My G-1 collection

w126c said:

1. I posted this on VLJ. Maybe this will help.
2. This information is from Roger Moore's old web site.
3. 
   1950s G-1 Jackets
   
   
4. As noted above the first G-1 spec was the 55J14 which was manufactured from 1947 to 1961. These jackets very collectible and only slightly less desireable than the earlier M-422A jackets. The 55J14 typically have shorter bodies thanthe M-422A and many have a snugger fit fortheir stated size. All of these jackets retain the painted "USN" stencil under the mouton collar.
   
   G-1, Spec 55J14
   
   In 1951 or thereabouts the MIL spec jacketswere introduced starting with the MIL-J-7823(AER). All of the jackets in the 1950s, save the 1951 55J14, had this specification. As with the earlier jackets the manaufacturersapparently were given much leeway in the cut and sizing of these jackets. It is interesting tonote that even among the same contrcat andmanufacturer there was often largedifferences in sizing so if you buy one of these to wear...make sure you check the measurements!
   
   G-1, MIL-J-7823(Aer)
   
   
   
   
   1960s G-1 Jackets
   
   
   
   
   In 1961 the A (MIL-J-7823A) series jacket was introduced and only two manufacturers had contracts: Ralph Edwards Sportswear and Irvin B. Foster. The A series is the scarcest of 7823 series and are noted for having awesome goatskin and collars that fade to a nice honey rust color.
   
   G-1, MIL-J-7823A
   
   In late 1961 the B series was introduced and lasted until the end of 1963. The 1961 B series is probably one of the hardest 7823 jackets to find. I am fortunate to have a great original example!
   
   G-1, MIL-J-7823B
   
   In 1964 the C series (7823C) was introduced and lasted until the end of 1967. These are often considered by collectors to be the last of the "good" jackets as they are the last to universally have the motoun collar. In addition, the early C series jackets used the traditional single ply rib rack waistband but some of the laters Cs and all of the Ds and Es use the inferior folded over two ply waistband.
   
   G-1, MIL-J-7823C
   
   In 1968 the D series was introduced and many (but not all had a fake fur collar instead of the mouton used in all of the earlier jackets. The jackets were still goatskin but are very common and therefore not all that collectible. Although they do make great everyday wearers, I have only included one for reference
   
   G-1, MIL-J-7823D
   
   In 1971 or 72 the E series was introduced and persists until today. The spec was opened up to allow the use of cowhide (vs. the goatskin of all of the earlier jackets). As a result, while these make great wearers they are not collectible and I do not have any on this web site.

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Thanks very much for posting this information - very helpful indeed!

Hey pjman, how did you get the leather on your cooper so dark? I’ve been trying to figure out the best way to do just that.


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Lawless said:

Hey pjman, how did you get the leather on your cooper so dark? I’ve been trying to figure out the best way to do just that.


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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 use, Lexol and Pecard's, won't darken the color of the leather, but you could probably find a product that would.