Memphis Belle Wested

Last Crusader · Post by **Last Crusader** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 12:10 pm

Does anybody of you guys own the Wested "Memphis Belle" B3 or A2?
I would like to get one of these, but I would like to see some more and better pics than you find on the Wested page.
Anybody?

FLATHEAD · Post by **FLATHEAD** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 12:33 pm

Remember, Wested's version of the B-3 is not an authentic reproduction
of a real WWII B-3. Its a more modern version, with slash pockets on
the outside, and no horsehide outer arm reinforcements, rank insignia
leather tags on the shoulders, or heavy duty cowhide adjustment belts
on the neck or sides.

Its more of a modern Mall jacket version than a true repro.

Just incase you cared about that stuff.

What it is though, is a very nicely made shearling jacket, that will keep
you warm in the coldest weather!

Flathead

Last Crusader · Post by **Last Crusader** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 1:17 pm

Yes, I know that its not authentic. I own a B3 made by Eastman.
Now I´m looking for a not so expensive alternative which can get a scratch or two without getting a heart attack in the same moment.
And what about the A2? What leather is it?
Thanks for your reply anyway.

michaeljcr · Post by **michaeljcr** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 7:23 pm

Hi there, this is my first post so forgive any faux pas. I don't know about the Wested flight jackets, but if you want a really nice A2 etc. check out the following site:

http://www.aeroleatherclothing.com/weba ... ?page=home

I don't have one (I went for a customised U.S. Authentic horsehide that's pretty cool because they'll add extra pockets etc.) but my next non-Indy jacket will be from Aero. Their jackets have an excellent reputation and their horse hide is only sourced from horses that have died naturally- perhpas we should lobby them to make an Indy jacket!

While I was trying to find a good jacket I did find this German company that might be of interest:

http://www.original-fliegerjacken.de/

or if you need inspiration here's a useful Flight jacket equivelent of COW:

http://cornellsurgery.com/v-web/bulleti ... e03cdcf2cc

Hope that's of some use!

MJCR.

J_Weaver · Post by **J_Weaver** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 7:36 pm

Welcome to COW!

Those Aero jackets are tempting! Maybe someday.

Baggers · Post by **Baggers** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 10:19 pm

Aero jackets are more than just tempting. Back in late September I bought one of their Irvins made from a mid weight shearling as offeried on their sale page and I liked it so much that I bought a Barnstormer model (also from their sale page) made from a slightly lighter than usual weight of jerky horsehide. It was just mailed out yesterday and I'm awaiting delivery. And it only took them a week to make and ship both jackets!

Excellent products, excellent service, and -- if you catch the right deals -- excellent prices.

Cheers!

Last Crusader · Post by **Last Crusader** » Thu Nov 24, 2005 7:12 am

Welcome and thanks for the links, mjcr!

michaeljcr · Post by **michaeljcr** » Thu Nov 24, 2005 5:31 pm

Yeah, the Aero jackets are nice - I only bought the A2 elswhere because I really wanted it to be functional and have an inside pocket and handwarmer pockets. My customised U.S. Authentics came out great if a little long in the sleeve as I went for a larger size than normal, but I think the leather and manufaturing of the Aero is superior. Check out their gloves - they do some Indy friendly work gloves for £15.

Right, I'm off, I'm ordering my first Wested Indy jacket on another browser window as we speak...

Snakewhip_Sable · Post by **Snakewhip_Sable** » Thu Nov 24, 2005 5:49 pm

I got a mock A2 jacket for $13.00 at a second hand store in Hollywood. It's pretty stylin' and since it was probably made in the early 80's, I have no problem diving under fences and running through ditches and stormdrains in it.

If it were new or true vintage (rather than just old), I'd have a lot more of a problem doing that.

michaeljcr · Post by **michaeljcr** » Thu Nov 24, 2005 6:09 pm

$13.00! Man, that's just rude...

Snakewhip_Sable · Post by **Snakewhip_Sable** » Thu Nov 24, 2005 6:34 pm

check pawnshops.

PETER · Post by **PETER** » Fri Nov 25, 2005 4:11 am

Flathead is right in saying that our standard Memphis Belle B3 has hand warmer pockets but of course we also make the B3 authentic with the one leather map pocket on the front, although nobody ever asks for it except for films.
Cheers
Peter
Wested Leather

Last Crusader · Post by **Last Crusader** » Fri Nov 25, 2005 5:08 pm

Hi Peter,
I´m really interested in one of your B3 Jackets. Just some questions:

Can I choose from different leathers?
Is the B3 available only in standard sizes or can it be custom made?
Is the "Memphis Belle" Nose Art on the back standard?
Are there the two authentic leathertraps on the collar?

Regards
L.C.

jaydoc1 · Post by **jaydoc1** » Sat Nov 26, 2005 2:44 am

At one point in the past, Aero was supposedly going to make an Indy jacket. I don't see any mention of them around here anymore so I assume it never came to pass.

PETER · Post by **PETER** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 1:43 pm

We have Laws in the UK about ripping off other peoples designs and Aero Leather are respecting that fact, having been ripped off by others over thier Highlander Jacket.
Cheers
Peter

SkyChief · Post by **SkyChief** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 12:13 am

Peter,

Are there possibly any more photos of your Memphis Belle jackets, other than what's shown on your site?