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G-1 ebay advice

P

pipvh

New Member
In the throes of looking for my first G-1 I have of course been raking over the offerings on the 'Bay. If possible I'd like to buy an old one (what I'd really like is an M-422a or something similar) but in any case I think 1965 is my cut-off point. I've noticed that on the 'Bay, prices fluctuate pretty wildly but for nice ones, people want a lot of $$. I'm thinking particularly of these ones:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... K:MEWAX:IT
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... K:MEWAX:IT

I'm trying to calibrate my search price-wise, so could some more expert minds tell me if those prices about right, or are they high? If right, then I'm going to have to rethink my budget...
 
Andrew

Andrew

Well-Known Member
I know extremely little about G-1's and M-422's but I would offer that it'll be unlikely that you'll learn anything from the BINs of both these two sellers. This is just my opinion but I don't even bother to look at what they sell as they are both Ebay dealers and have had a past history of stockpiling and selling at higher prices as they operate as Ebay shops.

You should make your opinion of prices based on plain vanilla auctions. The items these guys have often sits around for long periods and it appears to me they lie in wait for the passing unexpected buyer to come along.
 
R

Roughwear

Well-Known Member
IMO both jackets are over priced and the sellers have been discussed before on the forum. You may be better off buying elsewhere.
 
J

Jaydee

New Member
Way too much! Current fair market value for such jackets would be between $350 to $425. These figures drop dramatically when the original parts are missing or replaced. And hit the top end when jackets are mint.

Rare patches and good provenance add to the value, but it doesn't sound like that is what your looking for.
 
Jason

Jason

Active Member
Gosh, you'd managed to stumble upon pretty much the two worst over-hyped over-priced sellers on ebay, in one hit. The good news: your luck for finding a decent & value for money purchase on ebay can now only increase! ;)

Its worth having patience when looking at G-1s. Like anything jacket related, the general rule of thumb is:
1) the older jackets are generally both better constructed and have more of 'the look' that we so desire - and command higher prices accordingly.
2) Condition is everything - better condition sends the price up exponentially.
3) Provenance also commands its price too.

If you're after a beater G-1, a 7823D or 7823E series G-1 is the ticket. Should be able to get one for around USD $100. I have a nice 7823E that I use as a raincoat and general work / walk around jacket. I've even used it hiking in the mountains where I'd expect it to get scraped and scratched up a bit.
After something a bit more special? I'd not look any later than the 7823B series... things started to go downhill fairly quickly after that. A 7823B which needs new cuffs etc should be able to be had for about USD $200 or so, so long as the leather condition is good.

As for sellers in the USA that only send to the USA - it doesn't hurt to ask politely. If there's something that catches my eye but is "USA only", I'll send off a quick 'general question' observing my perfect feedback rating, and if I were to pay instantly with Paypal, and of course understand that I'd be paying the higher cost of international post and any customs duties etc at my end, would they be willing to accept my bid. 9 times out of 10, I get a positive response to this - some reluctantly, others more than happy. The 10% who reject my request are pretty indignant and just outright say "NO!!!". Don't give it a second thought... they've probably been stung by some ebay drive-by hoodlum in Sierra Leone and now irrationally refuse to deal with anyone except in their native country. So be it, plenty more fish in the sea.
 
unclegrumpy

unclegrumpy

Well-Known Member
I agree with what others have said above. One key thing you are not focusing in on is size and potential fit. You have been looking at both 42 and 44 sized jackets. While G-1's are more forgiving than A-2's, they do run differently depending on the age and manufacture. For example, a jacket tagged 42 could fit like a 40, 42, or 44.

My advice is to try on some jackets...as many as you can to get a feel for them. I also strongly agree with the idea of getting a cheaper later 1960's G-1 to wear and play with first. I think I have a 42 and maybe a 44 from the late 1960's or early 1970's that would be in the $100 to $125 price range...I would have to dig them out to see. Others on the Forum often post reasonably priced G-1's for sale, and many are in the UK where you could try them on.

One thing you are going to find out is that to get THE jacket you are looking for, will take some time (years?) and patience. You are not going to fall in love with the first girl you kiss!

Good luck!
 
asiamiles

asiamiles

Well-Known Member
pipvh said:
Thanks for the replies. That was my feeling too - that these were overpriced. Good! Now if I can just get one of these sellers to ship to the UK...

I'm going for this one: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... K:MEWAX:IT. Replacement zip, cuffs and waist should keep the price down.
Click to expand...

To me that doesn't look to be a very appealing jacket. The zip is wrong (the zip tape is not the right colour), the cuffs don't match the waistband, and the mouton probably needs replacing. Frankly, it looks more like a flea market pick-up than something you're spending well up of $100 on. I would keep looking if I were you.
 
P

pipvh

New Member
Thanks for the advice, all. It's the size fluctuations that make it interesting! I've been finding Roger Moore's site extremely useful.

Asiamiles, cheers for that. It's exactly the kind of info I needed.

Unclegrumpy, I'd be interested in anything you happen to dig out. Btw, is that a Bouvier in your avatar?

Pip
 
Maverickson

Maverickson

Well-Known Member
pipvh said:
Thanks for the replies. That was my feeling too - that these were overpriced. Good! Now if I can just get one of these sellers to ship to the UK...

I'm going for this one: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... K:MEWAX:IT. Replacement zip, cuffs and waist should keep the price down.
Click to expand...

Hi,

I am over here in the good old US of A. 2nd that motion! The mid 1950s 7823 ( AER) G-1 jackets are my favoroite. This Monarch jacket in question although might be a good ( cheap) purchase but the zipper is truly a poor replacement. Remember, leather is unforgiving! See what I went through to bring one back correctly http://www.vintageleatherjackets.org/vi ... =15&t=7180 and then you decide if that one is worth the effort! Not to mention, a third zipper replacement will be hard to hide.

Good Luck!

Cheers, Dave
 
unclegrumpy

unclegrumpy

Well-Known Member
He's a Giant Schnauzer (Riesenschnauzer).

I'll do some digging, but suggest you get a better idea of your size and measurements as well. You might then want to try posting a wanted ad in the Buy/Sell section. I think if you focus on a Vietnam era G-1 first, someone will have one that you will be happy enough to start with in the $100 to $250 price range.

From there who knows, I know one guy who has 25 or 30 G-1's in his closet...and he loves everyone of them!

Good luck!

PS: Skip a project jacket, get something that is in good enough shape that you can start wearing it right away.
 
P

pipvh

New Member
Ah. Thought he had to be either a schnauzer or a bouvier. Beautiful dog.

I'll take your advice and post a WTB. Think you're right regarding an entry-level jacket. I'd love an M-422a but perhaps if a used repro comes up...
 
unclegrumpy

unclegrumpy

Well-Known Member
There really are not very many "good" M-422 repros. JC at Goodwear makes the best I have ever seen...almost indistinguishable from an original. I have personally compared Goodwears and originals side by side.....you do get what you pay for!

Here is a thread and a link about them:

viewtopic.php?f=8&t=7106

http://www.goodwearleather.com/pages/m422_monarch.html

Original M-422's are out there, and decent ones can be found with some patience. If you plan to wear an original, getting one with nice leather and collar, but in need of cuffs, waistband, and a lining can make sense. The rayon linings on these jackets...even the nicest ones....are getting weak/degrading after 70 years.

I still think you would be better starting with a nice Vietnam era jacket. They are well made and can take a lot of abuse...and they are a good value right now.

Good luck!
 
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