Type B-3 Reproductions

[marck527]

Hey all, I tried to use the search function for this but it does not work well at all for some reason.

I may be looking to purchase a B-3 in the near future. What's the consensus on the "best" or most accurate B-3 repros on the market? Atm I'm only considering contract reproductions and not in house models.

From my limited research, it looks like Eastman may be offering the most accurate repros? I've been eyeing the three contracts from ELC below:

1. Werber Sportswear Co. Contract 42-21693P
2. Rough Wear® Contract 17756
3. Perry Sportswear Contract 17808 'Mixed Batch'

I've also contacted Eastman support to ask if any of the above contracts are more accurate than the others but they've assured me are all copied from an original and all have the features to match the originals (I was curious why the Roughwear contract had more comparison pics on the website which made me think it may be the most accurate B3 repro they offer but this doesn't seem to be the case according to support).

Another thing I asked about was the broken grain sheepskin which is used in all three contracts. From Eastman support:

Yes, all of our B-3 jackets are produced with broken grain sheepskin. We prefer this look as it makes our new reproductions look like aged original jackets. They are tanned using the traditional methods as used back in the day.

What does everyone think about the ELC broken grain sheepskin? Personally I'm not sure if I'd prefer an aged look for a brand new jacket but I've never seen it in person.

Thanks

 

[flyincowboy]

There is a bunch of good looking B3 made by well known makers Goodwear leather is to me the best ... there is ELC /AERO and some good japanese brand Buzz rickson Toys mc coys the Fews.. Then 5STAR AVI Leather Gizemo ... If you search the forum you can find some threads about such jackets..
personnally got an Aero seal brown and i am quite happy with.. Got some 5 stars as well and they are very good reproductions and accuracy... You have to consider that a B3 is a bulky and heavy jacket it's also very warm with its 20mm fleece and you can wear such jacket when it's very cold outside and for a short period in the year . i choose a standard grain for my jackets and they will age naturally and develop a nice patina..

 

[mulceber]

For my money, it’s GW and ELC in the #1 and #2 spot respectively. Of the ones you’re considering, I think the Perry is best.

Also, check out this thread: https://www.vintageleatherjackets.o...versus-eastman-leather-b-3-perry-17808.32323/

FWIW, I’m not really a fan of the broken grain shearling.

 

[pj_odin]

A lot of people don't like broken grain sheepskin, I wonder why ELC insists on using it

 

[Southoftheborder]

I don’t like it on their Irvin repros because it's just the wrong finish for them. But from what I’ve seen of B3s it does seem to be right. Unlike Irvins they had a heavy acrylic type finish which also tended to degrade the skins and which is why originals haven’t lasted very well. The broken finish is because the top coat wrinkles as it sets apparently. You see the same effect on originals. From what I’ve seen of Aero B3s they don’t have that finish.

 

[FreddyF9]

I believe that Good Wear Leather makes the best type B-3 repro hands down.

Eastman is a solid choice too, but, given that their current price is equal or a bit higher than GW, I’d put my money on GW.

Eastman’s B-3s are notorious for having a very large collar and I’ve noticed that they also seem to have a sort of “modernized” fit, making their B-3s with a longer body.
John Chapman of GW reproduces the B-3 fit more faithfully IMO but he will also add an inch in body length and sleeve length if requested. With ELC, any sort of customization is not an option.

Last but not least, JC will use original WW2 hardware, if you want it. My GW B-3 has WW2 buckles and they sure add character!

 

[stanier]

Good Wear hands down but you may need to wait a while. After that the ELC Perry imho, but you'll always wish you'd waited for a Good Wear. The sheepskin John uses has a lovely finish inside and out, no broken grain and lovely creamy yellow fleece. Here's a couple of pics of mine, which as FreddyF9 says has all original hardware including zipper pull on mine.

 

[marck527]

Thanks all, very helpful information here.

I’ve just put a deposit down for a GW Roughwear B3. I was tempted on the ELC offerings but I just didn’t like the broken grain sheepskin and I probably wouldn’t be fully happy with it.

I saw GW offers a few different B-3 contracts. Which contracts do people like the most?

@stanier That looks beautiful! Which GW contract is that?

 

[Pilot]

Thanks all, very helpful information here.

I’ve just put a deposit down for a GW Roughwear B3. I was tempted on the ELC offerings but I just didn’t like the broken grain sheepskin and I probably wouldn’t be fully happy with it.

I saw GW offers a few different B-3 contracts. Which contracts do people like the most?

@stanier That looks beautiful! Which GW contract is that?

Congrats!
You did very well.
IMHO, and by experience John‘s HLB is the finest and the best historically faithful he produces…
I bought his „model“ and his repro for one of my Japanese customers.. terrific stunning items.. both.
As for the broken grains fans… happy to see an original with that kind of „Gobi desert“ finish…
Please feel free to share photos of those originals.

Edit : the HLB B-3

Index of /photos/Type_B3_HLB_44R_01

Meanwhile the original HLB B-3 has been totally restored and goes for sale.

 

[pj_odin]

There is no need to confirm the contract type at this time
You have a year and a half to think about it, and who knows if john will come up with a new model in the meantime.
I found another benefit to buying GW: it's hard to spend too much money at once, and whenever you have a desire, you have to wait a year and a half to make it happen