off at the end @ 90 degree angles. the seller on eb is a guy that had a notions and sewing supply store in nyc, and has been liquidating his old stock for a few years now. his stock is 1950s-1970s, with the exception of some Conmar pullers he had that were 1940s nos.

Thanks Vic. I'm okay with it being a post-WWII zip. I just won't use them on anything 40's era. I'll double check, but I think he may have sold all of the Conmar zips that you saw previously.