No such thing as an Authentic SA Jacket!

**Brave Starr** · 05-12-2014, 04:00 AM

Hi all,

I thought I would begin this thread as to bring some closure to the ever elusive hunt for 'THE' Indy Jacket!
No I know there are a lot of us out there - the one's that are staying up late past our bedtime searching threads, looking at youtube interviews & production movie still in search of some information as to what makes the 'REAL AUTHENTIC' Jacket.
Now I know there are lots of vendors out there that are on the Indy Jacket Replica train and probably just a few that can own the right to actually make the Authentic Jacket! Now what is an authentic Jacket?
In my view, an authentic jacket is the Hero Jacket worn by Ford in Raiders! Not ToD or LC, no not CS either.
Anyone seen that Jacket lately? Since ROTLA started this wonderful love for the wise-talking, whip-cracking, gun-slinging, Fedora-wearing hero... than in my eyes what you see in terms of Jacket is what is Authentic!
The next best thing is an EXACT replica made the same makers of the Ford Hero Jacket from ROTLA. As you all know so many versions were made, and there were so many nuances/differences in the original ones provided by Botwright that it makes me think, we're they working off a plan? Why so many differences? Was there a lack of skill, were they winging it? Obviously there was no one plan for all Jackets that we're made that we get so many different versions, we see the nuances in Ford's jacket's all the time, collar tips etc.
And not to mention the leather-type, lambskin, pre-distressed etc etc.
Even the fact that it was up to the fans demand a more a SA Jacket to get it to the final product and still today Wested (supposedly official company) are still not offering their 'official' Jacket in the correct strap buckles - I believe only Todd's and Kelso are doing this: but then again neither of them are the official company right? If they were then why call their Jacket the 'Relic Hunter'?
The point of this thread is not to deter people from the "hunt" but the bring some relief that no such Jacket exists!
Find the style that works for you, make a hybrid from any vendor and enjoy your Jacket!! However I have to admit - the hunt is fun!!

)
Any thoughts?

**djd** · 05-12-2014, 05:41 AM

Whilst a agree with your last couple of points (and I've said myself that deep down I know I'm looking for the jacket that actually turns me into indiana Jones by magic!), your many jackets point is probably wrong. If you look through the research in the jacket section here you'll find fairly compelling evidence that there were only three jackets used by Ford in raiders, each with its only distinctive characteristics that can be copied.

**djd** · 05-12-2014, 06:00 AM

Regards the name of the jacket from various vendors, this is a simple licensing and trade mark issue. Lucas a film demands big bucks to use the Indiana Jones name and actually a German company Noble House make a licensed jacket. It's not at all SA though.

**Brave Starr** · 05-12-2014, 07:44 AM

Thanks djd, thanks for the info, I knew that we're at least 2 jackets used on Raiders as the Hero Jacket since there have been fans that have pointed out the differences: it just goes to show that if there were 4 jackets used with distinct characteristic differences than there can't be a definitive Jacket! Thus my point is there can't be an Authentic Jacket since they were all different! In this case each individual must therefore come up with the best version they choose to put together given the evidence.
Thanks also for the info regarding the German company, I did not know that, it's interesting that both Wested and Noble House are making a supposedly genuine Indy Jacket. On Noble House it states: "It took us more than one year, in cooperation with Lucasfilm Ltd. in San Francisco, to produce the replica of the original Indiana Jones jacket"
Who to trust nowadays??

**djd** · 05-12-2014, 08:01 AM

Well, Wested are in the position that they can safely claim to have made the original jacket without being sued by Lucas... Nobel House have clearly just paid over a big lump of cash for the privilege. As for different versions of the jacket, Bill Kelso will make either the Hawaii or main hero versions. The "prototype" jacket, as seen in the La Rochelle scenes and a few stunts is the most different of the three. The differences between the other two being more subtle. So... Yes you can get a SA jacket but unless you have Fords build, it will probably look rather different on you.

**outpost31** · 05-12-2014, 03:41 PM

I've got a pair of levis' 501's that I bought in 1986 and a pair I bought in 2005 an they are very different from each other, in terms of fit and craftsmanship, same manufacturer same pattern same size but there are discrepancies. Now when you get into the stitch counting, millimeter measuring wrinkle replicating world of screen accuracy you could go insane. Leather has grain just like wood and it is almost impossible to duplicate without scrutinizing hundreds or even thousands of samples to get a match. So yeah it's fair to say that total screen accuracy is difficult to achieve, but there are people on here who through dedication and devotion have to my mind done just that. When you get into the argument over which manufacturer made what and when and why can't they now, It's a can of worms and one that I leave to better informed and braver souls to get into.

**Ram Man** · 05-12-2014, 08:19 PM

Originally Posted by outpost31

I've got a pair of levis' 501's that I bought in 1986 and a pair I bought in 2005 an they are very different from each other, in terms of fit and craftsmanship, same manufacturer same pattern same size but there are discrepancies.

I totally agree with you about the 501's. They just don't make em like they used to. So frustrating. Why change everything all the time. If they wanted to make a different button style then why not make 502's or something? If it isn't broken then leave it alone.....

**Brave Starr** · 05-13-2014, 07:25 AM

In saying that does anyone recommend any manufacturer that makes the closest raiders jacket? Hawaii jacket that is? I'm looking into a few and thus far it seems to be a toss up between wested's hero jacket and kelso's relic hunter!?

**djd** · 05-13-2014, 07:44 AM

I think those are two good choices. The Wested hero in the shrunken lamb is very good value. I'm waiting on a Kelso myself at present. They look lovely but it's a premium price. I've not owned one of Todds standards but they seem to be excellent for the money. I've also been quite impressed with the US Wings legend I own. The US made ones in the striated lamb look nice although the zip is on the wrong side.