Are all M-422 and G-1 goatskin? no horse hide?

[Aerojoe]

I noticed that both, Aero and ELC are making their M-422 / G-1 in goatskin. Are all M-422 and G-1 goatskin? Why no horse hide?

 

[Otter]

IIRC the US Navy specified that goatskin was the material to be used in the construction. Of course you could have one made in horse but then it would not be authentic.

 

[Atticus Finch]

I noticed that both, Aero and ELC are making their M-422 / G-1 in goatskin. Are all M-422 and G-1 goatskin? Why no horse hide?

All issued M-422s, M-422As, AN-Js and 55j14s were made from goatskin. Mil j 7823 G-1s were all goatskin up until the E-series jackets (1972). E-series G-1s can be made from goatskin or embossed cowhide. Horsehide was never used to make issued Navy jackets.

AF

 

[Aerojoe]

Ok thanks for you input

I was thinking in getting me a m-422 from Aero whenever I receive my Bronco A2 but I have their leather samples on my desk and their goatskin is very stiff and hard material. I don't want this. I'll contact them to find out if they are willing to use any other hide.

 

[Atticus Finch]

Ok thanks for you input

I was thinking in getting me a m-422 from Aero whenever I receive my Bronco A2 but I have their leather samples on my desk and their goatskin is very stiff and hard material. I don't want this. I'll contact them to find out if they are willing to use any other hide.

That is odd. Goatskin typically has the best drape of all the traditional flight jacket leathers...except cape.

AF

 

[ButteMT61]

I find that odd too AF! And for another 2¢, I have a cape A-2 Bronco (Aero) and it's as soft and "drapey" as any other goat. Something is off, or the scrap sample is just rough edged hide...

 

[Aerojoe]

Well this goatskin sample I've got from Aero is so stiff that I could slap somebody in the face with it. I already have an ELC A-2 that is made of similar stuff. I use this jacket whenever I need something very rough but to be honest, I have enough with one

 

[Otter]

Yeah, my A-2 Aero in goat is very flexi and comfortable, no noticable breaking in required, somthing strange going on there.

 

[Aerojoe]

And leaving aside authenticy, what do you think about a m-422 / G-1 in horse hide? Could it work?

 

[Atticus Finch]

And leaving aside authenticy, what do you think about a m-422 / G-1 in horse hide? Could it work?

I wouldn't...but I'm not crazy about reproduction flight jackets, generally.

AF

 

[Otter]

I have an ANJ-2 which was made by Aero in the early 90's in seal heavy grainy steerhide. It is a realy nice jacket, basicaly an M-422 with a leather collar instead of a wool collar.

 

[ButteMT61]

You can do whatever you want - assuming Aero will make it. Why not? If you feel the urge - different is good. You ain't flyin' Corsairs or F-16s, so if it moves you, have at it.

 

[Aerojoe]

then there is the question if some degree of stiffness is part of the m-422 / G-1 look. I don't know if it is so but I think this jacket works better in slim fit. Fellow Jan Solo's Aero m422 works very good;

Some mall market copies are too loose and too supple.

 

[Aerojoe]

You ain't flyin' Corsairs or F-16s, so if it moves you, have at it.

Maybe I take the plunge and get a ride on a f4u Corsair When child I was fan of Pappy Boyington and his Black Sheep Sq.