Leather Navy G1

[LeatherG1]

Hi all, I'm going to buy a leather jacket, a G1, so I'd like a suggestion about which one of these two jackets is the best:

1)The CockpitÂ

G1 (former Avirex I guess) (lambskin)

http://www.legendaryusa.com/The_Cock..._p/z201036.htm

"- genuine antique lambskin, which will distress over time for a battle worn look
- bi-swing back for greater mobility
- large genuine leather American flag blood chit on jacket back
- seven additional "battle worn" embroidered patches on the chest, back and arms
- detailed satin lining w/escape map of Western Europe
- removable genuine mouton fur collar
- flared knit cuffs and waistband
- top and side entry front pockets
- full zip front over wind flap
- vented underarm gussets
- two inside chest pockets
- light fiberfill lining for warmth
- Brown only
- made in USA. "

2)Schott NYC G1 (lambskin)

http://www.schottnyc.com/bomber-jack...ght_jacket.htm

"This 27" thick supple antique lambskin G-1 jacket has a detachable sheepskin collar, two-way front pockets, an intricate lining depicting the story of "Wings of Gold". This jacket is imported."

I'd like a TRUE american G1 identical (or as similar as possible) to that worn by Navy's Aviators, and also a QUALITY product. Which of these ones is the best? The Cockpit's (former Avirex) or Schott's? (I don't care that Schott's hasn't the patches as I have them of my own)

 

[Lucky Strike]

I think these are considered the best: http://historypreservation.com/hpass...landing9_2.php

 

[Millerp]

There's an interesting forum dedicated to flight jackets

http://cornellsurgery.com/v-web/bulletin/bb/index.php

 

[LeatherG1]

I think these are considered the best:

http://historypreservation.com/hpass...landing9_2.php

Yeah I knew that site but I have to choose between those two

So please tell me something about The Cockpit's (former Avirex) and Schott's G1, which is the best?

Are they good brands?

 

[Duveen]

I'm not a flight jacket expert (I keep looking at them and deciding that I can't pull them off).

If I had to choose, I'd go with the Schott. I like that the contrast color is a mid-brown vs a darker color.

 

[j]

You might also ask at the Fedora Lounge. They have a lot of guys into vintage and vintage-style leather jackets over there. They were able to answer a pretty obscure question for me.

http://thefedoralounge.com/forumdisplay.php?f=4

 

[LeatherG1]

If I had to choose, I'd go with the Schott. I like that the contrast color is a mid-brown vs a darker color.

Is Schott a good leather brand in general?
Avirex (The Cockpit) is more famous maybe

P.S. As I'm not American I have to order it on-line and I can't really understand what's the best size for me... American sizes are different and the size chart is confusing me

I'm 1.78 meters tall and my weight is 68kg. Which size should I order so that I'm sure it isn't too narrow nor too large?

 

[blackgrass]

If I had to pick one of the two I would go with the Schott G1.

I would look at Eastman, Aero and Real McCoy if I wanted something that would be as period correct as possible.

 

[LeatherG1]

If I had to pick one of the two I would go with the Schott G1.

I would look at Eastman, Aero and Real McCoy if I wanted something that would be as period correct as possible.

I don't really care of 100% historical accuracy (a modern G1 is OK). But it must look like a true Top Gun jacket (like that worn by Navy pilots) and it must be a quality product.
Is Schott a good brand? will that G1 last? or it's better a goatskin USN spec G1 like the one of us wings?

 

[j]

Schott is a good brand. There are many old Schott jackets still around looking great.

AFAIK Eastman and Aero are better though.

At your height and weight, I'm guessing you are a size Small or probably around a 38 jacket. Measure around your chest, under your underarms and convert that to inches. That's your jacket size.

 

[LeatherG1]

Schott is a good brand. There are many old Schott jackets still around looking great.

AFAIK Eastman and Aero are better though.

In your opinion is better that Schott's lambskin g1 or a Cooper USN-Spec goatskin G1?

At your height and weight, I'm guessing you are a size Small or probably around a 38 jacket. Measure around your chest, under your underarms and convert that to inches. That's your jacket size.

So if I order a 40 it's OK, it surely won't go narrow, right? Should I order a "regular" or "long" size? which is the difference?

 

[j]

If my conversion is right, you are around 5'5" tall? Go with a regular length. And yes, a 40 should not be too narrow, but these are supposed to fit somewhat closely, so you might want to measure yourself to be sure.

I haven't seen either of those jackets (that I know of), but I would go with the goatskin as I think it will be more durable.

 

[LeatherG1]

I haven't seen either of those jackets (that I know of), but I would go with the goatskin as I think it will be more durable.

You can see them here
http://www.uswings.com/topgun.asp
one is the Signature Series™Goatskin "Top Gun" G-1 (by Cooper I guess)
and the other the "Wings of Gold" Top Gun G-1 (by Schott)

you can also see the same jackets here without the patches:

Cooper's one http://www.neilcooperusa.com/Merchan...duct_Code=3111

Schott's one http://www.schottnyc.com/bomber-jack...ght_jacket.htm

Thanks very much for your time

So is goatskin better than lambskin? (consider also that Schott's lambskin is

"substantial (unlike the paper-thin lambskin found on many department store jackets), it's very soft & supple, and the antiquing process gives this jacket a subtle and natural-looking aged appearance which will only look better over time. "

)
At least they say so

If my conversion is right, you are around 5'5" tall?

How can I insert 5'5" into a convertor like this http://www.nomoreodor.com/meters_to_feet_conversion.htm ?
I'm 1.78 meters (178 cms) but I absolutely don't know the feet lenght system.

 

[j]

Okay, you're 5.8' or 5 foot 10 inches. I must have used the wrong multiplier. That's still within the "regular" length category. "Long" or "Tall" sizes are usually for people over 6 feet tall.

What I meant was that I have never seen either of those jackets in person. Personally, I like the collar on the Cooper one more, but note that the pockets don't have side entry (in other words you won't be able to rest/warm your hands in the front pockets). The Schott jacket has "two way" pockets which I am pretty sure means you can stick your hands in them, which I would prefer. I'm sure they are both good quality jackets. It probably comes down to personal preference.

 

[auto90403]

willis and geiger used to make the original flight jackets for the military that everybody now copies and modifies.

neither the cooper nor the avirex ones are original designs. originals from WW2 were unlined and had two flap pockets suitable for a small folded map or sheet of paper. brass zippers. jackets had a VERY tight fit as cockpits were tiny.

willis and geiger gave the option of horsehide or goat skin. the back was made one piece as were each of the sleeves. that's the test of authenticity -- is the back a single piece of hide or did the manufacturer save money and piece the back together from remnants. which is what most makers do.

that's why willis and geiger jackets cost a fortune. it was hard finding a single piece of horsehide that was both large enough and unscarred enough.

land's end (now part of sears) bought willis and geiger a few years ago. they weren't able to make money using the old methods (10 years ago, my willis and geiger jacket cost around $500) and eventually shut the company down.