Jacket restorer in Europe?

• Aug 6, 2019

• #1

Royalcrown32

One of the Regulars

Messages

154

Location

Holland

Hi guys,

I just bought me two Navy G1 flight jackets from the '50's. Both need to be restored. The California Sportswear only needs a new zipper while the other one (Monarch) needs new cuffs, waistband, zipper and mouton collar. Most of the parts I can get from Mash in Japan. All I'm looking for now is a good taylor who understands and respects vintage jackets. I simply don't trust the local shops here in Holland (they would swap a good Talon in favor of a plastic YKK zipper). Can anyone recommend a good shop in Europe?

Thanks, Richard

 

• Aug 6, 2019

• #2

dubpynchon

One Too Many

Messages

1,045

Location

Ireland

I’ve used Byson leathers in the UK with great results, although with the wait you might end up with the Brexit customs fee, it was around two months the last time.
http://www.bysonleather.co.uk/

 

• Aug 6, 2019

• #3

Captain Sensible

A-List Customer

Messages

438

Location

Scotland

This would be my suggestion also, used them a couple of times.

 

• Aug 6, 2019

• #4

Dr H

Call Me a Cab

Messages

2,006

Location

Somerset, UK

Hill4Leather (near Aldershot) - have used them for years on jackets from Good Wear, LVC, and Freewheelers.

 

• Aug 6, 2019

• #5

GHT

I'll Lock Up

Messages

9,331

Location

New Forest

Royalcrown32 said:

Most of the parts I can get from Mash in Japan. All I'm looking for now is a good Tailor who understands and respects vintage jackets.

Click to expand...

If you have a local Tailor who has been in business a long time, that Tailor will understand your concerns about authentic replacements. You could even present the jacket(s) with the replacements that you have previously bought.
Anyone who has been in the business a long time, who can make a made to measure suit, shirt, overcoat and so on, won't be phased just because a garment is made of leather. In fact a good Tailor will say if it can or can't be done.
How do I know? My missus replaced the zipper in this original A2:

 

• Aug 8, 2019

• #6

Brettafett

One Too Many

Messages

1,340

Location

UK

Byson, yes.
You could also try Donna Howard <donna.howard22@yahoo.co.uk>
She used to be with Cirrus, who made flight jackets. Lots of experience. She did a good job replacing the knitwear on my G-1.

 

• Aug 8, 2019

• #7

bn1966

My Mail is Forwarded Here

Messages

3,090

Location

UK

Byson!!!!!

 

• Aug 8, 2019

• #8

Royalcrown32

One of the Regulars

Messages

154

Location

Holland

Thanks for all the input! I'm in touch with Byson and they seem the right party to do the work. All I need to find now are the correct Conmar zippers...

 

• Aug 9, 2019

• #9

bn1966

My Mail is Forwarded Here

Messages

3,090

Location

UK

Royalcrown32 said:

Thanks for all the input! I'm in touch with Byson and they seem the right party to do the work. All I need to find now are the correct Conmar zippers...

Click to expand...

MASH Japan often have a good supply of NOS zippers