Awesome MONARCH A2 handcrafted by John Chapman

[Stef]

Did JC provide the black repro Talon, or did you paint it yourself ? how is the base : Nickel or brass ?
How would you compare the pattern with Star in sleeves and torso : slender ?
do the inset sleeves really help arm motion (never had one with inset sleeves) ?
what is the shoulder width ?

really good looking anyway, fits you so well... definitely one of my fav contracts


thanks

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Stef

 

[Roughwear]

So many questions!

The zip is a nickel repro Talon with a NOS puller painted by me. Shoulder width is 18.5". Yes the inset sleeves do make movement easier.

If you want to compare it with the Star the best thing you can do is study the pics on th GW website.

I would highly recommend this excellent jacket.

 

[Stef]

Yes so many questions...sorry...i really like this contract a lot, I'm thinking about what contract to order to JC, and this one was on the top of my list. I think I'm convinced now.
the shoulder width is less than what you usally wear i guess...i don't want to miss that because to me shoulder adjustment is key for this pattern to fit well...and you have it perfect !

thanks

------------------
Stef

 

[omarco]

Hows that Monarch wearing in Andrew? i'm thinking of choosing that very jacket for my next A2.

 

[Roughwear]

I'll let you know later in the year as it has not been getting much wear recently with the cold weather.

 

[bretron]

Andrew, updated photos pls! I'm rethinking my pending GW order (once again!).

 

[chamboid]

I'll seconds that. Thinking of this for my order from GW, but the the lighter russet shade.

 

[Roughwear]

Yes it is breaking in nicely. I'll post some photos at some stage.

 

[Roughwear]

Here are some pics taken today. The jacket has been worn on and off since late 2011 and is breaking in nicely. The surface is wearing like some originals and the stain on the collar is exactly like some of my originals! The horsehide has a tremendous grain, but not all over as the pictures show. It remains a comfortable jacket and although tagged a 46 fits like many of my Wartime size 44s.

 

[better duck]

Looking better than before, aging well!

 

[chamboid]

Yep that's the one isn't it, a beautiful A-2, cut and Pattern. Going to ask for some watches soon to decide on colour, but I think the light russet is the way I'm gonna go. Hiw did you black then zipper Andrew?

 

[Roughwear]

Yep that's the one isn't it, a beautiful A-2, cut and Pattern. Going to ask for some watches soon to decide on colour, but I think the light russet is the way I'm gonna go. Hiw did you black then zipper Andrew?

Yes I did, but the paint is wearing off now.

 

[bretron]

Andrew thx for posting the update photos. Like Chamboid, this is likely the way I'm going to go. I love the cut and details of this pattern (especially the collar). Yours reafirms how nice monarchs are

I was all but settled on the 27798 Dubow in the 103 seal, with Cabernet knits. However, after recently receiving another jacket in a very similar shade of seal (not an A2, but made in John's veg seal goat), I'm now thinking I want a classic dull russet A2 rather than another purply shaded jacket!

On the other hand, he's got some seriously killer options out there with the new golden knits- Eg RW 1401, 36 Werber, and Bronco. decisions decisions!!!

 

[chamboid]

Excuse my bad typing. It was meant to read 'how did you paint the zipper?' What did you use?

 

[omarco]

this was my first choice originally as well. in the end I went with a 36 Werber in the brand new russet cow with golden knits and its perfect! the monarch is still on my wanted list though.

 

[Marrk]

@ omarco: Apparently, the shoulders in the Monarch are a little small. How are the shoulders in the Weber? I always need ample shoulders and a slender torso (and sleeve length).

Thanks!

 

[omarco]

Others would be better placed to tell you if the Werber is wider in the shoulders or not than the monarch.. but I would guess it probably is, I'm not slim around the shoulders and mine has the tiniest bit of droop at the shoulders (which is just how I like em) John will get you a great fit whichever contract you choose.