The Tale of Peter and the Lamb

[MK]

I think it is safe to say I was not alone in feeling the excitement from the announcement of Wested having lamb skin produced in the color and thickness of the original leather used for the Raiders jackets.

That was what I was waiting for. My first Indy jacket was a Wested. Unfortunately the fit was all wrong. Also the cut and other details were pretty far off the mark compared to today's standard. I have always wanted a jacket from Peter that was like the one he made for Ford back in the day (don't we all?). I have held off for a few reasons. The pockets, the pleats and especially the leather.

Over the past several years Mr "B" and company have made great progress in getting back to THE jacket, but the leather was still not to my liking. When Wested announced the new/old leather, I hoped this was it.

I have already given a review of the samples Peter sent to me, so you may recall that I was very happy with the color. I had hoped for a little more grain, but felt that this was worth trying, so I placed my order.

Unfortunately the notes and measurements that Peter took in his old office when I was there a year ago were misplaced in the more to his new facility. He was very gracious and stopped by my place in London and re-measured me.

When the guys from the UK summit and I were heading to Wested on the train I tried not to think about it ,but my mind kept wondering about the jacket. Will it fit? Will the pockets be right? Will the leather be too thin? Will I have to leave England without it while it is altered?

When we pulled up at Little Wested House, my pulse quickened ever so slightly. After pleasantries were exchanged, Peter revealed the jacket. It looked good, but I wanted to be sure. I tried it on. The sleeves were right. The length was good. Are the pockets correct? Are they too tall? How are the straps? Do the pleats work? Hmmmm...lets check it against the pictures.

Here Peter has presented his latest creation and we (especially me) are questioning it. I was reserving judgment. I had been disappointed before and just wanted to be sure. After all the discussion was settled, we agreed (to Peter's relief) that it was a great Indiana Jones jacket. I finally had it. The real thing.

I wore it with pride all night. The others had Peter measure them for a "MK" version too.

Now the details.

When I reviewed the sample I commented that the leather didn't seem very thick. That was not the case with this jacket. It has plenty of body. I still wouldn't mind a little more grain though. The color on the other hand is perfect.

The cut is superb. I love it and wouldn't change a thing. I do wish it had the gussets though. The nickel zipper is the right color and works fine.

The pleats seem to function just like Ford's did in the Temple scene with the spiders. The pockets are the right size and shape. I had Peter make them a little more scalloped than his regular offering. I asked for them to be one inch from the seam but they look just a tab more. Perhaps 1 1/4.

The straps have dark rectangle slides that are a little different than FS uses yet are just fine. I am very happy with them.

The lining is the ever popular cotton with satin sleeves.

When zipped the front is slightly higher than the back and sides by an inch. If there was one thing I would change it would be that. I don't notice it unless I am looking in the mirror with it zipped. It might be due to my barrel chest. It is a small thing, but I thought I would pass it on.

I think an update will be needed to be added when the jacket is broken in. Will the pleats relax too much? How will it age? Only time will tell.

All in all it is a great jacket. I think it is the best Indy lamb jacket available at this time. The workmanship is very good and it is a pleasure to wear. Thanks to Peter and crew for everything.

I will post some pictures soon. Hopefully tomorrow.

[rick5150]

I think an update will be needed to be added when the jacket is broken in. Will the pleats relax too much?

When I first tried on my Wested Goat, I noticed that the action pleats were a bit on the stiff side. I had also recently spoken to (e-mailed) a gentleman at Pecards that said he does not recommend the Pecards Shoe Oil on jackets because some people think it softens the leather too much.

Having these two pieces of information at my diposal, I liberally applied the shoe oil to the action pleats, After a while they would stay closed a lot better and just look better, in my opinion. I have since done this on the action pleats of all of my jackets and I no longer have the "exaggerated lat" look that I initially had on the jackets.

Finally getting to my question, What do you mean "will the pleats relax too much?" I didn't think this was possible. Granted, so much of the look of these jackets and every other aspect of this hobby is subjective to each individual's taste - but I am curious.

Regards,

Rick

[rick5150]

When zipped the front is slightly higher than the back and sides by an inch. If there was one thing I would change it would be that. I don't notice it unless I am looking in the mirror with it zipped. It might be due to my barrel chest. It is a small thing, but I thought I would pass it on.

