Looks Like AVI is Back in the Game!

[Enigma1938]

I got my tag from Gibson and Barnes today! Shipping cost more than it did! It strikes me as having been done somewhat half-assed but that doesn't bother me because, frankly, I'm sure more than a few of these were done half-assed during the war! Or at least that's what I'm telling myself.

One thing I am disappointed about is that the velcro backing is glued and not sewn. I was really counting on having the holes to help with the stitching because I'm awful at neat, consistent sewing. Ah well.

Nice, G&B does the best USN / Navy Tags and they are extreme sturdy.
But why have you chosen a velcro backing? This is the ww2 layout and color so the only accurate way is to sew it on.

 

[Enigma1938]

Noticed today that the top left corner (from my perspective when wearing it) of the right pocket flat popped a stitch. This is kind of thing happens, right? Not something I need to stress about?

Definitely NO! The pocket will not fall off someday. That can happen on Goodwear or ELC jackets also just like it happened on originals back then.

 

[leper-colony]

Another source is this place, which sells also on ebay. They will custom.

Aviation Collectibles, Military Patches and Insignia from Plane Crazy Enterprises

 

[McNally]

Nice, G&B does the best USN / Navy Tags and they are extreme sturdy.
But why have you chosen a velcro backing? This is the ww2 layout and color so the only accurate way is to sew it on.

Oh, I know. I took the velcro off. Velcro is on by default and somehow I thought it was sewn on. Every other leather nametag I've ever seen was sewn to the velcro backing. I wanted to use the holes from the stitching to guide me because my own hand stitching is extremely uneven.

 

[Brettafett]

Just dropped, new CLASSIC styles...

Classic Jackets Archives - AVI LEATHER

Our collection of classic leather jackets draws inspiration from iconic vintage civilian styles. We don't base our jacket designs on seasons or climates; we focus on creating timeless leather jackets that will last a lifetime.

www.avileather.com

And some sale jackets for those on the fence

Archive sale - AVI LEATHER

ARCHIVE SALE Shop a selection of archive pieces at a reduced price. The products are mainly development samples, previous versions or jackets with small flaws. Perry A-2 Flight Jacket – Size 44 – Russet Horsehide €300.00 Cossack Jacket – Size 44 – Horsehide Leather (sample jacket) €300.00...

www.avileather.com

 

[RumRunner]

And some sale jackets for those on the fence

Archive sale - AVI LEATHER

ARCHIVE SALE Shop a selection of archive pieces at a reduced price. The products are mainly development samples, previous versions or jackets with small flaws. Perry A-2 Flight Jacket – Size 44 – Russet Horsehide €300.00 Cossack Jacket – Size 44 – Horsehide Leather (sample jacket) €300.00...

www.avileather.com

That size 54 G1 seems to be whispering my name (sigh)...

I may or may not have already saved a bookmark directly to the detail page.

 

[WingAndaPrayer]

As i´m also looking for a B-10 - do you think the ATF will be better than the bronson ? Actuall i´m waiting for a restock of bronson, because the price fits more budget than a BR or a Eastman. Both of them look in my eyes way better than the bronson but are way of my budget. And i never read read a review for the ATF B-10......

The FiveStar B10 is very nice. I own 2.

 

[Brettafett]

After a recent enquiry as to the status of the Star G-1, I was told this is on hold for the time being. Some issue with trying to find appropriate repro zippers.
I can imagine finding a decent repro Conmar can't be easy.
But... Was also told AVI has an ANJ-3 in development. Based on their M-422A, but with leather collar and epaulets I guess. Id assume custom options available for leather and lining etc
Ive always been keen for one of these, seeing some of the member's originals.... Like the ideal leather flight jacket. I had one of Cockpit's leather collared-G-1s a few years back, but was not 'sold' on that.
Based on my AVI M-422A however, Im in.
If anyone hears more, please let us know...

 

[CombatWombat]

After a recent enquiry as to the status of the Star G-1, I was told this is on hold for the time being. Some issue with trying to find appropriate repro zippers.
I can imagine finding a decent repro Conmar can't be easy.
But... Was also told AVI has an ANJ-3 in development. Based on their M-422A, but with leather collar and epaulets I guess. Id assume custom options available for leather and lining etc
Ive always been keen for one of these, seeing some of the member's originals.... Like the ideal leather flight jacket. I had one of Cockpit's leather collared-G-1s a few years back, but was not 'sold' on that.
Based on my AVI M-422A however, Im in.
If anyone hears more, please let us know...

I agree with you about their M-422A.....I ordered one from them about 2 months ago and I literally am like a kid on the night before Christmas!.....keep checking the shipping status every day (still sitting in customs since last Thursday)

 

[Brettafett]

2 months! Thats a long time for AVI... Should be 2 weeks...

 

[Lord Flashheart]

I've often wondered whether an AN-J-3 repro would be a good addition to the stable but for some reason the absence of mouton just doesn't work for me. Can't explain it.

 

[WingAndaPrayer]

To all the AVI owners: how good is the russet goat skin? I’m thinking about getting a Perry from them.

 

[B-Man2]

To all the AVI owners: how good is the russet goat skin? I’m thinking about getting a Perry from them.

I had one of the first generation AVI goats in russet. It was their Bronco. The goatskin on those was thicker than most repros and the russet was a bit on the orange side. Once I toned down the orange color a bit, the jacket was ok as a daily wearer. With a bit of aging it should work well for you as long as your not looking for historical accuracy. I don’t know if this issues have been corrected in the later models, so maybe some recent purchasers can weight in here.

 

[Brettafett]

Hold steady, Ive requested russet samples. I had received some with my Bronco, but had a spring clean since and its all gone.
It is very different from what was used back in 2019/2020, they must have a different supplier.

 

[CombatWombat]

I had one of the first generation AVI goats in russet. It was their Bronco. The goatskin on those was thicker than most repros and the russet was a bit on the orange side. Once I toned down the orange color a bit, the jacket was ok as a daily wearer. With a bit of aging it should work well for you as long as your not looking for historical accuracy. I don’t know if this issues have been corrected in the later models, so maybe some recent purchasers can weight in here.

I wish I could find a thick goatskin A2 or a G1 jacket.....not a fan of thin hides at all since it needs to be "babied"

 

[WingAndaPrayer]

Hold steady, Ive requested russet samples. I had received some with my Bronco, but had a spring clean since and its all gone.
It is very different from what was used back in 2019/2020, they must have a different supplier.

I emailed AVI for samples and they responded that they don’t send them.

 

[mulceber]

Maybe it could be a location thing? They know Brett from previous orders and communication, and they know he’s in Europe, so shipping would be cheap.

 

[WingAndaPrayer]

Maybe it could be a location thing? They know Brett from previous orders and communication, and they know he’s in Europe, so shipping would be cheap.

Maybe. I don’t mind not getting samples as long as I can see the new stuff here before pulling the trigger on one.

 

[Chandler]

I wish I could find a thick goatskin A2 or a G1 jacket.....not a fan of thin hides at all since it needs to be "babied"

I have 3 goatskin jackets I wear in rotation with my others and never felt the need to baby them.

1 is a vintage G-1; 1 is a very soft and playable chrome-tanned, newer G-1-like; and the third is a veg-tanned, semi-aniline finish A-2 that feels thin (but would probably mic-out the same as any of my jackets).

I say take the chance and get a nice goatskin -- they're great.

 

[mulceber]

Yeah, goatskin doesn’t need to be babied at all. There’s an argument to be made that it’s tougher than horsehide, and it certainly ages more gracefully.