Latest Buzz Rickson's B-2 Jacket

[Falcon_52]

I apologize if this was already posted but I stumbled across this latest Buzz Rickson's B-2 at Milwaukee's website:

http://www.mil-mil.net/docs/buzz/jacket/br80331/br80331.html

Some interesting changes to note from the last version: vegetable tanned horsehide (instead of veg + chrome retan), heavy wool blanket lining (not the moquette pile), and the Switlik B-1 type pocket with the snap closure. The thread color may be a little different too - not a gold color but more of a khaki color.

I'm sure this will only be available through Japanese channels but I thought it was worth posting to the forum.

Noel

 

[John Lever]

Yes,
I have been aware since it was released and they are only available in Japan. Both Eastman and HPA are not stocking this jacket. It's a shame as the leather looks very good and the blanket lining is warmer than the mocquette in other jackets. I am unsure if the snap pocket closure is authentic though ?
If ELC sold them I would buy one, but the duty from Japan would put me off.

 

[Falcon_52]

That's a shame that neither Eastman or HPA stock this one. I suppose there is no chance of a special order either.

As for authenticity, the snap pocket would be accurate for Switlik's B-2/A-2 contract which was a continuation of their second B-1/A-1 contract. That was the version with the two-strap collar closure instead of the buttons and loops.

Noel

 

[John Lever]

That's a shame that neither Eastman or HPA stock this one. I suppose there is no chance of a special order either.

As for authenticity, the snap pocket would be accurate for Switlik's B-2/A-2 contract which was a continuation of their second B-1/A-1 contract. That was the version with the two-strap collar closure instead of the buttons and loops.

Noel

That's very interesting as I had assumed it was inaccurate and was reason to not sell this year. I have an older strap collar version made from very heavy horsehide but with only a simple Talon rather than Hookless zip. It's a better jacket than the pleated pocket version which is very light weight.

 

[Falcon_52]

I forgot about that. Yes, Buzz did make one early on with the strap collar. Now, if they could make a strap collar with the button pocket that would be great. Of the numerous B-2 makers, a massive 3 whole manufacturers, they would have the only one like the Switlik B-2.

Noel

 

[John Lever]

Noel,
I have that jacket...see here for photos of the size 40 I sold recently
viewtopic.php?f=19&t=15549

 

[John Lever]

The jacket can be purchased here -

http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/hinoya/item/br80331/

 

[ausreenactor]

Just joined the Buzz B-2 Club!! One of the 2008 run with the Werber label.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/221412388675?ss ... 1439.l2649

Nicely priced and too uncommon to let go... Offer promptly accepted and inbound. Just in time for the
cold Sydney winter.. Need to make room though... :roll: More 'light zone' jackets up on the auction
block soon...

Couchy

 

[John Lever]

I almost bought that for £450 off eBay. I sent a best offer of £450, the seller sent a message offering to sell privatey but otherwise did not respond to my offer. I asked for some history and more photos. It's not new,he said he recently bought on eBay from a seller who got it from HPA. No new B 2's have come up recently apart from the genuine one in the USA. The photos show wear to the cuffs and along the piping on the main zip,also creases in the leather suggest is has been worn. £450 is not so bad for a good condition B2 but it was very cheeky to list it as NWT.
I think the listing states returns only if item not as described so that could be why he wanted to sell privately.
It is still a very nice jacket and you will probably love it.

 

[ausreenactor]

I offered GBP475 and he pounced on it. I was more concerned about the Werber label than it being new or unworn. I now have the Werber A-2 and the B-2. If only Buzz/Werber made a C-2? I pulled out the catalogues and the 2010 and 2012 both had the Buzz Rickson label. If it gets worn it will be a bonus. The same/later jackets in 36 and 38 are on Yahoo Japan for more than the original asking price. If I sniff a bargain I am in. The Buzz N-3A is set to go to make room. Unless Tianna does some more haggling for her use in the coming months. Beats $1500 from the 'other guy' in the US..

Couchy

 

[John Lever]

He obviously had no other offers then as he included free postage for £450. Just thought he was a chancer.

 

[FlyingYankee]

I don't think the size is enough for those of us 46 and up. How do these stack up against the RMNZ B-2?

 

[ausreenactor]

He obviously had no other offers then as he included free postage for £450. Just thought he was a chancer.

I was the second offer. I saw the counter offer there for the first offer and hedged the bet. Very happy. Will start the clock and wait for the next 44 to pop up in Japan or on eBay with a Werber label...I would say it will be years...

Couchy

 

[ausreenactor]

I 'woulda' paid full price if the offers were not there as an option...

 

[John Lever]

He obviously had no other offers then as he included free postage for £450. Just thought he was a chancer.

I was the second offer. I saw the counter offer there for the first offer and hedged the bet. Very happy. Will start the clock and wait for the next 44 to pop up in Japan or on eBay with a Werber label...I would say it will be years...

Couchy

Mine was the other offer, at £450. I retracted after he wanted to sell privately.
I must admit though it's a nice jacket I was never fond of the pleated pocket or the collar closure. The earlier version I have is heavier leather with the two collar straps. Unfortunately it lacks the great zip and only has a standard Talon.

 

[John Lever]

BR are offering the blanked lined version again this Autumn. I hope to order one from Eastman if they are planning to stock them or from Japan. The pocket looks to be higher up and the leather looks really nice.
Update: Eastman are not offering the B2 this year.

 

[Falcon_52]

I don't think the size is enough for those of us 46 and up. How do these stack up against the RMNZ B-2?

They are definitely different in most respects. Most noticeable is the leather itself. I believe Buzz uses a combination chrome/veg tanned leather for theirs whereas The Few's is veg tanned. The leather finish is very different as well - neither are good or bad just different.

The Few's sizing on mine is small. I have a size 46 from them and normally wear a 44. The Buzz B-2 in a 44 fits me well.

Noel

 

[John Lever]

The Few offer leather choices but the latest BR uses very grainy Bronco hide. The Few jacket feels better, more solid but ye gods is it expensive !

 

[John Lever]

So the mystery of this jacket listed as NWT has been solved

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BUZZ-RICKSON- ... true&rt=nc

It is in fact this used jacket listed several times a few weeks earlier

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RARE-BUZZ-RIC ... true&rt=nc

I had been in contact with the first seller who confirmed who he sold it to.

So the moral here is that even though a seller may have plenty of positive feedback they may not be honest.

 

[ausreenactor]

The Feb 'sale' pics look even better. More excited now.

I never spied the NWT in the listing until I just went back. I never actually noticed that panel before. I usually just pop in at the size and then read the item description. I would highly doubt that a 2008 BR would be NWT unless it was one of mine...

Couchy