If you are referring to the jacket being tighter in the chest (almost to the point of it pulling across the chest) than it is all the way down, I have to agree. I do not like the look of the Indy jacket zipped up as much as wearing it open. I think it is the action pleats and the adjustable side straps that cause this.

If you look at the cut of the jacket, it seems to have the same width all the way down to the waist, whereas a nice fitting A-2 will taper giving the jacket a more form-fitting look. Obviously, the waistband of the A-2 has a lot to do with this look as well, but the Indy jacket featured below looks almost tapered:



The Chris King jacket may be the closest to this so far. I ordered a slight taper built into my last jacket. I do not mind the chest being a bit tight (or a bit loose), but the rest of the jacket should follow suit (in my taste). A little tight does not bother me and looks even better when it is unzipped

Just my .02

[Indiana Texas-girl]

So have you performed your infamous distressing job on this jacket? I can't wait to see it in March. Great writing style. I may have to read that to my class. They're taking the state-mandated writing test in 3 weeks. It's hard to get them to express their feelings in their writings.

Please take a closeup of the buckles and zipper if you can when you do the pics. Congrats on the new jacket! I'm curious as to _'s thoughts on it, as well. As I'm sure he'll be getting a gander at it soon.

[Mike]

MK,

Do I have to even say that we're dying for pics? No fair posting a review without 'em.

ITG, just this morning, I posted a scan of one of my sliders here:
http://www.indygear.com/community/forum ... 8408#28408

Mike

[MK]

Finally getting to my question, What do you mean "will the pleats relax too much?" I didn't think this was possible. Granted, so much of the look of these jackets and every other aspect of this hobby is subjective to each individual's taste - but I am curious.

Regards,

Rick

One of the problems with the old Wested jackets was the pleats would stay open. Part of this was due to them being too shallow. The depth appears to be correct on my new one. The only other way this problem would rear its ugly head is if the lamb relaxed too much and just stayed open. Confidence is high that this won't happen but we will have to wait and see.

[MK]

If you are referring to the jacket being tighter in the chest (almost to the point of it pulling across the chest) than it is all the way down, I have to agree. I do not like the look of the Indy jacket zipped up as much as wearing it open. I think it is the action pleats and the adjustable side straps that cause this.

No. The chest is fine due to Peter's measurements. I am referring to the bottom of the jacket. When zipped the front is higher than the sides. I would like it to be level.

[IndianaJames]

Cant wait to see it....!

CHeers

[Fedora]

Mk, I have noticed the front being higher than the back on my new Raiders jacket as well. I never noticed this on my other ones. I don't really care one way or the other as the jacket is still very good. I did get the gussets though, and this was important to me because my other two are pre-gussets. Fedora

[whipwarrior]

I am referring to the bottom of the jacket. When zipped the front is higher than the sides. I would like it to be level.

Hm. That's an interesting observation, because in every movie still I've seen, the jacket, when zipped up halfway, is just a bit higher in the back, and lower at the waist in front. I even double checked my jacket's fit from the side view in a mirror, and it matches the scene in Last Crusade when Indy is on the Mediterranean beach, holding his Webley. (You can see a photo of this in the British storybook adaption by Anne Digby)

[Indiana Texas-girl]

[One of the problems with the old Wested jackets was the pleats would stay open. The only other way this problem would rear its ugly head is if the lamb relaxed too much and just stayed open.

I have a Wested goat that I bought from a fan a few months back. The action pleats stay open. The leather on the pleats is way softer than anywhere else on the jacket, and I'm sure this is the reason why the jacket has such open pleats. It doesn't bother me a whole lot because I can never see my backside, but if I was able to see my back, it might bother me more.

[MK]

The promised pics.







Enjoy!

[Ken]

Is that a bit of distressing i see on the sleeves MK?

Ken

[Sergei]

Thanks for posting MK! Glad to see you made it back. Are you still calling sidewalks, footpaths? If yes, you need a remedial course on California English, Dude!

By the way, the cargo pocket dimensions on your new Wested, are the pockets to spec as defined below?

photo courtesy of Kyle Shold

I love the above diagram. It says it all.

-Sergei

[IndianaJames]

Sergei -
Is this pocket placement diagram re creating the jacket worn in ROLTA?

Thanks for posting MK - Looks great! I see now, those pleats are going to work just fine....

