Almost New ALC Irvin for €500 – Good Choice Compared to Avi?

[Peter Mackin]

Bargain, grab it ,before someone on here beats you to it ;-) lolol.

 

[Edward]

Not as bad as some I've seen. My Anj4 was pretty good but still ****ed me off.Dont let anyone put you off a jacket you like.if it works for you and the price is right go for it.ive made tons of mistakes buying jackets, don't listen to me lol View attachment 740285

That B2 is a stunner. It's a model I always fancied, but the Buzz (which I think this is?) never came up in my size, and the Lost Worlds (which wasn't quite as nice looking imo, with the darker fleece on the collar, though I'm sure it was great judging by my LW B3) remains prohibitively expensive by the time I deal with the weak pound, shipping, and import taxes. Always wished Aero would do one (it's not *that* different from the Thunder Bay, after all), but Ken, who knows his market, has long been of the opinion that there just isn't the demand for it. No world war to make it ***y in its era, I suppose - or, more to the point, Steve Macqueen never wore one. If Virgil Hilts, still the most famous escapee from Stalag Luft III despite being entirely fictional, had only worn one...

No they are completely different jackets. Early eastman I love.i also own a terrific air comfort. I just think the broken grain and the price new doesn't make them worth it for me.plus I hate seeing wear at sleeve ends,****** that.my alc cost £425 new 29years ago,with pockets lol..I've had my moneys worth many times over and it's still looking new and my go to jacket when snow n ice arrive.

Yes, Eastman are nice. When I bought my ELC Irvin they were about £500 new.... Dread to think what they go for now, ELC priced me out of their customer base at least a decade ago now.

Yes — to be honest, I prefer the look of the AVI Leathers Irvin to this used Eastman, but that’s just from the pictures.
There must be a big difference in person, right? Or perhaps the AVI is really that good.

Hard to know... I remember their A2s and G1 types were very much being talked up here a few years ago, but not much mention since. Likely somebody who knows over at VLG, I'm sure. The problem I find (having myself looked a Brabander B3s online) is that it's often hard to get an accurate idea of the quality of these mid-price jackets, and while they're a lot cheaper than the usual brands we patronise in these parts, they're still expensive enough at around 500 notes that it's an awful lot to lay out if it doesn't meet expectations. I suppose with an EU supplier returns are a bit easier than elsewhere, but still.

The problem is that I can buy a used Eastman (the one I posted) for cheaper than a new AVI… and now I’m really confused about what to do. I really have an issue with the wrinkling of the leather — I think it’s due to broken grain, as you explained.

In which case if the Irvin is in decent condition and would fit you, I'd go for the ELC every time of those two.

400 euros. It might be to short just a little bit. I had jacket that short but for the summer. Its size 42 and I am 191 cm tall

The Irvin is, of course, a short jacket be design - don't forget it was designed as the top half of a suit, to be worn with the matching trousers, and never intended as a civilian jacket. That said, I've worn one in the depths of harsh Winters in both London and Beijing, and it's been fine to keep my top half warm, the lower end protected by a pair of long johns underneath my trousers.

The ALCs are a funny beast. High quality - and the only option that are allowed to carry the Irvin RTM, yet for all their sponsorships and tie ins with the RAF BoB Memorial Flight over the years, they've never sold an accurate reproduction. Their market of course is really for the sort of folks who drive an open-top Morgan year round and don't care about pockets being "wrong" if they are practical... Horses for courses. Very decent and warm jackets, of course, even if when new they can look a bit cartoony round the cuffs and collars. Their Irvins are much better than their B3s, which are made to the same standard but have a clumsy look to them that reminds me of the disproportionate shape of an Action Man / GI Joe Irvin - you know when the proportions are shrunk down to fit that size, but the material is too thick for the dimensions? That look.

If I could get past the pockets, I'd very strongly consider a GoldTop for a kick-about shearling:

About 500 notes new (I've yet to see one come up second hand). I know one customer who has one (and also own an ELC) who finds it a very practical, regular-wearer.

 

[Rick Dalton]

Bargain, grab it ,before someone on here beats you to it ;-) lolol.

Peter, I bought it!
I really hope it will fit. I’d like to thank you and everyone here for helping me make the decision. I paid less than for a new AVI - I just hope the jacket’s condition will be alright. I’m a little worried about the colour — it’s a 1940 model, so it should be quite a dark brown, but it’s hard to tell from the pictures.

 

[Peter Mackin]

Peter, I bought it!
I really hope it will fit. I’d like to thank you and everyone here for helping me make the decision. I paid less than for a new AVI - I just hope the jacket’s condition will be alright. I’m a little worried about the colour — it’s a 1940 model, so it should be quite a dark brown, but it’s hard to tell from the pictures.

Congratulations,,i have my fingers crossed for you.if it doesn't work for you im sure it will sell easily,,it may work in Scotland

 

[Rick Dalton]

Congratulations,,i have my fingers crossed for you.if it doesn't work for you im sure it will sell easily,,it may work in Scotland

I hope I won't have to sell! Do you think the colour on the Eastman can bleach out with extensive use, or is it just a small difference?
I know pictures can be deceptive, but it seems quite a bit lighter than in other photos of the 1940s version.

 

[Peter Mackin]

I think it may just be the lighting..

 

[Johnf]

Hi everyone,

I’m considering getting an almost new Aviation Leathercraft (ALC) Irvin for €500, but this is an important purchase for me and I don’t want to make a mistake. I’m trying to compare it to Aviation Leather (Avi) Irvins.

On one hand, I’m a little worried that Avi might not have the same quality hardware — even if it’s more historically accurate. For example, my M-422A from Avi is amazing, but the hardware quality is a bit weak.

On the other hand, I’m concerned that the ALC Irvin shape might be off compared to a more authentic piece — the length could be too long, and the proportions might differ from the original (the proportions of Avi Leathers seem to be excellent).

I would really appreciate insight from experienced collectors and experts — an honest assessment of which option is better. Would you say €500 for an almost new ALC Irvin is a good deal, or should I try to get an Avi Irvin instead?

Thanks so much for your help!

Hello
I have owned Eastman Aero Lost Worlds and Aviation Leathercraft Irvins. The most authentic available is in my opinion the EASTMAN EARLY WAR Two Panel. The warmest is the AVAIATION LEATHERCRAFT but although branded as the original IRVIN its absolutely not. Its completely different to the war jackets. it is a fabulous Jacket much thicker than the original. There are some great bargains on Ebay.

 

[Rick Dalton]

Hello
I have owned Eastman Aero Lost Worlds and Aviation Leathercraft Irvins. The most authentic available is in my opinion the EASTMAN EARLY WAR Two Panel. The warmest is the AVAIATION LEATHERCRAFT but although branded as the original IRVIN its absolutely not. Its completely different to the war jackets. it is a fabulous Jacket much thicker than the original. There are some great bargains on Ebay.

Yes — the Eastman Early War Two Panel (BoB 1940) is the one I ended up getting, and it’s a really great jacket. The thickness is perfect as well: really warm, but it still works across a wide range of winter temperatures.