Oil-Pulled leather...

[patterson]

Just a head?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s up ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äú I have a new Aero Leather A2 coming in the next week or so. It will be one of their 40-3785-P patterns that were quite rare and were made in their Beacon, NY facility. The pattern itself is interesting enough, but I?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢ve asked for a few added goodies:

1. A genuine dead-stock Crown zip with chevron teeth.
2. Spun silk lining
3. Oil-pulled horsehide.

Now, what is interesting about the leather? Well, way back in the early pre-Indy Fan days there was this legend about the original Leather Concessionaires jackets. Michaelson can clarify ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äú and tell me if I am completely butchering the story ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äú but it was originally put forward that the Raider?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s jackets were made from ?¢‚Ǩ?ìoily cow?¢‚Ǩ? or oil-pulled cowhide. I have never knowingly seen oil-pulled leather before last week, but I have to say it fits the bill for a rugged period piece from the 1930-40?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s period. It starts dark ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äú very much seal brown ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äú and aged easily and very distinctively.

Maybe this belongs on COW, but I?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢ve been stalked via email by some of the remaining denizens over there (grin) and have no desire to debate stitch counts with Junior. Anyway, I hope to have something to share with the class over some cold ones at BA some night in the next few weeks. Also, I have a c-note set aside for a certain black bird.

Regards,

Patterson, aka ?¢‚Ǩ?ìstranger?¢‚Ǩ¬¶?¢‚Ǩ?

[PrettyBigGuy]

Wow, look who finally poked his head up! Nice to see you around here Patterson. Your new jacket sounds very intriquing. I'm looking forwar to seeing it.
BTW, I still have your WPG crusher cap to return to you so don't disappear agiain.
PBG

[patterson]

Hey PBG! Yep, work seems to be driving out a lot of the hobbies these days. Then I roll back in only to find out about Fritz... very nice man...

But, I am looking forward to tilting a few with the boys at the pub. I'm off one rollercoaster here at work, and will be heading to AZ on Thursday for some much needed R&R and to see a college buddy FINALLY tie the knot. I'd sure like to schedule something late next week or the following week.

Regards,

Patterson

[Sergei]

Hey Patterson, you just missed a session at Buchanon's last Friday.

Interesting that Junior posted something at COW that I couldn't decipher. He received some samples from FS that were real similar to the "oil-based" HH samples from Aero. It was in the context of FS's new historical A2, Mark 31 jacket. Anyway, there is a crew of us going to FS tomorrow to check things out. I wonder if the "oil-based" sample and "oil pulled" cowhide you are talking about is similar?

Take Care...
-Sergei

[patterson]

Hmmmm.... It very well may be. Mark 31? Would that refer to the original 1931 specs issued for the A2? I may have to give Dave a call - but I'd love to hear some recon on tomorrow's trip!

[Michaelson]

Howdy stranger! An yes, the infamous 'oily cow' mystery. You told the story correctly, and I will be VERY interested in hearing about your new jacket myself! Be sure to post something, as I won't be there to toss down those 'cold ones' you mentioned above. (grins) Regards. Michaelson

[patterson]

Absolutely will do, my friend! Looking forward to the next time we can sit at the same watering hole and share some stories and spirits!

Regards,

-Todd

[Michaelson]

You're just going to have to 'bulk down' for the next get together, though. How do you expect me to sneak off with one of your A-2's when you wear a size 48, and me a 42? It's hard enough as it is to go unnoticed when swiping stuff without that being the problem! (grins) Regards. Michaelson

[patterson]

Well, there are a LOT of reasons I need to be bulking down - but that is a new one! :eek:

I saw your PM over on COW - thanks for the friendly wave. I suppose I'll take a gander at the topics this afternoon to see what the hot topics are. I have to say I'm feeling like a fish out of water - actually having some quite time to spend out here. All that's missing is a glass or bourbon...

[Michaelson]

I'll fax you some. (grins) Regards. Michaelson

[ITG]

Dude where you been hidin' out at? Glad to see you around these parts.

[Captain Krunch]

Hey, Patterson, what's your current tally on military jackets? Over at COW about a year or so ago, you seemed to be buying them left and right; what have you finally ended up with?

Will this be your first Aero? I haven't heard much about their jackets; what can you tell us about them? One of these days I want to get one of their B-10 jackets, so I'm curious to see what you think.

[patterson]

Well, I accumulate them and then decide what I really want. Then I'll gradually sell the excess off - or make a few nice Christmas / Birthday presents out of them.

Right now I'm down to just a few - a FS russet horsehide w/OD thread, and a Real McCoy's Werber pattern A2. I also have 2 navy jackets - an Eastman 55J14 G1 and a Real McCoy's M422a. Of course I also have my FS Expo in seal veg goatskin. This would be my 4th Aero A2. I had an Anniversary pattern in seal horse w/silk lining and triple marked Talon, a 23rd FG (fyling tigers) russet horsehide w/ silk and triple marked talon, a 38-1711 pattern in seal HH - and now the '40 Beacon NY pattern coming in the next week or so. This new one is exciting in that the dead-stock Crown w/chevron teeth is quite a rare zip and highly desirable.

My acquisition efforts have been focused elsewhere over the last several months - I've been working on my car. MK would laugh - I'm doing the same thing here, i.e. buying a vew versions of the same component and deciding which one I like the best. I am now on my third exhaust system, and will be installing the final few components of it in the next few weeks. I have a VERY patient wife!

