SM Wholesale Goat Russet A-2's Featured Item at $399

[CBI]

If you go to SM Wholesale and look at their "featured items" he is offering a custom Russet Goat A-2 that looks pretty nice for $399. 00.

Hides tanned to his specs in Mexico, jackets assembled in Mexico. The person making the jackets was making them in the states but then moved back to MX.

 

[Technonut2112]

Kind of strange.. The listing reads "A-2 Horsehide and Goatskin Jacket", with no option in the drop-down box to choose between HH and goat.. Unless they've been changed, the epaulets roll towards the front on the ones I've seen, and the pockets are placed too high IMO.. If they would address those niggles, it would have fairly accurate detailing. It still looks to be a good price for those who are not into those pesky details, and want a nice looking jacket. I haven't had the opportunity to get an AVI Bronco pattern A-2 yet, but from what I've seen, they look hard to beat considering the accurate pattern / details, and price.

EDIT: I also viewed the $399.00 russet goat listing.. It kind of looks like they have the epaulets positioned correctly on this version, but the pockets still look too high to me. Taking the other listing into consideration, it appears that they will be offering HH jackets for $499.00 as well.

 

[Persimmon]

If you go to SM Wholesale and look at their "featured items" he is offering a custom Russet Goat A-2 that looks pretty nice for $399. 00.

Hides tanned to his specs in Mexico, jackets assembled in Mexico. The person making the jackets was making them in the states but then moved back to MX.

Heavens John
Will I now have to read endless posts about third world rights of Mexican peasants and roadsweepers slaving under a hot blazing sun killing horses and cattle ( and probably the Mexican Prairie Dog ) to produce jackets for large rich American’s.
And will the label say “made in Mexico .....before the wall was built “

 

[Technonut2112]

Hmmmm.. I wonder how close donkey /mule hide is to horse, and would anyone know the difference? Just Kidding... Lol!

 

[Silver Surfer]

she was just the farmers daughter, but all the horse manure

 

[Thomas Koehle]

Heavens John
Will I now have to read endless posts about third world rights of Mexican peasants and roadsweepers slaving under a hot blazing sun killing horses and cattle ( and probably the Mexican Prairie Dog ) to produce jackets for large rich American’s.
And will the label say “made in Mexico .....before the wall was built “

Hilarious!



I‘m a „large“ maybe not that rich German living in Mexico desperately looking for garment in my size - hoping to stumble upon one of the shops which do repops for the well known brands but no luck (Corcoran also claimed once they produce those famous para-boots in Mex) - so the search goes on ...

 

[Ken at Aero Leather]

Good to see Steve is being up front about his source. He's always seemed to be a stand up guy
For decades American companies have used Mexican or Guatemalan factories, not all being comletely transparent about the Country of Origin.
I do know that in the 1980s Horween shipped leather to Guatamala for a well known footwear manufacturer. The boots were returned minus the heel sock, (Which was fitted in The States) apparently at that time if the heel sock was fitted in USA that was enough for the Made In USA mark to be used legally............I'm not aware of current legislation.

 

[Ken at Aero Leather]

https://dontforgetthesongs365.wordpress.com/2013/01/07/joe-strummer-the-unknown-immortal/

 

[Brettafett]

Alan...
SMW makes a nice jacket. The one I had was well made and neat (but as Techno said above, the detailing was a bit rough... epaulets and pocket positioning, labels, stamps etc but thats only for the detail-conscious). I don't recall any 'made in' labels... Unless the pattern has changed since mine a few years back, it does tend to be a better fit for a bigger bloke. The one I had in seal, the shoulders and lengths were good, but I was swimming in the body. I've seen some nice fit-pics. If you are not into 'original-maker' detailing, then certainly a good option, but watch those import costs, you-of-EU-residence.
Thomas why not try contact Steve and admit your plight. As you are in Mexico... he could maybe get one to you to try, relatively easily.

 

[MikeyB-17]

It’s a shame about the pockets because otherwise it doesn’t look half bad. ‘Orrible zip, but otherwise not bad. The ‘distressed’ version looks quite nice, but that’s a lot more money.

 

[Dr H]

It’s a shame about the pockets because otherwise it doesn’t look half bad. ‘Orrible zip, but otherwise not bad. The ‘distressed’ version looks quite nice, but that’s a lot more money.

A little high, but not too far away. Looking at Gary's book some of the pocket placement varied considerably (look at Aero 38-1711P, Cooper Sportswear 23381, Poughkeepsie Leather Coat 42-18248P for examples).

Also, look at the guy on the right of this famous image.

 

[MikeyB-17]

It’s true, I doubt many would stop their horse and cart to notice the pockets are a tad high. It’s certainly worthy of consideration, although I tend to avoid buying from the US these days due to the import charges.

 

[Technonut2112]

Regardless, I think pockets set that high look 'goofy', and out of proportion IMO... A specific contract repro may call for it, but a 'house' model designed that way... No go for me...

EDIT: Speaking of Eastman, here's a pic of an early 'house' model I once owned. The damn pockets were almost up to my armpits. Kind of awkward to reach into them easily as well.

 

[Dr H]

The damn pockets were almost up to my armpits. Kind of awkward to reach into them easily as well.

View attachment 5054

That's the best place to keep your wallet...ask John Lever...

 

[CBI]

I have bitched about high pocket placement in the past but don't really care anymore. There are examples of so many heights for pockets from wartime pics. However, generally pockets were lower than what SM Wholesale seems to be offering. Since these are custom made, one could simply request a slightly lower pocket. Steve would be fine with that. I think the overall vibe/look of these is the best I have seen at this price point. I admit I am a fan of Steve's work, I have some just super uniforms and KILLER boots from SMW.

 

[bseal]

For $399, who gives a flying __? Oh, I get it, you want an excellent repro for an even more extraordinary price. This one is just fine, nothing to see here, move along.

 

[Bombing IP]

I have a Steve McColgan jacket and I like it ,it's an every day wearer for me . I got it at a good price and yes its not perfect its also $1400 CHEAPER . The jacket fits well and is very comfortable which is something a lot of other makers are not for me . The leather is probably steerhide and its breaking in nicely with great grain coming through . The under color is showing through at the major wear points and have had no issues with stiching breaking or coming undone . Here are some pictures ,its a jacket I would recommend .

BIP

 

[B-Man2]

It’s not perfect, but it’s not too far off.

 

[CBI]

I like mine as well. I had it up for sale here but pulled it (I just don't seem to wear any of my A-2's anymore or any leather for that matter). These are not perfect but but much closer to the mark than some might expect.

 

[jeremiah]

I have GOT to get me one of those bells for the A2.