New Acme (Aero, Beacon) 21996- Spec-Weight

[Juanito]

Hola Juanito!
Not disagreeing with you, but I think that part of the problem is that to replicate an A2 using the original processes that were used during the war would almost be too costly, and because of environmental laws regarding those original manufacturing processes, would prohibit any maker from using those techniques. At least that’s what I’ve understood as part of the problem .
Cheers

I would agree to a point that I am sure chrome tanning today is a little different than in 1942, and I would guess there are some chemical composition difference in the pigment used to finish them, which in reality is nothing more than paint.

That said, I do not think we are far off. The crazy thing is that of all the jackets I have had over the years, the horsehide leather and finish on the Avirex MacArthur was closer to the original nearly unworn Perry and another original A-2 a find of mine from college had from his dad that was essentially unworn.

It reminds me of the first Eastman I got in 1990 or 1991 as an "upgrade" from the Avirex jacket. While the quality and components of the Eastman were far better than the Avirex, I thought, "Now, if I could just get an Eastman jacket made of the Avirex horsehide, that would be a great jacket."

 

[P-47 thunderbolt]

Was the leather used on wartime Aero 21996's not over-dyed before construction - giving the reddish undertones? perhaps this hand tinting over a pigment finish is as close to the wartime finish as is possible for this contract.

Take a look at the 21996 in the 'Postwar cheap surplus store gear' thread - unused.

 

[jeremiah]

What would be too costly about chrome tanning and pigment finish and then cutting out a pattern and turning it into a jacket?
Be a lot cheaper than veg tanned aniline finished hides.

 

[DiamondDave]

What would be too costly about chrome tanning and pigment finish and then cutting out a pattern and turning it into a jacket?
Be a lot cheaper than veg tanned aniline finished hides.

Just so. Costly is having the leather made as you want it. Modern chrome may use different chemicals but the process is the same and the end result is almost identical. Now, that said and part of why we do veg tanned so often is this, It’s prettier! Especially if it’s aniline as well. And yes I can make this jacket “as new” if needs be. That’s not the challenge. I think that kick starting the natural wear is a help to some who just don’t use these as they should be used.

DD

 

[DiamondDave]

Was the leather used on wartime Aero 21996's not over-dyed before construction - giving the reddish undertones? perhaps this hand tinting over a pigment finish is as close to the wartime finish as is possible for this contract.

Take a look at the 21996 in the 'Postwar cheap surplus store gear' thread - unused.

Yes sir. Several contractors did this as they apparently already had surplus hides left from their last russet contracts. So, the hides got dyed to seal before production started on the jackets. This is evidenced by certain seal jackets that wear to red or peanut, but happen to have the original thread color showing. Later depot re-dyed jackets don’t have this luxury and the thread is “painted over” effectively.

DD

 

[ZuZu]

This Diamond Dave repro is beautiful and far more detailed and "authentic" than the jackets of far more famous repro makers featured on this forum. I personally think we are in general a bit too kind. Honest critique could lead to better jackets.

 

[mulceber]

Glad to see you’re still in the game, Dave. And with chrome/pigment finish hides? Between this and Jay’s new A-2 offerings, there are going to be some interesting offerings showing up in the next few months.

 

[B-Man2]

Dave
Will you be offering these jackets for sale ?
If so, what’s you price on them and when will you start accepting orders ?
Thanks

 

[Brettafett]

Dave
Will you be offering these jackets for sale ?
If so, what’s you price on them and when will you start accepting orders ?
Thanks

?

 

[foster]

Dave, you have tempted several of us here and now we are eagerly anticipating pricing details if these are going to be made available?

 

[stanier]

Is there any update on this project please Dave? Could we have some pics of all the little details showing its accuracy? Price? Estimated lead time? Looks like this could be the best repro out there and we’re hungry for info please!!

 

[blackrat2]

Awesome looking jacket, I would also be interested in prices etc

 

[Micawber]

You know Dave, depending on price etc I was thinking about ordering one of these jackets as I like your description and the look of it in the photos but sorry, having witnessed the amount of time you have dedicated to point scoring with your sidekick in other threads these past few days, while not responding to genuine queries here, I will not be proceeding.

That said I wish you well and genuinely hope you can step back from jousting on here and to turn your attention back to this project which I feel is far more deserving of your time.

 

[Cogerrunt]

I'm still keen to know prices and option details.

 

[DiamondDave]

Gents,

Sorry for the delay. Major announcements coming soon. Suffice to say, I was never closing, that was an assumption. The business is transforming into a 21 century model and getting away from the old. And yes this will include a less steep price point.

DD

 

[Grant]

Hey Dave, looking forward to learning more!

 

[stanier]

Any update on the jacket or business please? Particularly the jacket!

 

[ausreenactor]

Still popping by, but not posting..??

 

[Lord Flashheart]

An update on progress would be good as others have said.

 

[B-Man2]

Strange that’s there been no update here... as he certainly has been active elsewhere.