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 .

 

[Brettafett]

Also, just an fyi, BK has all leather in stock, not sure where you saw its unavailable.
You'd want Liberty horsehide for the Star.

Star 18245 - Bill Kelso Mfg.

This jacket represents the only A-2 jacket contract awarded to Star Sportswear Mfg Co. of Lynn, Massachusetts. The Star 18245 A-2 jacket pattern is a really slim fit. It features inset (rotated) sleeves and a uniquely “crescent moon” shaped collar that sits lower in the front and does not...

billkelsomfg.com

The Star is a trim pattern, would need to size one or two up from chest measurement, dep on body type.

 

[seabees07]

Also, just an fyi, BK has all leather in stock, not sure where you saw its unavailable.
You'd want Liberty horsehide for the Star.

Star 18245 - Bill Kelso Mfg.

This jacket represents the only A-2 jacket contract awarded to Star Sportswear Mfg Co. of Lynn, Massachusetts. The Star 18245 A-2 jacket pattern is a really slim fit. It features inset (rotated) sleeves and a uniquely “crescent moon” shaped collar that sits lower in the front and does not...

billkelsomfg.com

The Star is a trim pattern, would need to size one or two up from chest measurement, dep on body type.

so when I originally looked at their site I was basing it off of the display picture disclaimer saying it was the “victory horsehide dark seal” leather, that option was out of stock. At the time I thought the other leather variants were not true to manufacturer spec and opted them out as an option for purchasing a jacket. If I did go with BK would you think the seal or dark seal be a better finish? I’ve tried to colorize the photo of him wearing the jacket, the best it can be done. The jacket is more on the darker side compared to the lighter and more reddish tinted variations I have seen with the star sports lineup.

 

[Brettafett]

The Liberty horsehide is fantastic stuff, as true to spec as any other top end makers' leather.
For a Star you'd want seal (or russet).

You can also request samples from all the makers mentioned above.

 

[Saint-ex]

The question is :

Is this jacket dark russet or light seal ?

 

[Brettafett]

This is the jacket.

Good Wear Leather Coat Company — Good Wear Star Sportswear Type A-2 Jacket Flight Jacket

www.goodwearleather.com

Of the 3 top-end makers mentioned above, only GW will work to match the colour, ie dark russet.

Note. ELC's hides vary from batch to batch, sample colours may change compared to actual jacket received.
Also, I dont think ELC will make a Star in a russet anyway (I asked before and was told no).

 

[bfd70]

You’ve waited years. A little more time is no big deal. Now that you have the info, savor the process. Buy a goodwear. Use the lead time to save up the extra $. This may very well be the most meaningful purchase you ever make.

 

[mulceber]

I’d describe that as seal with some russet tea-coring effect going on. John at GW could recreate that with his combat cloning.

Welcome to the VLJ, @seabees07. This is a really nice project you’ve set out for yourself. I don’t really have anything to add beyond what others have said. My vote for who to go with would be Good Wear, but I’m biased, as John is a friend and I own a number of his jackets. You may not want to wait that long, and that’s reasonable. But he is the one who will do the best job of it. You could probably even send him the patches you get and the photos of the original and he would attach them.

 

[Saint-ex]

Note. ELC's hides vary from batch to batch, sample colours may change compared to actual jacket received.

Was my point, with Good Wear you are free to request a specific color target.

 

[CK90]

This is the jacket.

Good Wear Leather Coat Company — Good Wear Star Sportswear Type A-2 Jacket Flight Jacket

www.goodwearleather.com

Of the 3 top-end makers mentioned above, only GW will work to match the colour, ie dark russet.

Note. ELC's hides vary from batch to batch, sample colours may change compared to actual jacket received.
Also, I dont think ELC will make a Star in a russet anyway (I asked before and was told no).

Side note - the dark russet on this Star is stunning!!!

Have to say, this custom russet of John’s is like no other, just perfection.