My last A-2 (hopefully) - Good Wear

[Micawber]

Be patient, Platon's Dubow is fantastic! And unbeatable value...

Agreed. Several have squirmed and nearly cancelled but I have not heard of an order not being fulfilled. Platon produces a very good A2 but Comms are not his strong point.

 

[Pa12]

For sure. Had one but it was too small. I guess if this one shows up with any issues I’ll have to pound salt considering there’s no way to contact them.

 

[Chandler]

Out of curiosity, what contract is it?

For what it's worth:

And John's description from his DVD:

This jacket is a reproduction of a WWII Type A-2. The contractor represented chose not to have their company name on the label, as did a number of other contracts, so this pattern is known as a 27753 A-2. The jacket is known for being very comfortable to wear and is almost always made with russet leather, a Conmar zipper, and the Army Air Forces shoulder stencil. The customer who ordered this jacket requested darker leather, so this particular leather is cowhide called English Pub Coffee. It has a striking resemblance to the leather used by Aero in their 21996 contract A-2. Note the original WWII Rau Fastener Corp. snap backs.

The patch stitch marks you see are from that first owner. As I recall, he owned the piece for less than a year, passed it on to someone who passed it on to me.

 

[Pa12]

Sounds like my ex wife

 

[Chandler]

Sounds like my ex wife

This A-2 is a whole lot more appealing than my ex.

 

[Pa12]

Ditto. I guess my Platon situation has me thinking of past irritant’s as well

 

[blackrat2]

English Pub Coffee, talk about a trip down memory Lane, what was the other colours he used way back

 

[blackrat2]

Vermont espresso was another
Looking back at some of the old threads I wonder where these jackets are residing now

 

[Chandler]

English Pub Coffee, talk about a trip down memory Lane, what was the other colours he used way back

He told me that he found the leather locally and that's what it was called from the source.

 

[YoungMedic]

Vermont espresso was another
Looking back at some of the old threads I wonder where these jackets are residing now

Though my tastes have changed that was one of my favorite jackets

Good Wear Leather Coat Company — Sale Monarch A-2 Jacket

www.goodwearleather.com

 

[mulceber]

For what it's worth:

And John's description from his DVD:


The patch stitch marks you see are from that first owner. As I recall, he owned the piece for less than a year, passed it on to someone who passed it on to me.

Honestly, I'd keep that. It's special enough that it's a keeper. It's also just a hell of a beautiful jacket.

 

[Chandler]

Honestly, I'd keep that. It's special enough that it's a keeper. It's also just a hell of a beautiful jacket.

I would, but it never really fit me -- even differently now since I've lost weight, so I never wear it. Figure I can use it to finance one I'll wear.

It really is a great jacket from John; nice Conmar zip and terrific knits.

 

[Nickb123]

Wearing John’s Aero 16160 briefly this morning in dark seal cowhide. Has a much softer drape than any other hides of his I’ve tried. Not sure what it’s called.

 

[Chandler]

Wearing John’s Aero 16160 briefly this morning in dark seal cowhide. Has a much softer drape than any other hides of his I’ve tried. Not sure what it’s called. View attachment 78860

Very similar fit to mine (on me).

 

[Nickb123]

Some pics of John’s 27752 in Horween horsehide. A bit reddish which I like. This is definitely the way to go if you’re looking for a jacket that doesn’t feel too stiff off the bat. Love it! Hope to take some more detail shots soon.

 

[mulceber]

Totally agree - John's Horween beautifully captures the pliability of vintage A-2 jackets.

 

[Nickb123]

Totally agree - John's Horween beautifully captures the pliability of vintage A-2 jackets.

Mind you, this one was lightly combat-cloned, but I think it was mainly just John wearing it. It’s also a 46 (just like the jacket Burt sold me) rather than my usual 44, but I’ve elevated my jacket enjoyment by no longer caring.

It definitely has that “drape” you see in WWII films which is often neglected in repros. Idk, maybe we need to start a thread on examples of this in film. I know many of the WWII flicks used civilian A-2 derivatives, but I’m sure our collective group could put together a period montage.

I’d say this hide, along with that cowhide I posted earlier, are two good choices for that look.

 

[B-Man2]

Great looking jacket Nick !
I’ve found that you’ll never have a jacket that drapes nicely, if it’s too tight on you.
To have a jacket that drapes well, it should fit a little loose on you.

 

[mulceber]

Speaking of which, that one has just *perfect* blousing.

 

[Brettafett]

Thats a lovely looking A-2 Nick, and the fit to my eye is spot on son.