Regards

[Sergei]

Sergei -
Is this pocket placement diagram re creating the jacket worn in ROLTA?

Thanks for posting MK - Looks great! I see now, those pleats are going to work just fine....

Regards

Yes, they are the generally agreed upon dimensions. Big caveat, coming! Due to the proportions of a jacket, they need to be tweaked, for obvious reasons, right? Larger size jackets need bigger pockets from the norm and ... You get the picture. )

-S

[MK]

By the way, the cargo pocket dimensions, are these to spec?

photo courtesy of Kyle Shold

I love the above diagram. It says it all.

-Sergei

That is a good one. Everything is correct except the distance from the seem is 1-1/2. I wish it were one inch.

[Indiana Texas-girl]

Don't do this to me! Ahhhhh, the torture!!!!!!!!!!!
I love this jacket's color. MK, you might wanna hide that jacket when I come out in March. (By the way, what size to you wear?)

[Indiana Joe]

Hm. That's an interesting observation, because in every movie still I've seen, the jacket, when zipped up halfway, is just a bit higher in the back, and lower at the waist in front.

That is also noticeable in the Raven bar as well.

I love this jacket's color.

I love the color too. Interestingly, I saw a digital video of myself wearing the seal goat FS Expedition from back in November and you know what? My jaw dropped when it appeared on my TV as dark as the Raiders jacket in the opening Temple sequence! No joke! It's the lighting, I tell ya!

[agent5]

Any reason you went with the D-rings instead of the slides?

[MK]

Don't do this to me! Ahhhhh, the torture!!!!!!!!!!!
I love this jacket's color. MK, you might wanna hide that jacket when I come out in March. (By the way, what size to you wear?)

The color is on the money. Peter nailed it. I won't be saying the size. It might tempt you.

[MK]

Any reason you went with the D-rings instead of the slides?

????? I do have slides.

[Dr._J]

MK wrote:

That is a good one. Everything is correct except the distance from the seem is 1-1/2. I wish it were one inch.

I feel for you MK, my pockets are spot on with the diagram except my pockets are 2 inches from the seam! Oh well, what are ya gonna do! I love this new lambskin though!

Regards,

Dr. J

[Indiana Texas-girl]

I won't be saying the size. It might tempt you.

Exactly! I'm wondering if it'll fit me.

[agent5]

Hmmm. The pic makes it look just like the D-rings. K. I ordered mine last week but I'm still making up my mind as to exactly what I want. Do I want the antiqued brass or the gun-metal gray?

[Indydawg]

THAT is the Raiders jacket!

My hats off to you, Peter! You've nailed it down to perfection!

Outstanding job, my friend!
High Regards!
Indydawg

[Michaelson]

...am I now understanding the plan has changed from stealing Sergei's whip bag, to trying to get hold of MK's jacket at the QM summit? You're making the plan EXTREMELY complicated now, you know? Regards. Michaelson

[prettybigguy]

Looks great MK! Let us now how the leather distresses. If you are able to remove some color and "beat it up" a bit I'll DEFINATLY be sending an order to Peter later this year!!!
PBG

[junior]

Looks good MK. I'm impressed.

Can you show a pic of the collar?

Does it have zipper facings?

junior

[Ken]

Michaelson:

Personally I'm going for MK's idol!

Ken

[Pyroxene]

That is a good one. Everything is correct except the distance from the seem is 1-1/2. I wish it were one inch.

I understand why you want them. However, it looks like if it were one inch, the pockets wouldn't be centered on jacket.

Just my observations.

[Indiana Joe]

That is a good one. Everything is correct except the distance from the seem is 1-1/2. I wish it were one inch.

I understand why you want them. However, it looks like if it were one inch, the pockets wouldn't be centered on jacket.

Pyr, please help me understand what you mean...

If the left cargo pocket was moved in to one inch from the seam and the right pocket was moved in to one inch from the zipper seam, would that not look symetrical? I seem (no pun intended ) to recall that my post-mod Expo had the right cargo pocket one inch from the zipper seam and, when, zipped, both pockets appeared to be centered on the jacket.

Indiana Joe

[Pyroxene]

Pyr, please help me understand what you mean...

If the left cargo pocket was moved in to one inch from the seam and the right pocket was moved in to one inch from the zipper seam, would that not look symetrical?
Indiana Joe

The way you described it, yes. However, I have only ever read discussion on the Left Pocket and it's position from the storm flap.

