What jacket would Indiana Jones *actually* have worn?

[WilsonDukeofLizards]

I was watching Raiders of the Lost Ark recently (for the nth time...) and got to thinking about Indy's jacket. I've owned a couple of Wested Indy jackets (both times Temple jackets - they were fine but I've moved on...) and it seems like the real jacket that it most closely resembles is a knit-less AN-J-3 (strong A2 vibes with a G-1 back).

But, if Indy were a real person, what intermediate weight leather jacket would he actually have worn?

The original trilogy is set in the mid 1930s (Raiders 1936, Temple 1935, Last Crusade 1938*). Indy's jacket is pretty beat up by the time it appears on screen so he would have had it for a number of years. Let's say he bought it in the late 1920s/early 1930s. The early A2s were just starting to be available but what would our favourite field archeologist actually have been able to buy? Maybe an A1?

Cheers,

Steve

*For now ignore the opening bit set in 1912 where a young Indy comes across a treasure hunter in a fedora and an Indy-type jacket.

 

[WilsonDukeofLizards]

@mulceber - apologies: I just realized this probably belongs in a different forum but I don't know how to move it...

 

[mulceber]

Seems like a perfectly reasonable section to put it in to me.

 

[mulceber]

Getting to the question in the post, I don't think Indy would have worn either an A-2 or an A-1. Why? Knits - way too warm for the climates he works in. It's the same reason Harrison Ford didn't wear an A-2, even though that was the original plan for the character.

I think a traditional leather work jacket, like a half-belt would make the most sense for the character.

 

[Smithy]

Yup, no way an A-1 or A-2, hopeless, lack of range of motion, knits, all wrong.

Aero's Royale which is based on a design from the 30s would be a contender.

 

[Thomas Koehle]

That's actually an interesting question ...

I'd say he'd wear a 1930ies halfbelt - maybe with a pleated back for added space???

 

[mulceber]

And definitely in horsehide or cowhide, not lambskin like the film jackets.

 

[CK90]

I second Jan, would have to be something tough and rugged. Also second Thomas, probably a 30's/40's sports jacket.

 

[ZuZu]

A-2s did just fine in jungle adventures. Run for the Sun Check out this film if you get a chance- this jacket gets a true workout- hilariously so! The jacket is a United Sheeplined- I figued it out after many pauses...

 

[Lord Flashheart]

Maybe a utility jacket like “Wrong way Corrigans”?https://www.vintageleatherjackets.org/threads/sheeleys-pending-1930s-utility-jacket-builds.24539/

 

[Cimmerian]

Maybe a utility jacket like “Wrong way Corrigans”?https://www.vintageleatherjackets.org/threads/sheeleys-pending-1930s-utility-jacket-builds.24539/

Interesting jackets. Never seen them before

 

[Cimmerian]

I also think maybe a half belt or possibly a hooch hauler, dustbowl or royale-just thinking ito the current Aero stable anyway

 

[Silver Surfer]

capeskin was very popular during the 1930s. Dave Sheeley has several examples, photos, and has made some of what was worn at the time for work-sport and mil inspired., as referenced in the post above

 

[Smithy]

capeskin was very popular during the 1930s. Dave Sheeley has several examples, photos, and has made some of what was worn at the time for work-sport and mil inspired., as referenced in the post above

Let's face it Vic, capeskin would be as useful as tits on a bull whilst getting dragged under a Nazi truck or being chased by a bloody great boulder through a South American ancient temple

 

[Southoftheborder]

You do know it was a film and he never really did all that? Christ only knows what the stunt man was wearing.