Ok, so sounds like they may just take a long time right now to respond to people. My email was not even an order status request, just a question about placing an order, so I am sure that is lower priority. I'll just wait. Very interested in one of their jackets. If I end up buying I'll post about it!
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Bill Kelso. Whats happening?
- Thread starter HeliPilot23
- Start date
bellumbill
Active Member
I ordered a BK in August - we will see when I get it. *shrugs*
Best to all,
Bill K.
Best to all,
Bill K.
MauldinFan
Well-Known Member
I know you all know and love this maker, but the idea of waiting months for even a response, let alone the jacket itself, smacks of "pre-order culture" wherein some folks think the longer you wait (and concurrently, how much you paid) is something to brag about.
I see this a lot in my other hobbies as well. The Kelso prices aren't really all that bad for a high end A2, but man, I don't have that kind of patience.
I see this a lot in my other hobbies as well. The Kelso prices aren't really all that bad for a high end A2, but man, I don't have that kind of patience.
That certificate is odd. The signature is for a LtCol from the 29th Infantry? That was the 4th Infantry Division, about as far placed from an A2 as you could get and still be in the same military.
I understand what you are saying. This is definitely a thing in certain hobbies, and while I am not experienced enough to feel it yet, I can completely see this being a thing among people who are into leather jackets.
For my part I don't think it's something to brag about waiting, more just that I am in no rush to get the item I want (which is not an A2 or even strictly a repro). Bill Kelso just happens to make more or less what I am looking for. I've looked at a bunch of other brands but it's difficult to find one that makes something close enough to what I want that a small pattern alteration gets me there.
bellumbill
Active Member
My issue is mainly with the communication or lack thereof. Wait time I figure is normal for bespoke items but i cant see the reason not to check and drop emails few times a week. I have been very busy in most jobs I have ever had and still found time to answer many, many emails a day.
Pa12
Well-Known Member
The Platon syndrome
I have received my jacket and I have very mixed feelings. The craftmanship is stunning, it is a beauty.
On the other hand, sizing...
Reading Greg's post about his custom jacket I really wanted to nail the fit.
I had asked for assistance in figuring out the right size for me. I measured myself two times, a regular size 40 was recommended with the 42's 18 inch shoulders. I also filled out their questionnaire, the desire was a relaxed fitting jacket. So that was it, order was in.
After the long delay and anticipation, today was the day. As soon as I took it out of the box, it looked small. It is extremely snug everywhere (except for the belly, which I don't really have so that part is fine) and also short on the sleeves. This is my first A-2, definitely should have gone a size up.
However, after grabbing the measuring tape I realized all the numbers are below advertised and the custom shoulder size was never applied.
What do you gents think, are these number within the acceptable limits? I do not want to be the drama king, but I do not think so.
On the other hand, sizing...
Reading Greg's post about his custom jacket I really wanted to nail the fit.
I had asked for assistance in figuring out the right size for me. I measured myself two times, a regular size 40 was recommended with the 42's 18 inch shoulders. I also filled out their questionnaire, the desire was a relaxed fitting jacket. So that was it, order was in.
After the long delay and anticipation, today was the day. As soon as I took it out of the box, it looked small. It is extremely snug everywhere (except for the belly, which I don't really have so that part is fine) and also short on the sleeves. This is my first A-2, definitely should have gone a size up.
However, after grabbing the measuring tape I realized all the numbers are below advertised and the custom shoulder size was never applied.
What do you gents think, are these number within the acceptable limits? I do not want to be the drama king, but I do not think so.
Skyhawk
Well-Known Member
Every Manufacturer should have a tolerance listed for their measurements. Does it fit within their tolerance?
Government Specs in general have a tolerance of 1.0" on length and .5" on everything else. Those numbers seem to fall within that range. Except for the shoulders which exceed the 1/2" tolerance.
Government Specs in general have a tolerance of 1.0" on length and .5" on everything else. Those numbers seem to fall within that range. Except for the shoulders which exceed the 1/2" tolerance.
leper-colony
Well-Known Member
Let them know its wrong, get another one or refund. Do not let the emotion of having it, keep you from getting what you paid for.
mulceber
Moderator
Not unless you buy it as an upgrade. They use the standard Waldes-made repros.
Chandler
Well-Known Member
My old Monarch's collar always sat a little lopsided. I never tried to work it into shape, but it might be possible. (Hope the link works)
Monarch Mfg. Co. CONTRACT NO. N383s-80667 - Google Drive
drive.google.com
Damn, sorry -- 3rd jacket example down in the album.
mulceber
Moderator
(It's the third jacket in the link, for reference - the one titled Monarch782301)
Chandler
Well-Known Member
Yeah, I was counting pictures, not jackets -- edited accordingly.
Grant
Well-Known Member
Capt,
The bald area already appearing looks the most troubling to me as that's something you usually see on originals when dry rot sets in.
As for the collar popping up on one side, I've never seen that on an original or repro but you may be able to tame it with a little hot water treatment on the offending side.
FWIW, the color and texture of the mouton looks beautiful!
