Just picked this up, a Weintraub Bros. (Patriot Uniforms) repro of the Korean War era B-15C flight jacket. I'm very pleased, this is a deadstock one - sadly Weintraub haven't made these for a few years now - and it is a harder to find larger size, a 44.
Anyway here's some thoughts regarding these less common B-15C replicas.
Terms of reference
In terms of B-15Cs I've had a Knox Armory, a Alpha Vintage series, and very briefly, a standard Alpha. I've never had a Buzz but have been fortunate to have handled an original (an Albert Turner) which a militaria dealer here had for sale last year.
Pattern
Very good. Similar to a Vintage series but perhaps even closer to an original. Windflap like most replicas does not come up to the top of the zip but the oxygen tab is stitched right through to the inside lining like originals. Wears very, very well and lacks the puffiness that many Alpha iterations have.
Nylon
Beautiful thick, lustrous nylon, non-creasing. Colour is perhaps a shade or so lighter than most originals but depending on lighting conditions ranges from navy to an darkish "air force" blue.
Collar
Synthetic mouton. Very, very dark blue. Looks bang on to an original. Has throat closure strap and stitch pattern on the back of the collar is correct.
Hardware, knits, label and stencils
Scoville zips, very sturdy with good clean action. I've never had a problem with Scovilles, they've always been bulletproof with me. Very good knits, dark blue and the wristlets are unseamed. Label is nice in the style of an original. I personally think Weintraub Bros., although not an original contractor of the C, the name sits well alongside Turner, Pritzker etc. This one has the inside USAF white stencil but no outside shoulder stencil. Some Weintraubs have this, some don't and to be honest, I didn't want it on this jacket. Many originals did not carry the shoulder stencil either.
Workmanship and overall conclusions
Workmanship of these US made Weintraubs is excellent, far better than the Alphas I've had. I think these might be the best C replicas short of a Buzz but for a lot less money. I've got a bit of a thing for B-15Cs and I'm absolutely thrilled with this one, it's a definite keeper.
Here's some photos of the new acquisition. Photos are taken with flash so colour is not true. The closest in terms of shade is the last one showing the bottom knit and the Weintraub cardboard label attached to the zipper.
Anyway here's some thoughts regarding these less common B-15C replicas.
Terms of reference
In terms of B-15Cs I've had a Knox Armory, a Alpha Vintage series, and very briefly, a standard Alpha. I've never had a Buzz but have been fortunate to have handled an original (an Albert Turner) which a militaria dealer here had for sale last year.
Pattern
Very good. Similar to a Vintage series but perhaps even closer to an original. Windflap like most replicas does not come up to the top of the zip but the oxygen tab is stitched right through to the inside lining like originals. Wears very, very well and lacks the puffiness that many Alpha iterations have.
Nylon
Beautiful thick, lustrous nylon, non-creasing. Colour is perhaps a shade or so lighter than most originals but depending on lighting conditions ranges from navy to an darkish "air force" blue.
Collar
Synthetic mouton. Very, very dark blue. Looks bang on to an original. Has throat closure strap and stitch pattern on the back of the collar is correct.
Hardware, knits, label and stencils
Scoville zips, very sturdy with good clean action. I've never had a problem with Scovilles, they've always been bulletproof with me. Very good knits, dark blue and the wristlets are unseamed. Label is nice in the style of an original. I personally think Weintraub Bros., although not an original contractor of the C, the name sits well alongside Turner, Pritzker etc. This one has the inside USAF white stencil but no outside shoulder stencil. Some Weintraubs have this, some don't and to be honest, I didn't want it on this jacket. Many originals did not carry the shoulder stencil either.
Workmanship and overall conclusions
Workmanship of these US made Weintraubs is excellent, far better than the Alphas I've had. I think these might be the best C replicas short of a Buzz but for a lot less money. I've got a bit of a thing for B-15Cs and I'm absolutely thrilled with this one, it's a definite keeper.
Here's some photos of the new acquisition. Photos are taken with flash so colour is not true. The closest in terms of shade is the last one showing the bottom knit and the Weintraub cardboard label attached to the zipper.
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