G1 Jacket Advice

[kriskross4]

DSCP is current issue. I would get a middle D series or earlier and avoid the current issue stuff. PC.

Thank you for steering me in the right direction.

 

[Atticus Finch]

Yes. I've seen a few of the currently issued G-1s. They don't hold a candle to the older jackets. They appear to be heavy and stiff...and shiney.

AF

 

[Peacoat]

'63 or earlier....

Actually, you can go up to at least mid 1969 to get the mouton collar and the goat. Beyond that it isn't a sure thing.

 

[Peter 1956]

I have a some of the Excelled DSPCs and i must be lucky as i find them not too bad. Re sizing I am a 38 and both in the Excelled and the Ralph Edwards which i have from 1977 am a 40. 38 is just too small a fit.

 

[Peacoat]

I have a some of the Excelled DSPCs and i must be lucky as i find them not too bad. Re sizing I am a 38 and both in the Excelled and the Ralph Edwards which i have from 1977 am a 40. 38 is just too small a fit.

I too have an Excelled DSPC and find it to be a decent jacket. Nowhere near my 1962 Irvin B. Foster, though.

 

[ButteMT61]

I am praying my IF 7823 C G-1 fits me!
I've been trying so long to find an affordable G-1/A-2 in my size...

 

[thor]

I've owned afew G-1 jackets over the years. Currently I have a 1950's LW Foster size 44 which is really nice. For me, the best G-1 I've ever owned turned out to be a 1962 Ralph Edwards B model. Awesome goatskin, gorgeous mouton and in a relatively rare size 46. Fits me absolutely perfect. I even like it's larger brass "paper clip" zipper, though the smaller 1940-1950 zips are so elegant and classic.

 

[ButteMT61]

I have a IF 7823 C on the way. It's a size 48, so I'm hoping it fits as I've been hunting for a while.
This is it - if it fits I'll post up some pics.
Learned a lot in this thread before/during the process. Thanks guys.

 

[bn1966]

Good luck Butte, hope it's a great fit, you waited long enough looks a cracking G-1

 

[ButteMT61]

It came, it fits! Really nice jacket. Not sure which of us is in better shape for the years, but I got lucky this time. A keeper. Will at some point soon post pics...

 

[Peacoat]

It came, it fits! Really nice jacket. Not sure which of us is in better shape for the years, but I got lucky this time. A keeper. Will at some point soon post pics...

Really nice jacket. I too am glad it fits you. That is a good series. I see you did your homework.

 

[Fanch]

Looks great Scott. I should know more about the G-1 as I had one issued to me while in the USN. The G-1 is probably a better designed flight jacket then the A-2 but seems to be less well loved than the ever popular A-2.

 

[ButteMT61]

I think that maybe the G-1 had/has burnout from the whole Top Gun thing. I know I likely would not have worn one until maybe 5-6 years ago.
Really, it's a better all around jacket for cooler weather with the mouton and inside pocket. Just harder to find good ones in large sizes, and there seems to be a LOT of different models which I knew little about. I'm very happy.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Congrats Scott.
Allen is a good guy to deal with.
HD

 

[ButteMT61]

Congrats Scott.
Allen is a good guy to deal with.
HD

Yup - I got that GW A-1 (Now belongs to @Worf) from him too. Super fellow.

 

[Peacoat]

Yup - I got that GW A-1 (Now belongs to @Worf) from him too. Super fellow.

Speaking of Worf, has anyone heard from him lately? He hasn't had much to say recently. I hope he survived the Winter up there in the frozen northland.

 

[kriskross4]

I think that maybe the G-1 had/has burnout from the whole Top Gun thing. I know I likely would not have worn one until maybe 5-6 years ago.
Really, it's a better all around jacket for cooler weather with the mouton and inside pocket. Just harder to find good ones in large sizes, and there seems to be a LOT of different models which I knew little about. I'm very happy.

Hi Butte, beautiful jacket you have there! Just wondering who did you purchase it from? I have been looking on ebay so far and will continue to do so but if there's other places that you can recomnend that would be great. Thanks.

 

[G-1_USN_USMC_USCG]

kriskross4,
While I agree that the C series and earlier are the "best" vintage G-1s, I have several E series G-1s that are great jackets. I would recommend staying with Star Sportswear, Cooper (many of these may actually be goat), Martin Lane, and Brill Bros (in that order). I have been advised from members of the forum to stay away, from Imperial, Pharr, and the newer jackets (DSPC). I have two Orchard M/C jackets from the USCG, one with side pockets put in during active service. Those two jackets are not 'on par' with the ones mentioned above but they are "good" jackets. Just the thoughts of a relatively new collector.
Cheers,
Mike

 

[kriskross4]

kriskross4,
While I agree that the C series and earlier are the "best" vintage G-1s, I have several E series G-1s that are great jackets. I would recommend staying with Star Sportswear, Cooper (many of these may actually be goat), Martin Lane, and Brill Bros (in that order). I have been advised from members of the forum to stay away, from Imperial, Pharr, and the newer jackets (DSPC). I have two Orchard M/C jackets from the USCG, one with side pockets put in during active service. Those two jackets are not 'on par' with the ones mentioned above but they are "good" jackets. Just the thoughts of a relatively new collector.
Cheers,
Mike

Mike, thank you so much your invaluable advice. Did see a few Inperials on the bay but I'll now be staying well clear. Hopefully I can get my hands on a Star Sportswear. Interestingly I did see some Cooper Jackets too but didn't like the pocket design as they seem slightly different to the other G1's of that era.
Many thanks once again.
Best,
Ric

 

[ButteMT61]

Hi Butte, beautiful jacket you have there! Just wondering who did you purchase it from? I have been looking on ebay so far and will continue to do so but if there's other places that you can recomnend that would be great. Thanks.

Hey, got this one from a friend on vintageleatherjackets.org.
Forums are great. eBay can be but often people run into issues there. Just take time and be patient.
Took me a long stretch before finding this. Or rather it found me.

Best of luck on your search.