Sorry for the confusion.
Pyro

[Indiana Joe]

Pyr, please help me understand what you mean...

If the left cargo pocket was moved in to one inch from the seam and the right pocket was moved in to one inch from the zipper seam, would that not look symetrical?
Indiana Joe

The way you described it, yes. However, I have only ever read discussion on the Left Pocket and it's position from the storm flap.

Sorry for the confusion.
Pyro

I understand what you mean. The discussions appear to focus on the left cargo pocket. In fact, I've notice in Raiders that the right pocket does appear to be farther back at times (if memory serves) and this memory reminds me of a fairly recent post of a pic around here somewhere and I can't find it. If I do, I'll post it.

[Doctor_Jones]

Wow! MK!!!! That is a really good looking jacket!!!! The colour is great too!!!! WOWWWWWWWWWW...

Wear it in good health!

Regards

DJ

[MK]

The cargo pockets on the film jacket are catty-wompus. I wouldn't want my jacket to be as asymmetrical as Ford's. See photo:



You can also see how off they are in the let-her-go shot in the Raven Bar. I think they should be even with the flap....not the zipper. The jacket industry goes with the zipper being the center, but that would look cock-eyed with the flap.

As a side note, notice where the stitching has come loose on his right pocket. There is a big hole due to the pocket has separated from the shell of the jacket. You can alos see this in the photo of Ford and Allen standing together at the diggs. Ford's gloves are in this pocket and you can see them peaking through the gap.

[Michaelson]

With you, ITG, and Indiana Jess, it's starting to sound like an Ocean's Eleven script for the highjacking of gear at the second QM summit. (for those who have NO idea what is going on, it's an old joke left over from last years summit, so please overlook us if you would. )

MK, I have often wondered if the length of the straps and need to pull them so tight has anything to do with the eventual relaxing of the action pleats and the problem of them not closing you mentioned before? Looks like you've got yours pulled fairly tight to me, but don't have that much strap left to let out. Thoughts?

High regards. Michaelson

[Indiana Joe]

The cargo pockets on the film jacket are catty-wompus. I wouldn't want my jacket to be as asymmetrical as Ford's.

You can also see how off they are in the let-her-go shot in the Raven Bar. I think they should be even with the flap....not the zipper. The jacket industry goes with the zipper being the center, but that would look cock-eyed with the flap.

As a side note, notice where the stitching has come loose on his right pocket. There is a big hole due to the pocket has separated from the shell of the jacket. You can alos see this in the photo of Ford and Allen standing together at the diggs. Ford's gloves are in this pocket and you can see them peaking through the gap.

Thanks, MK! I was thinking of the Raven bar scene as well.

Given that _ had the opportunity to look at a stunt Raiders truck-scene jacket, how is it that the right cargo pocket (of an Expo) is symetrical as opposed to this screen grab you've posted? In realizing that the handwarmers should be functional, is it also that Flightsuits realized that it just wouldn't look right and corrected the placement of the right pocket to give the pockets symetry?

[Doctor_Jones]

I just got my second Wested... I think I want another one!

And two years ago I said I would only own ONE Wested.. Boy.. what was I wrong...

Regards

DJ

[Indiana Joe]

I just got my second Wested...

DJ,

What are your pockets like? Symetrical? Special ordered?

[Doctor_Jones]

I did not ask something special for my pockets. I guess those are just the standard LC pockets.

They are 20 cm long, and about 18cm wide and about 4,5 cm from the stormflap which is 4cm wide. Don't know how much that is in inches.
The pockets are about 3,5 cm above the end of the jacket.

And yes they are symetrical too. Which is standard I guess.


Kind regards

DJ

[Indiana Texas-girl]

...am I now understanding the plan has changed from stealing Sergei's whip bag, to trying to get hold of MK's jacket at the QM summit? You're making the plan EXTREMELY complicated now, you know? Regards. Michaelson

No change in plans...just an additional conquest. I'm thinking that jacket would fit the idol quite nicely in an attempt to hide it. MK watch out! Bwhaaaaa!

[Bogie1943]

WOWSA, I can't wait to get one of these babies excusse me while I clean up my puddle of druel!

