Help needed for choice betwen AVI and Fivestar 55J14 G1

[Brettafett]

Bonjour Ritchy,

If you ever find more budget for your G-1 you are in luck man...

Good Wear Leather Coat Company — Sale Willis & Geiger M-422 Jacket

www.goodwearleather.com

At this price I'd jump on it!

Dany

If that was a 40/ 42 in my dims.... W&G M-422 is a firm fav

 

[flyincowboy]

SALUT RITCHY Go for an original one if you can source one! about five star good quality leather and affordable price you can ask Shawn to help you for the sizing if you need custom size .

 

[Brettafett]

This gentleman sometimes has some nice originals in decent condition.
No 55J14s though.

www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?_ssn=g.i.jackets&_osacat=0&_armrs=1&_odkw=G-1+44&_from=R40&_trksid=p2046732.m570.l1313&_nkw=G-1&_sacat=0

Just know, for us EU guys, you'll pay postage and imports/duties/taxes on top... So make sure to ask questions!!!
Condition of leather, any issues, stitch holes, does the zipper work, and importantly... get measurements.

If it doesn't fit or you just dont like it, you''ll have to work than one out.

 

[mulceber]

Just as an FYI, original 55J14s that are in wearable condition are quite rare. Something about the leather that was used on that series was bad and so the whole series was prone to red rot. It's actually easier to find earlier WW2 Navy jackets than to find a good 55J14.

Lots of good 7823 and 7823As though.

 

[Chandler]

Something about the leather that was used on that series was bad and so the whole series was prone to red rot.

Color me curious now.

 

[Ritchy]

Thank you all for your contributions, good advice and links. I think I'll opt for the AVI and stay on standby on Ebay which frequently has offers from G1. There are also several at the moment from a German seller, but none that suits me in my size.
I will keep you informed.

Best regards

 

[Enigma1938]

There are also several at the moment from a German seller, but none that suits me in my size....

Don't buy there ! The jackets from this seller were stored in pressed bundles for decades so they are more or less crumpled up with pressed in zipper marks, dents etc etc...
Oh and they smell musty with little chances of getting rid of that.
For the same money there are waaay better jackets out there.

 

[Ritchy]

@Enigma1938
Thank you for the information

 

[STEVE S.]

Not sure how big of a rush you are in, but depending on what happens in the next 2-3 weeks, I might be selling off my whole collection. Almost all are size 44-46.

 

[Chandler]

Not sure how big of a rush you are in, but depending on what happens in the next 2-3 weeks, I might be selling off my whole collection. Almost all are size 44-46.

Um, whoa?

Just that time? I've been toying with putting my '52 G-1 on the block for that reason.

 

[Ritchy]

@STEVE S.
I'm not in hurry, what are you talking about when you say "depending on what happens in the next 2-3 weeks" ?

 

[STEVE S.]

@STEVE S.
I'm not in hurry, what are you talking about when you say "depending on what happens in the next 2-3 weeks" ?

Just been having ongoing issues with the Mrs health. She hasn’t been able to work or drive for 3 yrs now so it’s all been on my shoulders. She has a hearing scheduled in about 3 weeks & if it goes bad, I may just sell off all of my collections. Between paying all of her healthcare/meds out of pocket and trying to keep everything up to date regular bill wise, I go 100 mph with my hair on fire 7 days a week trying to keep everything covered. Haven’t had a new jacket order in almost a yr & a half, so trying to live off of restoration/repair work and just getting worn out tired...

 

[Ritchy]

@STEVE S.
I'm really sorry to hear that and sympathize with your concerns. We are lucky here to be pretty well covered medically speaking, but that may not last.
I hope this all goes well and I wish you the best for you and your wife.
Best regards

 

[mulceber]

Agreed - please keep us informed of how it goes, Steve.

 

[STEVE S.]

@STEVE S.
I'm really sorry to hear that and sympathize with your concerns. We are lucky here to be pretty well covered medically speaking, but that may not last.
I hope this all goes well and I wish you the best for you and your wife.
Best regards

Thanks brother!

 

[Lord Flashheart]

I can't say it better than that Steve and wish you and your wife well in tough times. The restored H&L Block M-422A I picked up from you a couple of years back is still valued at the heart of my little collection.

 

[Micawber]

I am sorry to read about your wife Steve. I sincerely wish you both well and that things improve for you both very soon.

Look after yourself Sir.

 

[Ritchy]

Hi there,
I found this one near me, in quite good condition and good price. It is too small for me but i think i'm gonna buy it.
It's perhaps the first step to find and buy an original one that will really fits me.

Regards

 

[FlakMagnet]

I've got one of those Imperial Fashions contracts. I quite like my one, albeit incredibly squeaky!

 

[Ritchy]

@FlakMagnet
Can you tell me if the collar is sheepskin or synthetic fur ?
Regards