Interest in A-2?

[PLATON]

Proudly presenting to you Bill Kelso's (www.billkelsomfg.com (http://www.billkelsomfg.com)) new creation.
Sorry poor quality photos, they were taken with my non-professional cheapo camera and the lighting conditions were peculiar too.

These are test jackets, so don't mind the pointy pocket flap. The production jackets will have the rounded RW pocket flap. Also, these jackets have the Bill Kelso label because when they were made the RW label wasn't ready (now it is). Also, jackets these jackets have the CONMAR copy zipper, but modern copy of TALON zipper is also available.



Yes, you guessed right, it's the RW 27752.
The actual color is not captured in these photos.

http://img560.imageshack.us/img560/9177/img1499j.jpg

http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/6426/img1502d.jpg

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/4553/img1503x.jpg

http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/2576/img1505uy.jpg

http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/5370/img1507jt.jpg

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/448/img1512s.jpg

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/9379/img1525xr.jpg



The color here is more true to the actual.


In russet

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/7392/img1514k.jpg

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/7914/img1515j.jpg

http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/2875/img1516fa.jpg


"Clown" collar

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/9758/img1517h.jpg

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/9688/img1520tt.jpg



Comparison with original

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/3848/img1523bv.jpg

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/9972/img1527nt.jpg

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/6123/img1528f.jpg

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/6024/img1529o.jpg

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/9269/img1532u.jpg






Color comparison Seal Brown vs Russet

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/2470/img1533y.jpg

http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/5418/img1535s.jpg

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/5044/img1536fb.jpg

http://img545.imageshack.us/img545/2301/img1540m.jpg




Leather used

http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/6678/img1544s.jpg

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/2071/img1545k.jpg

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/5240/img1550j.jpg

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/3167/img1551px.jpg[/img]


Label

http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/982/img1557cp.jpg





Hope you like it!!!

Forgot to mention that photos were taken before collar hooks were attached.

[Gunslinger]

Vibing very "Virgil Hilts". I like it!

[PLATON]

And you can buy the whole jacket at a price that others pay for the leather only.

[indyclone25]

i got my son a jacket very similar to thatlast year, its a kids size but looks exactly like it .

[Gunslinger]

And you can buy the whole jacket at a price that others pay for the leather only.


Come on Platon, you are comparing apples with oranges.

[RCSignals]

It is looking very good to me. I really like that leather.

does Bill Kelso accommodate sizing requests at all? longer arms for example?

It looks like to me a similar philosophy is being followed as used by 'Lost Worlds'. That is these are sewn and assembled with accuracy as a jacket would be made near 'perfect' for submission to gain a contract, rather than haphazardly sewn in a hurry by novice sewers as many WW2 examples look. Especially those made during years after 1941.

[PLATON]

Come on Platon, you are comparing apples with oranges.

I 'm only joking my friend.

RC, sure Bill Kelso would take simple request as 'longer arms' etc.

[Gunslinger]

Come on Platon, you are comparing apples with oranges.

I 'm only joking my friend.

RC, sure Bill Kelso would take simple request as 'longer arms' etc.



I never know with you - you're always causing trouble! ;) :D

That's excellent news that he does simple customisation like that, as I for one would need the longer arms. It IS a fantastic price, too, and the leather does look like it has that character X factor that I have always thought is missing on jackets that sell for twice the price. You know how I like some grain...

In a project or two's time I may be tempted to make a Hilts replica out of one of these. Indy G's great jacket from a while ago did resew some seeds that are still percolating.

[Kt Templar]

Quite tempted by this.

Can get rid of the Wings and Coopers that I have and don't wear.

Though I have been toying with the idea of turning one of them into a Nostromo Jacket.

:help:

[PLATON]

Discount for F&G members available.

[Kaplan]

Did the seal brown color become available?

[PLATON]

Yes, the seal brown IS available.

[madschoen]

I ordered today - RW 27752 russet size 44. Really looking forward. So far I only have Cockpit and G+B and a very old steerhide Bradley.

I will send a short review when arrived - with proper images... ;)

[RCSignals]

I can't wait to see your jacket madschoen !

and welcome to the forum :)

[RCSignals]

I ordered today - RW 27752 russet size 44. Really looking forward. So far I only have Cockpit and G+B and a very old steerhide Bradley.

I will send a short review when arrived - with proper images... ;)




Have you received it yet madschoen?

[Garzo]

Fantastic looking jacket. Love that seal with the olive thread.

[PLATON]

http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/8335/copyofimg1819.jpg

If you like the Seal with olive thread here's a Russet with tan thread.

What do you think?

[djd]

Very pretty!

[RCSignals]

I like that russet!

[madschoen]

Sorry....it takes a very long time... :rolleyes:

Finally some pictures from my russet Bill Kelso A-2 Rough Wear Size 44 - gorgeous jacket! Next time maybe I go a size smaller - I'm not sure.
The horsehide is very smooth but also very tough. For me always important - the leather smell good!

I taken these pictures (without flash) after wearing the jacket only a few times. Wearing a moon grey small fedora is unusual -I like the look

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_8Gg325SiqRw/TcpCxj5N4lI/AAAAAAAAGUE/QWWn4l6KYMw/s720/DSC_0365.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_8Gg325SiqRw/TcpCx0bfu_I/AAAAAAAAGUI/co3OHDrxxPE/s720/DSC_0368.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_8Gg325SiqRw/TcpCyX0krFI/AAAAAAAAGUM/kGRH0a2E9mY/s1152/DSC_0371.JPG

Olive thread
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_8Gg325SiqRw/TcpCy4hm0RI/AAAAAAAAGUQ/qFVZRWeMOy4/s912/DSC_0372.JPG


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_8Gg325SiqRw/TcpCzAcMRVI/AAAAAAAAGUU/cuqoiVLF-2w/s1024/DSC_0374.JPG

[RCSignals]

I think that size looks great. when the horse hide eases up and relaxes you should be happier with how it feels. Don't just wear it, work the leather in your hands bending folding manipulating. crumple the the jacket up and leave it in a tight ball. The hide will soften up a great deal, and you'll love it.

If you look at old photos of these being worn they really were not worn as 'tight' as people think.

[PLATON]

The photos look great, but yes, you could have ordered a size smaller.
I have tried on the 38 and 40 and bot fit me OK. One size is looking better than the other (in its own way) and I have trouble deciding what to buy for myself.

[RCSignals]

Platon, can you post a photo of you wearing each size for comparison?

I agree madschoen could probably wear the next size down fine. It would obviously be a closer fit, and maybe a over shirt only fit.
I still think once he gets this one softened up and the leather relaxing more it will be great.

[PLATON]

Glad to, but unfortunately not have any jackets in stock.

[Garzo]

I agree with RC, the jacket size looks great as is, but ultimately it's a personal preference. Very handsome jacket ...

[madschoen]

Well - if go more often to the Gym or drink more German beer it should be very easy to get a closer fit.... :toast:
I'm really happy with the jacket - I'm wearing it today.

[RCSignals]

Glad to, but unfortunately not have any jackets in stock.


That's one of those good and bad situations

[PLATON]

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/$(KGrHqYOKo0E3EyhHkG1BNz!FVEu-!~~_3.JPG

and here's the seal brown

[RCSignals]

that seal brown would make a nice Virgil Hilts version.

[PLATON]

it would have to be a darker seal... let's see