Good Wear 1939 Werber Sportswear A2 in Cowhide

[aswatland]

Since the publication of Gary Eastman's A2 Flight Jacket Identification Manual it is known that Cowhide was used in the 1939 contract. Therefore John Chapman decided to make a reproduction of this small contract using cowhide. The russet cowhide is soft with many areas of grain and the caramel knits provide a nice contrast. The 39-2951-P contract was the last to have the waistband seam top stitched and the first to be made without the leather jetting down the leading edge of the front left lining panel. The zip is a copy of the M-34 Talon no. 7 and is stamped Waldes on the puller. It is identical in every respect (except the name) to the Hookless zipper used by ELC on their 1933 Werber.

The jacket is tagged a 46, but fits like a Wartime 44 and is extremely comfortable to wear. Here are some pictures taken today.

 

[aswatland]

 

[majormajor]

A beautiful jacket. Thanks for sharing, Andrew

 

[eggleman]

Cracking jacket .. the colour of the knits is new to me.
Really nice grain in new cow-hide.
Is the zipper easy to use ?

 

[rocketeer]

Cracking jacket .. the colour of the knits is new to me.
Really nice grain in new cow-hide.
Is the zipper easy to use ?

Agree with the above but that zip does look a bit scary. Whats that bit on the collar stand, looks like an extra closure.
Bought new or second hand?
Nice John

 

[schitzo]

fantastic grain on that cowhide it looks immense. With it on it doesn't look too heavy, I guess it's 2.5oz ish, is that about right?

 

[aswatland]

The zipper is easy to use provided the male size is completely engaged. There is just one closure on the collar stand, which has been hand sewn in as was the case with this an earlier contracts. The jacket was bought directly from JC.

 

[triple-d]

woa...........GREAT Jacket Andrew!!!!! Thanks for he great pics also.....very, very, nice!

 

[bretron]

Congrats Andrew! The total package (contract, knits, hide). Just perfect. Is this your only 39 Werber?

 

[aswatland]

Congrats Andrew! The total package (contract, knits, hide). Just perfect. Is this your only 39 Werber?

Thanks Bretron. I used to own a GW 39 Werber three years ago, but sold it as it was made from very thick spray finished hh.

 

[EmergencyIan]

Gorgeous!

- Ian

 

[bretron]

Thanks Bretron. I used to own a GW 39 Werber three years ago, but sold it as it was made from very thick spray finished hh.

Ah hah, I thought I remembered seeing you in one.

 

[Fletch]

Great looking jacket...IIRC, John makes all the "46s" undersized in prewar designs, because the cut is not appropriate for anyone that big today, who tends to be soft around the middle.

 

[Fanch]

Exceptional jacket. Thanks for sharing your highly informative discussion and excellent pictures.

 

[rocketeer]

The zipper is easy to use provided the male size is completely engaged. There is just one closure on the collar stand, which has been hand sewn in as was the case with this an earlier contracts. The jacket was bought directly from JC.

Going by what posters say on this forum I thought there was around a years waiting list for one of Johns jackets.
My guess is just about every zipper has to be engaged properly otherwise the teeth will not align properly. That design looks a bit fragile.
From the pocket pics the hide looks great,a bit like my 1980s (Moffat)steer Highwayman.

 

[aswatland]

Actually zip is not fragile, but needs to be handled carefully to ensure the male size engages properly.

 

[ButteMT61]

Awesome GW A-2! Question. Do we know which A-2 contracts used cowhide? That's the second model John has built now (that I know of) using it. Also, interesting Werber kept the stitching at the waist above the knits but not on the arms as seen on the '36. Which would you say is a trimmer fit? I'd guess the '36? BTW, I also got a look at JC's Water Buffalo in russet and either dark russet or a seal. It's incredible, as is the steer. Congrats on a great addition. Oh, that looks similar to the zip in the first black Ventura I tried. I hated that zipper with a passion! It looks great, but I could not live with it myself.

 

[aswatland]

The most up to date information on the contracts where cowhide was used is in Gary Eastman's Flight Jacket ID manual. Not every contract has been tested and there is no knowing the quantities of cowhide used in a contract compared with horse.

 

[saucerfiend]

Andrew, looks great! And a perfect fit! Nice graining as well.

I've got a Bronco from John that I need to get reviewed. I'll try to get it done soon. It's a killer!

Brian

 

[Worf]

Nice jacket... looks good on you too....

Worf