Need help recreating my grandfather’s ww2 jacket

[Brettafett]

John at Goodwear is your no. 1 choice for the jacket.

That said, thought Id mention, that theres a 'new' Bill Kelso Star Sportswear for sale in the Sale section.

https://www.vintageleatherjackets.org/threads/fs-bill-kelso-star-sportswear-a2-size-42-fits-like-a-size-40-in-other-contracts-new-out-of-the-box.36667/

 

[B-Man2]

Wow! Thank you silver surfer, brettafett and saint-ex. A little overwhelmed to say the least, was not expecting this much help and information haha..

Bill Kelso seems to be out of stock on the correct leather with no eta shown anywhere. Which leaves me with either 5star or Eastman. Being that the jacket will probably never be worn other than a very rare occasion, and I would be surprised if it ever left the house after all he’s been through with this jacket..rather it will hung up for display in his home gym where all of the other memorabilia from my grandfather is. Would it be wise to go for the five star jacket over Eastman? I can see the quality difference between them, both with Eastman and good wear. For display purposes, Would I be a fool for going with the more cost effective 5star to have more funding for quality patches instead?

Currently emailing Sean Collin’s as well as sending a private message to member @ties70 in regards to patches.

What size jacket are you looking to purchase?
The reason Im asking is because if you can pick up an original WWII jacket for a reasonable price … might that not be a better option that a repro ? Then you could have the patches made and put onto an original A2

 

[johnwayne]

There is currently two Star’s for sale on Eastman’s classified ads - one a 38” and second is a 40” both €700 - plus shipping and exchange rate at the time!!

 

[bn1966]

If you go for a top tier maker then long after your bank account has forgotten the cost you will continue to take the greatest pleasure from your tribute. I’ve owned loads of leather flight jackets & have sold all on apart from my Eastmans … which aren’t going anywhere

 

[Saint-ex]

As a famous line from "Les Tontons flingueur"' goes, "The price is forgotten, the quality remains."

 

[Thomas Koehle]

If you're looking for patches done get in touch with either @ties70 or @VeraVoulik

As for the jacket itself you already got some proposals from our geeks

 

[seabees07]

What size jacket are you looking to purchase?
The reason Im asking is because if you can pick up an original WWII jacket for a reasonable price … might that not be a better option that a repro ? Then you could have the patches made and put onto an original A2

I’m a little confused on the sizing part, I’ve read some are true to size while others run on the smaller side. My father wears a size large in regular jackets, coats and sweatshirts, as do i. At first I assumed a size 40-42 would be my best bet but from what research I’ve done today now I’m second guessing. Any thoughts?

 

[seabees07]

Sorry for the delay in response time here, it’s been quite a day at work. Overwhelmingly huge support from all of you, was not the response and cooperation I was expecting going into this and I’m greatly appreciative of every one of you.

So far I have emailed John at good wear as well as the fine folks over at Eastman, still waiting to hear back. Also have reached out to Sean Collin’s via his facebook group about what I’m looking to get done to see what he can do. I will get in touch with ties70 shortly as well to get his thoughts and opinions on the project.

Once again thank you all for your support and kindness!

 

[bn1966]

Eastman A-2’s in my personal experience work better one size up from your usual, I’m a 46” chest size but take a 48 to be comfortable with ELC A-2’s

 

[bseal]

May his memory live forever.

Good Wear Leather Coat Company — Star Sportswear 42-18245-P

www.goodwearleather.com

 

[B-Man2]

I’m a little confused on the sizing part, I’ve read some are true to size while others run on the smaller side. My father wears a size large in regular jackets, coats and sweatshirts, as do i. At first I assumed a size 40-42 would be my best bet but from what research I’ve done today now I’m second guessing. Any thoughts?

If he wears a size Large that would translate to a size 44 HOWEVER…. Don’t depend on sizes as most makers jackets run differently .
Find a jacket that fits him perfectly and then measure it or have someone take his measurements . That’s the very best way to get accurate sizing .