The Cockpit Magazine (catalog)

[Chandler]

Wasn't sure where to start this thread, but I guess I'll stick to General Discussion.

Excavating my storage unit, I found my collection of The Cockpit Mag/Catalogs from the '90s -- good god, I saved a ton of these!

So, did I really spend $325 on a MacArthur A-2? (Authentic military pattern-fits snugly) And $400 on an "Official WW2 B-3?"

Even today that hits me as pricey for the "authentic" repros I bought. Then again, they were the only show on the stage back then (as far as I knew).

But still, there is some really cool stuff Avirex was selling back then; watches, boots, trench and duffel coats, helmets ("actual defense helmets from Pearl Harbor").

There are also some old history magazines in the old box, I imagine there are some great flight jacket ads in them -- stay tuned!

 

[B-Man2]

Im excited to see some of this...

 

[MauldinFan]

At the height of their popularity in the 80s and 90s, I was in my teens and early 20s.
I used to drool over these because they were essentially the only game in town then. I couldn't afford any of their jackets at the time.
I only ever bought a long sleeve light OD green with an AAF meatball on the chest and I'd buy one again in a heartbeat if I could today. I loved that shirt...

 

[Chandler]

Im excited to see some of this...

Have to figure out how to scan it well -- my scanner is pretty shitty.

 

[Silver Surfer]

I remember them well.and yep, my first store bought a-2 was an avirex hh. Dunno why, their hh a-2s had a distinct smell. Back in the later 80s avirex was located on the 5th or 7th floor of a loft building just north of Houston street.jay? (Owner) was always in the very small show room, and you could hear, and see sewing machine operators in large loft space. Also, there were plenty of original a-2s, b-3s, and othe sat on display in the show room. Catalogs were freebies.

 

[Chandler]

At the height of their popularity in the 80s and 90s, I was in my teens and early 20s.

These catalogs are from the early 90s -- at least the first ones I've dug up. I was in my early 30s and right out of a bad marriage -- suddenly I was flush with money my ex wasn't using on bullshit purchases!

My turn!

 

[Chandler]

Dunno why, their hh a-2s had a distinct smell.

I know what you mean, I blame it on the knits, myself. But I can't confirm.

 

[Silver Surfer]

Nope. The leather, for sure. It never went away.

 

[MauldinFan]

I used to see notices about their NYC store and always wanted to go there. By the time I made it to Noo Yawk the first time, their heyday was long past and I assume the store wasn't there anymore like it was shown in those early catalogs.
That said, I just looked it up and there's a retail store in NYC but it looks much smaller than those shots from the 80s...

 

[Pa12]

I visited there store in 1988. Had a russet cowhide I’d bought in 85 or 86 that was always too small. Had free flights so I declined I’d fly down and try one on. Nil stock on my size. Had to order it anyways

 

[CBI]

yes, enjoyed visiting their store a number of times.

 

[Juanito]

Wasn't sure where to start this thread, but I guess I'll stick to General Discussion.

Excavating my storage unit, I found my collection of The Cockpit Mag/Catalogs from the '90s -- good god, I saved a ton of these!

So, did I really spend $325 on a MacArthur A-2? (Authentic military pattern-fits snugly) And $400 on an "Official WW2 B-3?"

Even today that hits me as pricey for the "authentic" repros I bought. Then again, they were the only show on the stage back then (as far as I knew).

But still, there is some really cool stuff Avirex was selling back then; watches, boots, trench and duffel coats, helmets ("actual defense helmets from Pearl Harbor").

There are also some old history magazines in the old box, I imagine there are some great flight jacket ads in them -- stay tuned!

LOL! Yes, we did spend the $300+ for the Horsehide jacket and we were happy about it. I don't care what anyone says the Avirex chrome tanned, pigment finished horsehide is close to the originals and anything we see today.

The funny thing is that bout 6-8 months ago, I ran across my Cockpit catalogs. Not sure where I put them, but I will try to dig them out, too.

 

[Pa12]

That first one I had was nice. If it had of fit I’m not sure if I’d ever bought another a-2. The second one was cheesy and that started my quest for a better one.

 

[Chandler]

LOL! Yes, we did spend the $300+ for the Horsehide jacket and we were happy about it. I don't care what anyone says the Avirex chrome tanned, pigment finished horsehide is close to the originals and anything we see today.

The funny thing is that bout 6-8 months ago, I ran across my Cockpit catalogs. Not sure where I put them, but I will try to dig them out, too.

I'll have to take your word for "chrome tanned and pigment finished," but I'm not sure how you came by that info -- I haven't seen it in the descriptions in my catalogs yet.

 

[Chandler]

Anyone have an Avirex N-1 deck jacket? Yeah, I guess they sold one. Never caught my attention back when.

 

[Pa12]

This was my passport picture from 1988 wearing my first russet cowhide Avirex a-2. Being a black and white picture I always thought it looked kind of period

 

[Chandler]

Im excited to see some of this...

So how do you think I should document these pieces of history? There are so many that I'm not going to attempt to scan them (nevermind my scanner sucks).

I'm going to lay out the first handful and snap a pic, but I'm not sure how to share them.

 

[Chandler]

This was my passport picture from 1988 wearing my first russet cowhide Avirex a-2. Being a black and white picture I always thought it looked kind of periodView attachment 81677

The pencil-thin mustache helps too!

 

[Pa12]

The pencil-thin mustache helps too!

Yeah, born in the wrong era

 

[CBI]

I used to love visiting their store. Lots of great jackets really with some older earlier jackets looking quite good.