Can anyone tell me more about this jacket? Willis and Geiger A2

• Jan 16, 2017

• #1

C

cckkar

New in Town

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7

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Canada

I found this jacket at a thrift shop, what is the background on this W&G A2? They were selling it for $50. is that a good buy? I noticed some issues, like the collar is huge on me. But mostly everything else checks out like a authentic A2 jacket, but the leather quality seems subpar.

I uploaded some pics of the jacket here:

 

• Jan 16, 2017

• #2

aswatland

My Mail is Forwarded Here

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3,338

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Kent, England

Willis and Geiger was a Wartime contract making naval jackets for example, but never A2s. This jacket dates to the late 1980s/early 1990s. They are good entry level A2s and for $50 you can't go wrong.

 

• Jan 16, 2017

• #3

Fanch

I'll Lock Up

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4,490

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Texas

I concur with what Andrew just said. Years ago I bought a size 46 W&G A-2 from a magazine for about $40 and kept it for many years. As I recall it was made from chrome tanned goatskin, had a polyester lining, and wool knits. I finally gave it away to a friend as the sleeves were a bit too short. For the price you just paid, it should make a great beater jacket. Eventually you might want to replace the knits. The W&G A-2 is probably worth twice what you paid for it.

 

• Jan 17, 2017

• #4

S

Stearmen

I'll Lock Up

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7,202

You done good there! I had one in the late 80s early 90s, wish I never sold it! It was the most comfortable of all my leather flight jackets.

 

• Jan 17, 2017

• #5

C

cckkar

New in Town

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7

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Canada

I thought about buying it but decided not to.

The plasticy light brown leather and the large oversized collar were the decision points and I couldn't get over them. Did I make the right choice?

 

Last edited: Jan 17, 2017

• Jan 18, 2017

• #6

K

kampkatz

Practically Family

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Central Pennsylvania

cckkar said:

I thought about buying it but decided not to.

The plasticy light brown leather and the large oversized collar were the decision points and I couldn't get over them. Did I make the right choice?

Click to expand...

If you are holding out for an A-2 with less wear you made the right choice. However, you may be spending a bit over $50. It depends on how authentic you'd like the jacket to be and how much you are willing to shell out. Good luck.

 

• Jan 18, 2017

• #7

C

cckkar

New in Town

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7

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Canada

I am not holding out for another A2, i just think that WG a2 looked very cheap and not worth the $50. how much is it worth then?

 

• Jan 18, 2017

• #8

Brettafett

One Too Many

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1,340

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UK

I had one. I loved the collar The leather was a little thin and wearing through in a couple of places. Also, although comfy, I found it restricting lifting me arms. Sold mine for $180 on Ebay if I recall correctly...

 

• Jan 19, 2017

• #9

C

cckkar

New in Town

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7

Location

Canada

I ended up going back to the thrift store and the jacket was still there. I put it on and took a long look in the mirror and I decided it was worth buying. Anyways, I will take a pic and post it in the morning when there is better lighting.

 

• Jan 19, 2017

• #10

C

cckkar

New in Town

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7

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Canada

Here it is:

(the lighting is making it a bit warmer in tone than it really is, but it is a cloudy day here so I had to use my lamp).

 

Last edited: Jan 19, 2017

• Jan 19, 2017

• #11

C

cckkar

New in Town

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7

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Canada

I decided to give the jacket a soak in warm water for a couple of hours. Good idea? how long should i soak it?

 

• Feb 2, 2017

• #12

jeepjeep13

One of the Regulars

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233

I found one on ebay in my size. I'm not sure if it's goatskin or horsehide. Any ideas, guys? Is this a pretty solid buy? I have a cooper a2 and it's a super awkward fit. Very short and very big in the shoulders. Measurements on this one are pretty much spot on.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Wil...-/172493334226?ssPageName=ADME:X:COCE:US:3160

 

• Apr 26, 2017

• #13

C

cckkar

New in Town

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7

Location

Canada

I have been wearing my A2 jacket for the past month due to the warmer weather, I must say it is a very nice jacket and it looks great and wears great too (One side benefit of buying from a thrift store is that I didn't have to go through the long arduous process of breaking in a new jacket). I am glad I bought this W&G A2 when I did.