Latest GW and Question on Zipper Pulls

[Cobblers161]

Hi Folks,

Been a fair while since I posted in this section but finally I have a GWL A-2 in my collection again.

It's a saucy little Aero 18775 and the fit is just right (for me at least). I have a question though regarding zipper pulls as my leather tab has done a disappearing act already. What is a good and authentic alternative to to the usual strip of leather?

Here's the jacket, riding a little high on the waist as I was hunched up a little:



I must add that after an self-enforced period of not wearing A-2's it is good to be back!

 

[6148th T.C.Squadron]

Great fit, and great looking jacket.

 

[derleicaman]

Ask John to send you a new one. I bet he would.

MASH has some on their site that are tapered tabs. Little nicer than the regular leather strip, but I recall them being a little pricey.

 

[derleicaman]

I looked on the MASH Japan website.
Here is the item number. They are 400 yen
Item # : 95-51-3302

They also have the regular leather strip type
Item # : 95-51-6102
for 300 Yen

 

[Silver Surfer]

i like to use a matching piece of leather appx 5"-6" long and knot it at the top and bottom. this works well if you are wearing gloves and want a secure grip. on originals i have seen charms, rabbit feet [hahaha, one], factory tool loan discs, bomb puller tags, etc. however, the most common puller attachment is a leather strip. if ya get a piece of leather, soak it up good with water, before knoting it, and tug on it [holding the zipper puller firmly]. this will stretch the leather, and when it dries, it will go back to its original size, thus making the knot tighter then a crabs ass, and thats water tight.

 

[blackrat2]

Nice to see you back buddy,that Aero looks sweet,is it custom for you
Let us know when your about this way for a beer

 

[a2jacketpatches]

http://stores.ebay.com/a2jacketpatches/

 

[CBI]

looks super on you and a great contract!

 

[Roughwear]

Very nice indeed Steve. I use vintage leather to create zip pulls on A2s and loop them as they did in the factory.

 

[Cobblers161]

Thanks for the comments on the jacket guys, JC has my dimensions nailed(good for me but not the bank balance) so I'm chuffed to bits with the fit.

John, this one was about 18 months in the pipeline, my time did come earlier but financial shortages forced a delay. So pleased I went ahead with it as I'd half convinced myself my A-2 days were over.

Thanks also the tips, I'll have a go at making a strip as I have some hide samples JC sent ages ago. I'll give the rabbits foot a wide berth though

 

[Silver Surfer]

yeah, i can see where hanging a dead animal foot on a dead animal skin could be a little non pc. oh, the humanity.

 

[dmar836]

What an authentic look! If you were local, you could have any of my scraps.
Dave

 

[Cobblers161]

It's not non-pc just a little odd.

 

[Anonymous]

Dead animal foot does not sound like a good idea to me. There's so many other lucky charms to consider.

 

[Silver Surfer]

what, no voodoo? where are those coonskin hats [actually rabbit fur 1950s gotta have] that adorned the noggin of any kid who could get their paws on one? oh, furgetaboutit, said my pa.

 

[Peter Graham]

Top notch A-2 mate. The fit couldn't be better. Wear it in good health.

 

[Steve27752]

The dice are the option that I went for on my G1.

http://stores.ebay.com/a2jacketpatches/