[Captain Krunch]

Thanks for the update. That's still a lot of jackets you've got! I think this final FS A-2 that I'll be getting this week will be my last leather jacket. With two A-2s, a G-1, and an Expedition, I don't see the need for any more. Plus, I don't get to wear them as much as I would like (Huntington Beach just ain't cold enough). I could see perhaps getting a contract-specific jacket from one of the other manufacturers down the road, like you've done, but for right now, the cachet of having one isn't a strong enough reason yet.

As for focusing your attention on the car, I can understand that! I got a new 'vette this year, and tweaking it to what I wanted took a lot of focus. So what are you driving?

[patterson]

I'm driving an '03 Mustang GT - with a few mods. It is fun to be able to actually get under the hood and tinker.

[Michaelson]

Oh, come now Patterson! Nothing equals the thrill of my 95 hp flathead six, with it's occasional backfire when grunting up hills! Who NEEDS horsepower when you have 1950 Plymouth 'style'? (grins) Well, sounded good when I first said it.:( ;) Regards. Michaelson

[patterson]

Originally posted by Michaelson
Oh, come now Patterson! Nothing equals the thrill of my 195 hp flathead six, with it's occasional backfire when grunting up hills! Who NEEDS horsepower when you have 1950 Plymouth 'style'? (grins) Well, sounded good when I first said it.:( ;) Regards. Michaelson

LOL! 195 ponies from 1950 ain't nothing to spit at! While I may be sporting a few more, I've become attached to the lines on this particular vintage Mustang. She has enough "retro" to remind one of the '68 that McQueen used to spank a Charger with in Bullitt.

I have to say, though - there is a 1969 fastback sitting in the garage next to our house that I might have to make an offer on!

[Michaelson]

Bullet's muscle car is the only Mustang that I have ever lusted after. Period. Hope you make the offer to your neighbor. Only problem I have with them is the roofline is to low, and I can't wear a fedora in there. Hummm. (grins) Regards. Michaelson

[patterson]

Here's what my pony pulled on the dyno after the last of the mods.


Hmmmmm... Looks like I cannot attach files?

[Michaelson]

So powerful it won't register, eh? ;) Regards. Michaelson
p.s. by the way, any word on your oil pulled jacket yet? Are you planning on 'dumping' any A-2's anytime soon. I have a friend who would REALLY like one for Christmas.:rolleyes: ;)

[patterson]

I checked on Friday, but was only given the standard Peter Botwright answer, "Soon..." It is supposed to ship from the UK this week, to arrive with their US Agent late this/early next week. He covers the import duties, etc. Then he overnights it out to me.

I too look forward to this one - haven't really felt that way about a jacket for quite a bit. That deadstock Crown is a big reason - the overall quality of the Aero and that silk lining is another. Our friend IndyDawg seemed to have really appreciated it, and I'd have to agree - I've kind of come full circle with them I suppose.

[PADDY]

You could love this oil pull HH A-2 too much guys! Aero (in Scotland) do them in any model of A-2 you want, from a 1938 to a 1942! They are even producing a Bronco model now!
Or, if you want earlier vintage flight jackets, they do a lovely A-1.

BTW, the leather is NOT oily! but the tanning process traps the natural oils in the leather, then it is sprayed with a top coat colour (like a seal colour). Over time the undercoat comes through, giving it a lovely worn in vintage look.

You will find, that this leather, goes vintage in look a lot faster than other leathers. Plus it has a very sturdy feel to it. This also looks great in a Barnstormer jacket! just call yourself Waldo Pepper!

Worth checking it out, I have no regrets on mine!

[PADDY]

See below:

[PADDY]

Friend of mine has the Real McQueen A-2 from Real McCoy's in NZ. Based in the RoughWear 27752 A-2 that Capt Virgil Hilts wore in THE GREAT ESCAPE. Not sure if they use an oil pull HH, but looks similar to the Aero. Both look damn good, and my pal swears by his (and has that worn-in look already!).
Make your own mind up guys, and enjoy!!

[amigoescondido]

Have you received your oil pulled jacket yet? I would love to see pictures of it and hear your evaluation.
Amigoescondido

[PADDY]

Amigo, in addition to the earlier pics in this thread of the oil pull, a few more...

Hopefully it gives you an idea of the leather. To be honest, the jacket is even MORE beat up than this now, as these pics were taken last winter! You might think of the option of the dark red silk lining, a name tag on the breast, an AAF patch on the sleeve, rank markings on the shoulders, sqn patch on the breast (and if you ask them nicely, they will age them all for you too! oh, and the piece de resistance...a vintage Aerial Bomb tag as a zip pull!! all options to think about :-) Enjoy.

[PADDY]

Gives you an idea of what 12 months wear will do to it, if you like to wear your jackets HARD! Its now got black grease marks, petrol stains..etc on it, but looks all the better (IMHO) for it. It is a work horse after all..!

[amigoescondido]

Paddy, thanks for sharing the pictures. It is the best looking, hard worn, wrinkle edged, whooped tired and still ready to fight repro A-2 I have seen . . . bar none. Did it start out a seal brown?
Amigoescondido

[PADDY]

We're still waiting for those great pics of your new oil pull that should be well broken in by now!

[Mike K.]

Paddy where does one get those bomb tag zipper pulls?

[PADDY]

After much research and liaising with industrial tag companies and even a vet AAF crewman who took the tags off the bombs, I eventually commissioned a batch to be made.
They've all gone now (proved very popular as zipper pulls).
But I believe that Aero Leather have now made a 'lighter weight' copy of the one I originally produced.

Hope that helps.