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What jacket(s) are you wearing at the moment?
- Thread starter Roughwear
- Start date
saucerfiend
Well-Known Member
That's a real beauty, Nick!
ZuZu
Well-Known Member
I'm curious as to where the notion that 55j14s are prone to red rot comes from! I own 3 original Star made 55j14s right now and they are made with beautiful indestructible goatskin. I've collected jackets since '76; I handled most of the G-1 types JC had when he made his CD ROM and I didn't notice any red rot on any Navy jackets, much less 55j14s. I owned one of the Pritzker G-1s on the CD which did have some finish wear which could possibly be mistaken for red rot but the underlying leather was fine. In my experience the 1940s and '50s goatskin with which M422s thru 7823s are made with is incredible unageing, almost magical goatskin.
It would be good to know which contracts are prone to red rot. I owned 2 Spiewak A-2s back in my youth which didn't have red rot (and given my obsessive nature thank God I didn't know about their predeliction to this!) so I guess ignorance is bliss!
B-Man2
Well-Known Member
For some reason Spiewak A2’s were know for developing “Red Rot” and there are a few photos of a couple somewhere on this forums archieves . It was discussed here a few years back and the consensus of opinion was that the development of “Red Rot” may have had something to do with the tanning processes that were used on goatskin back in the day .
That’s about all I can share with you, others here have more info on the topic .
That’s about all I can share with you, others here have more info on the topic .
ZuZu
Well-Known Member
I knew about the Spiewak red rot from this forum and quite a few Ebay sales. it would really suck to get a relatively perfect goatskin jacket which then developed this insidious condition.
Chandler
Well-Known Member
You can't fool us, that's an Eastman!
It may as well be -- it's in damn perfect condition!
B-Man2
Well-Known Member
I don’t know if there’s a fix for it, other than replacing the damaged areas.
Damn 'Slip. It might get better, but nooooot much! Great photograghy too, if I may...
ZuZu
Well-Known Member
You can't fool us, that's an Eastman!
It may as well be -- it's in damn perfect condition!
It's got new cuffs and waistband and the male side of the zip is a repro Conmar replacement. The leather is so soft and compliant that the mouton collar has actually stretched flat since the goatskin doesn't hold it in place. I actually like it better to wear than some more perfect looking G-1s I have...
flyincowboy
Well-Known Member
flyincowboy
Well-Known Member
5) celsius this morning before the doggy walk 5 star B3 SEAL/ MID BROWN bought this jacket last year and its was worn a handfull of time kept me warm during the ballad. love the craftsmanship and the leather. really like this jacket !
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Sideslip
Well-Known Member
Thank you! This is another photo taken by my 11 year old with the iPhone. He says he wants to be a fighter pilot with a YouTube channel when he grows up
, but maybe he can become a leather flight jacket official photographer as back up!I have only had it a couple of weeks and learning more about A2s. It is very comfortable to wear (in a good way) which is nice.
mulceber
Moderator
Off the top of my head, I think Dave Sheeley has mentioned it a couple times. I know for sure he's pointed to individual 55J14 contracts that are prone to it (e.g. Aviators Clothing Co.). That said, the 55J14 contracts were issued over several years to a bunch of different manufacturers in different cities, so it’s unlikely every contract was prone to red rot. Could just be that a few contracts had it, and it was enough to give the 55J14s a reputation among restorers.
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Flightengineer
Well-Known Member
Great, let your son not change his mind and fulfill his dream, especially since he probably often flies with you.Thank you! This is another photo taken by my 11 year old with the iPhone. He says he wants to be a fighter pilot with a YouTube channel when he grows up
I have only had it a couple of weeks and learning more about A2s. It is very comfortable to wear (in a good way) which is nice.
My children were going to follow my way but eventually changed their minds. Although maybe it's for the best now, who knows. However, I'm a little sorry about it.
Cyril
Well-Known Member
ZuZu
Well-Known Member
Makes sense that restorers would see it more often. Thanks for the info.
B-Man2
Well-Known Member
We have a huge P-3 and A7 wing here in Jacksonville at NAS JAX . I’m going to have to start checking all of the Good Will and used clothing places. I’d bet there’s a couple of G-1s just waiting to be found.
