First Repro A-2

[B-Man2]

Does HPA usually have these in hand?

That's a good question......I would call and talk to them first.
If they have what your looking for, it makes sense to consider dealing with them to reduce your shipping fees and import duty fees.
Also it makes it easier for you, if you need to return the jacket.
However, I would make sure I talk to them about their return policy, as I understand a member here had an issue with a return a while back.

 

[blackrat2]

Skip that jacket is a cracking fit

 

[saucerfiend]

However, I would make sure I talk to them about their return policy, as I understand a member here had an issue with a return a while back.

FYI, I tried a new jacket on from HPA and sent it back. Charles said I soiled the cotton lining on the neck. Then he deducted $200.00 from my refund. I've been dealing with John at Goodwear for quite a few years and tried on many jackets from him with no problems sending back. I've sold jackets on the forums many times without problems. My jackets are like new in my closet. worn many times without ANY stains. The jacket I sent back was tried on and taken off within 10 minutes. And, I always wear a collared shirt. Please consider this if you decide to order from HPA. Please call if you like. 732 297-0697 for other details.

Brian

 

[Skip]

Skip that jacket is a cracking fit

Thanks mate, worked pretty hard with ELC to get it right. Although the jacket has certainly got me on a hard exercise routine to keep me in it.

 

[zhz44]

I tried the HLB A2 at Eastman pop up shop, really liked it.
View media item 260

 

[Smithy]

Buy a secondhand one and save yourself half the price

Cracking looking jacket.

 

[B-Man2]

Or , search around and find a nice original one. About the same money and better value.

 

[foster]

I would go for a Werber, personally. Here is a photo of an original Perry with Wright field patch in Japan a few years ago. (Thanks to Roughwear for the correction)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v486/thumpersean/A2/werberwrightjapan_zpsrw1sknmp.jpg

 

[Roughwear]

I would go for a Werber, personally. Here is a photo of an original Werber with Wright field patch I saw in Japan a few years ago.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v486/thumpersean/A2/werberwrightjapan_zpsrw1sknmp.jpg

It is actually a goatskin Perry Sportswear 23377 A-2. It has the typical rounded collar ends found on the first two Perry contracts.

Here is an original 1933 Werber. Note the very different collar points.

 

[foster]

Thanks Andrew, I corrected my post.
I saw Newburgh, NY on the label and made the wrong assumption!

 

[unclegrumpy]

Or , search around and find a nice original one. About the same money and better value.

IMO, an original and a higher end reproduction are two different animals. I think originals are great for occasional wear when you can respect their age, but for all around everyday use, a reproduction is probably a much better choice for most of us. I've had a number of both, and much prefer the robust nature of a newly made jacket...the threads don't unexpectantly pop, they don't mind the weather, and they happily take abuse.

 

[Smithy]

IMO, an original and a higher end reproduction are two different animals. I think originals are great for occasional wear when you can respect their age, but for all around everyday use, a reproduction is probably a much better choice for most of us. I've had a number of both, and much prefer the robust nature of a newly made jacket...the threads don't unexpectantly pop, they don't mind the weather, and they happily take abuse.

Very good comment Uncle. We have to remember that these things are historical items and the further we get away from the time they were used the more fragile they become (like any item made from especially organic materials). Age also does and should affect how we view the use of things. WWI flying coats went through a phase where they were all the rage with the high end motoring crowd in the inter-war period and even reaching into the 50s. Now you won't find anyone using a genuine WWI flying coat for anything like that as the coats - the hides they're made of and the cotton stitching that holds them together - have degraded over time. Those that flew in castor oil lubricated machines even more so.

The same thing will happen with WWII jackets. Every type of item like this has a finite period of use before it will degrade and begin to fall apart. Just like us!

 

[B-Man2]

That is true.... but it does feel good to put on an original now and then.

 

[M3Cavalry]

FYI, I tried a new jacket on from HPA and sent it back. Charles said I soiled the cotton lining on the neck. Then he deducted $200.00 from my refund. I've been dealing with John at Goodwear for quite a few years and tried on many jackets from him with no problems sending back. I've sold jackets on the forums many times without problems. My jackets are like new in my closet. worn many times without ANY stains. The jacket I sent back was tried on and taken off within 10 minutes. And, I always wear a collared shirt. Please consider this if you decide to order from HPA. Please call if you like. 732 297-0697 for other details.

Brian

Brian, thanks for sharing. I had a good experience returning jackets with HPA, but it's good to hear your feedback as well.