Recent content by pjman

Hi, Jumper - It's been my experience that the blue label Cooper G-1's run about a size larger than normal. I'm a size 42R, and all my vintage G-1's (Martin Lane, Brill Bros., Star Sportswear) fit perfectly. I bought a size 42 blue Label Cooper G-1, and it was waaaay to big. I sold it and bought...

I could be wrong, but I thought the USAF current issue A-2 does indeed have hand-warmer pockets.

Hi, Reginald - I have six G-1's: five vintage issued jackets, and one Coopwer that was made to Navy specs, but sold on the civilian market. For my money you just can't beat having the real thing. And fortunately, vintage issued G-1's in good shape are fairly easy to come by. In my opinion, I...

Thanks - it's what I suspected, but like you, I'm more familiar with the black G-1 labels.

May latest purchase was a 'blue-label' Cooper G-1. Is it possible to determine the date of manufacture form this label? Thanks in advance!

I bought a WPG A-2 about five years ago, and I agree - for $150, you won't find a better jacket. I don't think WPG gets the credit they deserve for making a great generic A-2 for a very affordable price.

Hi, Lawless - I have six G-1's in my collection now, and three of the oldest ones - including one that smelled really bad - I washed in a top-loading washing machine on gentle cycle, using Woolite detergent. All my jackets were cleaned with Lexol, and then got a coat of Pecard's leather...

HI, Lawless - My Cooper jacket came that way. All of the "blue tag" Cooper G-1 jackets I've seen were made with a very dark shade of goatskin, which looks almost black. The rest of my jackets, some of which are cowhide, are a lighter, chocolate brown color. The leather cleaner and dressings I...

This Brill Bros. G-1 I got off eBay has a label modification I've never seen before. The cleaning instruction label was placed on top of the manufacturers' label, then both were sewn in as one piece. When I fold back the top of the cleaning label, a (contract?) number is visible, but it also...

Hi, Luke - I purchased a Cooper A-2 in 1988 or '89, right after the Air Force started re-issuing the jackets to aircrews. It was advertised as the same jacket as the one issued by the Air Force, but with the different orange label. It has no hand warmer pockets like the current A-2's, and it...

I'd like one from that era, too, especially an early '60s Ralph Edwards. But I can't seem to find one in decent shape in my price range. Hasn't stopped me from looking, though....

I recently sold a Flight Apparel Industries replica G-1, and with the money I got purchased a 1971 D series Star Sportswear G-1, in outstanding condition. It's goatskin, with a Dynal collar. The leather and lining are perfect, with no holes or tears or excessive wear. One cuff does have a rip...

I've found several great vintage issued G-1's on eBay, but most I see for sale are in the size 38-44 range. I'm a 42 R so it's fairly easy for me to find my size.