ELC Irvin 1942 with strange zipper

[entertainment]

I acquired this ELC Irvin in size 42 and it is in great shape and fits well.
The thing that I find strange is that the big tooth of the Eastman-marked zipper (at the bottom on the left side in the photos below) is plastic, and the zipper has plastic reinforcing of the cloth tape at the bottom too. Everything else looks right, but I have a little bit of doubt. I did see a mention of "plastic-y bits" on an ELC Irvin zipper in another thread if I remember correctly. When would this jacket have been made?

 

[Micawber]

Yes, my BoB ELC has the same, let's the jacket down TBH.

 

[Smithy]

I had to run and have a look at mine but it doesn't have a plastic tooth, mine is metal. I bought mine new from ELC in 2007 if that helps.

 

[Whatsit]

It sure seems strange that they’d use any plastic on these jackets.

 

[D97x7]

I have the plastic reinforcing but not the plastic tooth, mine was new in May last year.

 

[entertainment]

Yes, my BoB ELC has the same, let's the jacket down TBH.

Yes, it does let the jacket down.
Any idea when yours was made?

 

[Micawber]

Yes, it does let the jacket down.
Any idea when yours was made?

No sorry, purchased secondhand but unworn earlier this year.

 

[jack31916]

Mine BOB Irvin had the plastic tooth. Terrible and very cheap looking. Replaced this zipp with an original one...

 

[John Lever]

I think Riri accidently made a large batch of zips with plastic tabs in the early 2000 's. Most folk won't touch these jackets.

 

[Micawber]

I think Riri accidently made a large batch of zips with plastic tabs in the early 2000 's. Most folk won't these jackets.

Most folks wont these jackets?

 

[John Lever]

Sorry typo.
Won't touch.
The pastic tab just puts many people off. The skins are also of a less desireable type.

 

[Micawber]

I feel so inferior now.

 

[Micawber]

I feel so inferior now.

Well actually I don't.

 

[B-Man2]

Awwww... That’s OK .. The Jeep still looks great!

 

[Steve27752]

My 1996 1940 pattern ELC has the plastic bottom on the zipper.

 

[Officer Dibley]

I feel so inferior now.

Try a bit o french polishing on your hide

 

[Micawber]

Try a bit o french polishing on your hide

But I'd slide orf me horse!

 

[Smithy]

So do we know when these were used or was it a bit all over the shop?

I purchased mine (a 1940 Pattern) new from ELC in August 2007 and it has no plastic bits (either teeth or reinforcements) on the zipper whatsoever. It seems they used plastic both before mine and after mine so I'm wondering if there was rhyme or reason to this or if I hit a lucky window.

 

[John Lever]

So do we know when these were used or was it a bit all over the shop?

I purchased mine (a 1940 Pattern) new from ELC in August 2007 and it has no plastic bits (either teeth or reinforcements) on the zipper whatsoever. It seems they used plastic both before mine and after mine so I'm wondering if there was rhyme or reason to this or if I hit a lucky window.

I think Early to mid 2000's. There was general outrage at the time. The period is before Broken grain and long after curly merino, the fleece is orange/red and the leather is spongy.

 

[John Lever]

Still a nice jacket but not the best vintage that's all.