The Real Mccoys A2

[Srahimian24]

I totally forgot to introduce myself!! I'm Stephen! Nice to meet you all and be on the forum

 

[jeremiah]

Welcome

 

[33-1729]

Can anyone tell me about the Real McCoys A2 jackets and how they compare to say Diamond Dave, Eastman, or Goodwear?

Welcome.

For historical accuracy and fanatical detail I believe everyone on this site who’s seen a Good Wear (GW) would list that first. It’s a one man shop, so waiting times listed in years are possible (I’m nearing two years and I obviously think it’s worth it, but others are free to disagree). ELC is probably second overall for historical accuracy but it can really vary across contracts, even within the same brand, so don’t take that as a rule just a guideline. ELC usually has them in stock (in the US check out https://www.historypreservation.com/).

Cost is also a driving factor for many. With that said the Japanese brands Buzz Rickson’s (BR) and The Real McCoys (RM) top the pricing list, followed by Good Wear, ELC, and then the rest. Buzz Rickson’s does try for a bit more historical accuracy than The Real McCoy’s and that’s a big deal to most on this forum, but they’re both very well made. Depends on what you want. Horsehide? Goat? Cow? Japanese tanned? Italian, maybe?

Sizing matters too. Some are much more historically accurate (slim) than people use today, especially the BR & RM. You have to know what dimensions will be comfortable to you. For example, I recently tried on the 42” Roughwear 23380 in The Real McCoy’s London shop and it was beautifully made, but I noted the dimensions were very similar to my 44” ELC 33-1729. Consider my 44” 33-1729 has a chest size of truly 44” and that makes it more like a current 36”-38” sized jacket. Sizing can vary quite a bit. If you’re going for historical accuracy, being trim helps.

To get the biggest bang for your buck, buying used is probably it. If buying new, Aero and many others can be suggested. I’m certain everyone has their own favorite, based on the details they prefer. If you can, seek them out and try them on before purchase. A lot of people churn jackets when buying sight unseen.

Some re-manufacturer identities are

Aero Leather Clothing [Scotland] http://www.aeroleatherclothing.com/
Bill Kelso Mfg. Co. [UK] http://www.billkelsomfg.com/
Buzz Ricksons [Japan] http://www.buzzricksons.jp/
Diamond Clothing Co., Inc. [USA] http://www.diamondclothingco.com/
Eastman Leather Clothing [England] http://www.eastmanleather.com/
Good Wear Leather Coat Co. [USA] http://www.goodwearleather.com/
Headwind Mfg Co [USA] http://www.headwindmfg.com/
Lost Worlds, Inc. [USA] http://www.lostworldsinc.com/
Real McCoy's [Japan] http://www.realmccoys.co.jp/
The Few [New Zealand] http://www.thefewmfg.com/

 

[B-Man2]

Welcome Stephen!!

 

[colekwok]

is imho, nice as they are, they are not in the same league these days as gw, ja dubow, eastman, et al, and new, more expensive.

Finally someone bold enough to say that! Especially for the price you pay! In terms of authenticity, GW>ELC>Aero/BK/etc, these companies still source originals to reproduce their designs. I am sure RM do the same, but they do adjust the patterns for a more 'Asian fit', like slimmer sleeves, smaller arm holds, slender body etc.

As for Buzz/Toyo, there are rumours saying that their leather jackets are now made by Eastman, their European distributer, and not in Japan anymore. I cannot verify it as I have not seen the latest BR A-2, yet.

 

[B-Man2]

I still don’t get why they command such high prices . Am I missing something?

 

[ausreenactor]

Consumables, hides and labour never get cheaper.

 

[Srahimian24]

On the topic of japanese repros, what do you all know about Rainbow country?

 

[B-Man2]

Never heard of them...…….

 

[ausreenactor]

Rainbow Country are probably just rebranded BR or RM jackets.

 

[asiamiles]

Rainbow Country are one of many high end Japanese companies that tend to specialise in clothing styles from roughly the 1920s~70s. I'd have thought it unlikely that their A2's or other jackets were made for them by TRM or Buzz, but I guess it's not impossible...maybe someone with a good eye could compare them?
You can find some of the items here:

http://avenuewebstore.com/rainbowcountry/

 

[Dany McDonald]

Hey guys plz indulge me by wedging a question on the subject of Japanese repros and the like...

Whats your opinion on Cab Clothing ? Beside being assembled in china from imported Japanese fabric....

Thanx,

D

 

[B-Man2]

Rainbow Country are one of many high end Japanese companies that tend to specialise in clothing styles from roughly the 1920s~70s. I'd have thought it unlikely that their A2's or other jackets were made for them by TRM or Buzz, but I guess it's not impossible...maybe someone with a good eye could compare them?
You can find some of the items here:

http://avenuewebstore.com/rainbowcountry/

Checked out the site...some nice looking stuff.

 

[B-Man2]

Hey guys plz indulge me by wedging a question on the subject of Japanese repros and the like...

Whats your opinion on Cab Clothing ? Beside being assembled in china from imported Japanese fabric....

Thanx,

D

... another new one for me.

 

[Dany McDonald]

Look here:

キャブクロージング CAB.Clothing B-15C MOD フライト ジャケット ブルゾン ミリタリー 米軍 紺 36 メンズ/c203 /【Buyee】 "Buyee" Japanese Proxy Service | Buy from Japan!

Buyee - Bid for 'キャブクロージング CAB.Clothing B-15C MOD フライト ジャケット ブルゾン ミリタリー 米軍 紺 36 メンズ/c203, Small, Flight Jackets, Outerwear' directly on Yahoo! Japan Auctions in real-time and buy from outside Japan!

buyee.jp

 

[ausreenactor]

Have a CAB B-3 at home. . Pretty flash for what I paid. Have had two CAB Tankers and, once again, they were pretty close to BR.

 

[B-Man2]

Look here:

キャブクロージング CAB.Clothing B-15C MOD フライト ジャケット ブルゾン ミリタリー 米軍 紺 36 メンズ/c203 /【Buyee】 "Buyee" Japanese Proxy Service | Buy from Japan!

Buyee - Bid for 'キャブクロージング CAB.Clothing B-15C MOD フライト ジャケット ブルゾン ミリタリー 米軍 紺 36 メンズ/c203, Small, Flight Jackets, Outerwear' directly on Yahoo! Japan Auctions in real-time and buy from outside Japan!

buyee.jp

Looks ok ... but I wouldn’t jump on it. For a few bucks more there’s some nicer ones out there. Just my opinion.

 

[ausreenactor]

In that sizing you might be able to pick up a BR for just a bit more. If you use a shipping agent they may be able to declare a lower value for import.

 

[Dany McDonald]

Looks ok ... but I wouldn’t jump on it. For a few bucks more there’s some nicer ones out there. Just my opinion.

Agree... I've been on the lookout for a Mccoy B-15 or L-2 size 40 original maker tagged under the 300$ ceiling... I'd like to compare RM with BR nylon stuff!

 

[asiamiles]

Checked out the site...some nice looking stuff.

Yes, I really like this one!

http://avenuewebstore.com/rainbowcountry/?page_id=1385