Pecards will NOT lighten it. I have the same jacket and was fretting over the color for a bit. I tried alcohol, with no lightening. Then I realized that it is what it is. Don't try to change the jacket to something that it isn't. Just enjoy the jacket. I love the color now.

Winchester is the way to go. I ordered 2 beaver hat bodies from them in the fall. They sounded a little hesitant at first, but I told them that I was just doing this as a hobby and after a little convincing, they sold them to me. Their phone # is 931-967-0686. The beaver was $55.50. Hope this helps.

Wow,
That is crazy. Glad to hear that you are alright. I may tell this to my wife. Maybe she will let me wear my lid more often.

I have had the same concern with my Wings jacket. It does tend to look black in certain situations. [/img] http://i498.photobucket.com/albums/rr349/joshdanilind/DSCF1580-1.jpg However, when compared to my wife's black jacket it definitely looks brown. http://i498.photobucket.com/albums/rr349/joshdan...

Cool, Thanks All!
Any info is well appreciated since I am still learning.

Just a quick question for the resident hatters. I have an old hat flange that has no finish to it. Should I apply polyurethane or some other sealant to it to protect it during the flanging process? Thanks!

Cool. I live in Columbus and have been thinking about taking a trip up there for a goatskin and avoid any "sizing" issues.