It was requested yesterday that I post pics of my three year-old Flightsuits (now Gibson & Barnes) Raiders Jacket. The leather is Chrome Seal Goat. It is made to measure (which they don't really do anymore). The only modification I had made is the addition of a nickel zip instead of brass. Everything else is basically the same as if it was off the rack. Enjoy.
That Chrome goat FS had a few years back was absolutely gorgeous.
You're right HJ, under flash and certain lighting, it definately has a russet hue to it, but in outdoor, natural light, it goes a very nice medium dark brown.
Check out my staff photo on the main page. It is the same hide. I got mine about 4 years ago. You can't go wrong with their goat.
Gota love that texture too!
It tends to be a bit stiff when you first get it. But after a few days of tossing it in the corner of the room after wear, it softens rigth up!
(Just the way it looks.)
G-MANN wrote:I'm not Dr J, but my Lambskin Expedition purchased in Jaunary has a pleat depth of 1-1/2"
Cheers,
G-MANN
Thanks G-MANN!
Everything about this jacket, aside form the 2-piece gussett which may or may not have been automatically added by FS, just SCREAMS Raiders authenticity IMO. I WILL have have one; just gotta get that Morgan first.
EDIT: Tone, that avvy is just downright scary! ...
I have 2 Gibson & Barnes jackets (both goatskin), and they are tough for sure. The underarm gussets are 2-piece, yes, but they are rather small in construction. For instance, when I ordered my Wested with the 2-piece awhile back they were kinda large. When I received my Gibson & Barnes jacket, even though it had the 2-piece, they were maybe a tad larger than what a single underarm gusset would be on a Wested as far as size and proportion goes from what I could tell. So, the 2-piece gussets aren't very large at all.
Can you still ask for small mods like a custom sleeve length and a nickel zipper?
Now, THAT's a good question. I had those exact mods done on this jacket over three years ago. Longer sleeves and nickel zip. I've heard now, it's hard to get these (or any) mods. Chalk one more up for Wested.
Something else concerning the gussets. Remember, these were STANDARD on the FS before people were adding them to their Westeds as options. The FS pattern and specs were taken from a film-used jacket (which had been used by a Stuntman, I believe) provided by _. Wether or not, this jacket had two-piece gussets or one piece gussets I don't know
Can you still ask for small mods like a custom sleeve length and a nickel zipper?
Now, THAT's a good question. I had those exact mods done on this jacket over three years ago. Longer sleeves and nickel zip. I've heard now, it's hard to get these (or any) mods. Chalk one more up for Wested.
Thats usually the problem for me with most off the rack sizes. Depending on the cut I can wear a 42L or 44L. However according to their size chart I would need a 46L or 48L to get enough sleeve length.
G-MANN, ignore that 'J' character....he likes his Aldens to get wet, so he's a 'silly person'. Send the jacket to ME instead. You'll feel a lot better about it, I assure you.
I am touched by your willingness to take this awful jacket off my hands but I think i'll hang on to it for a little while yet. It may be too much for you to bear.
Believe me, my friend, I've got broad shoulders. I can handle the strain. Send it on down. You'll feel better, and I'll feel better just knowing I helped you in this small way. 8-[
Michaelson wrote:Believe me, my friend, I've got broad shoulders. I can handle the strain. Send it on down. You'll feel better, and I'll feel better just knowing I helped you in this small way. 8-[
Whoooo!, dats purty! Look at that beautiful yoke and them shallow pleats.
What exactly is "chrome". Is it an option of some sort? For some reason I associated it with goat.
Would any of you "dual owners" ( Minnesota etc...) say that the regular dark brown FS is closer to the Wested dark brown or the authentic, or somewhere in between?
G-MANN, I'm also interested in the collar and pocket measurements if its not too much trouble. Thanks for posting.
Indiana_Tone wrote:
TANNING
The raw collagen fibers of the hides must be converted into a stable product which is no longer susceptible to rotting. This is done by adding chrome tanning agents to the hides in a revolving drum. These tanning agents also significantly improve the hide's dimensional stability, abrasion resistance, resistance to chemicals and to heat, the ability to flex innumerable times without breaking, and the ability to endure repeated cycles of wetting and drying.
Well, what the heck, here are my two prized Expeditions. I would say that I got my goat back in 2003 and the lamb back in 2004, I can't remember exactly, lol. These represent two of four jackets I own from Flightsuits.
You want to see a beautiful (and totally unique) Flightsuits Expedition in Russet goat with military-style, olive-drab stitching? Check out this thread from Rundquist:
Oh really, well I will speak with the fleet commander and see if we can spare one or not, lol. Yes, I love my jackets, three Westeds, two A-2's, a G-1, and my Expeditions. I know I will get more in the future, I still want a Wested Goat and Horse if they ever make it again. Anyone wanting to sell a Wested Goat?? Size 38 or 40?
Yesterday I went over to Dr._J’s pad to show him some of my jackets before they went away. When I left I picked up my big pile of jackets and by mistake I took his Expedition. It’s a 44 Reg. I couldn’t resist taking these pics. I think that I’m going to go with 46 reg from now on. This is a “Raider” fit though, I have to admit. If I were 10 pounds lighter, I might even be able to pull this off. I like a looser fit anyway. Dig the “Raiders” collar. Cheers
DUDE! THAT'S MY JACKET!!! It would have been funny/surprising to see this thread if I hadn't noticed (yeah, right) that my Expo was missing. "Accidently" my butt! I bet that was your intention the whole time. The old "pile o' jackets" ploy! Lookin' good and thanks for returning it promptly.
... 
That really is a beautiful looking jacket. I'm looking forward to getting one of these soon. Thanks for posting.
Send the jacket to ME instead. You'll feel a lot better about it, I assure you. 
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