[schwammy]

Looks smashing, MK! Except I think I'd still rather have the Flight Suits-style double black buckles, but apparently this is not an option? In any case, I'm very eager to order one of these jackets.

[Lord_Clarence]

Unbelievable. Drool. LITERAL drool.

I've seen, we've ALL seen, countless pictures of jackets in various lighting conditions, various exposures, even from various angles of an LCD screen (like the one on the laptop I'm using right now). Yet, for some reason, when I look at those pictures (and they're even different from one another), I can tell that MK's jacket is THE COLOR. That's all there is to it.

I am now revising my dream jacket's specs from lambtouch cow to this miracle lamb. (Better for my climate anyhow.)

Cordially,
Lord Clarence

[IndyPip]

One of the problems with the old Wested jackets was the pleats would stay open. Part of this was due to them being too shallow. The depth appears to be correct on my new one. The only other way this problem would rear its ugly head is if the lamb relaxed too much and just stayed open. Confidence is high that this won't happen but we will have to wait and see.

MK - Didn't Peter say they had also made an alteration inside the jacket to help prevent the pleats from opening up?

[MK]

MK, I have often wondered if the length of the straps and need to pull them so tight has anything to do with the eventual relaxing of the action pleats and the problem of them not closing you mentioned before? Looks like you've got yours pulled fairly tight to me, but don't have that much strap left to let out. Thoughts?

Interesting theory. Although it wasn't easy, I have sent the jacket back to Peter. I am really picky about the cargo pockets being one inch. Also the jacket is too short. I really hiked up my pants to make it look right in the pictures. To answer your query, the waist was too big. That is common for me due to my barrel chest. It is not like I have a trim waist (I wish), but the standard waist for my chest size is too big. Even though the straps were pulled tight, the waist was too loose when zipped. You don't notice this when unzipped, but when it gets chilly and you do zip up, you don't want it loose. I trust that the waist will be perfect on the new one. I am rambling.

Anyway.....since the jacket has to be remade, I asked for a few little tweaks. The back panel needs to extend to the seams at the shoulders. It was a 1/4 ich or so off.

Having said all this, I am very excited about this jacket. The leather is great and Peter has really dialed in all the little details we have been asking for. I love the color. This will probably be my last lamb jacket I will ever need..........


.....unless I get dragged by a truck.

[Rixter]

Before Wested introduced their Authentic lamb, how would the original darker Wested Lamb compare with the FS lamb still being offered as to color, graining, fit,... etc., for those who have owned, or at least seen both side by side.

...and, so now is the lamb being offered by FS and the older lamb from Wested now considered TOO Dark? I haven't seen either in person, and have relied on viewing them on a monitor where I've noticed the colors vary wildly depending on who took the pics and where.

Also, for what it's worth, my monitor is also deceptive in viewing the pics I've seen of the new Authentic lamb Wested which looks to me like rather a light, almost caramel color, with not as much grain as the darker version. Maybe I just need to calibrate my monitor again.

Thank you.

[CapKimmel]

MK,
I thought I read a post about your new lambskin jacket being longer in back than in front when the jacket was zipped. I have the same problem with my newcow which I recieved in October. Any way of avoiding this problem when ordering my new authentic lamb?
Thanks in advance,
J-

[MK]

Before Wested introduced their Authentic lamb, how would the original darker Wested Lamb compare with the FS lamb still being offered as to color, graining, fit,... etc., for those who have owned, or at least seen both side by side.

...and, so now is the lamb being offered by FS and the older lamb from Wested now considered TOO Dark? I haven't seen either in person, and have relied on viewing them on a monitor where I've noticed the colors vary wildly depending on who took the pics and where.

Also, for what it's worth, my monitor is also deceptive in viewing the pics I've seen of the new Authentic lamb Wested which looks to me like rather a light, almost caramel color, with not as much grain as the darker version. Maybe I just need to calibrate my monitor again.

Thank you.

1)The old Wested lamb and the FS lamb are a different colors, texture, thickness and cut.

2)Yes, the other lambs are too dark.

3) Your monitor is deceiving you. The new lamb is not a camel color. It is a dark brown...just not as dark as the is-that-brown-or-is-that-black? variety. The grain is similar to the old, but the new leather is thicker and has a quality I am having trouble describing.......I guess the best I can say for now is that it has body. It doesn't feel fragile like most lamb jackets I have encountered.

I hope this helps.