Gibson and Barnes nappa Expedition with pictures

BlueSkyz · Post by **BlueSkyz** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 10:24 am

I called Travis last week to see about making me a jacket.....................yes they might make it in other leather than advertised,NO they won't make any special measurement changes,NO they won't do any mods to the jacket aside from stock modifications.......
HOWEVER, I was able to get a 40 tall from them that was in stock..............alls I can say is AWESOME.....................the jacket is beautiful. http://s301.photobucket.com/albums/nn41/blueskyz54/
[/url]

feathers73 · Post by **feathers73** » Mon May 12, 2008 9:24 pm

Do you know if they will make one in standard 50 tall?

BlueSkyz · Post by **BlueSkyz** » Tue May 13, 2008 6:30 am

Call them and ask.....its not that unusual of a size.............

Masman · Post by **Masman** » Tue May 13, 2008 12:39 pm

G&B makes a great jacket. I have a Goat and a Lamb, and both are extremely well made.

However, their website isn't quite accurate on some of the pricing. I spoke to Travis about ordering a Goat Expedition in Black, and was informed that the color black was considered a "custom" color and was subject to a $28 fee. I guess $28 isn't a big deal in a $450 jacket, but it caught me by surprise since their website says that the Goatskin is available in Dark Brown or Black...both for the price of $448. There was no mention of a $28 customization fee (at least not as of today - 5/13/08 ).

Not a gripe...just an FYI....

Cowboy · Post by **Cowboy** » Tue May 13, 2008 10:08 pm

Congrads Jerry. You will love her more as time passes by.I love my G&B Goat. I will never get rid of her but will keep it to pass down to my kids or Grand kids. I will order another this fall one size bigger for layering (or belly increase) and with about another 1" in sleeve. I like long sleeves.

BlueSkyz · Post by **BlueSkyz** » Thu May 15, 2008 6:02 am

Stay tuned Indy fans,I may have something really cool from Gibson and Barnes................................
Just got word today they are shipping my new Expedition [made out of their 'cowhide nappa'] and should be here this week sometime. I will post some shots when I get it......................

Zinedar · Post by **Zinedar** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 11:46 pm

Hi BlueSkyz-- did your G&B cowhide nappa ever arrive? If so, what do you think of it?

Rundquist · Post by **Rundquist** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 2:15 pm

I saw a "nappa" Expedition in the showroom. It's criminal that nobody knows about that option or has bothered to get one. I almost decided to get one at one point, but I opted for something else that I ought to be ready to get very soon. Cheers

Rundquist · Post by **Rundquist** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 2:26 pm

Although Gibson & Barnes doesn’t really do custom work, they will work to get you a jacket that fits. At 5’11 I’m right between a long and a regular size. What I did was I opted for a long size body and regular sleeves. If there is a question about your size, you should get a reference jacket from them (which you’ll send back), and go from there. Cheers

BlueSkyz · Post by **BlueSkyz** » Thu Jun 05, 2008 11:02 am

The nappa Expedition is still in work....should be worth the wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Will keep everyone posted.

Bowie · Post by **Bowie** » Thu Jun 05, 2008 1:07 pm

Aeris_Canon wrote:It's doubtful I'm between sizes for a long. Okay, that's not going to work then. That's good info about the reference jacket! Thank you.

...my 2 cents...
Aeris, I went with Rundquist's "reference jacket" idea, and am very glad I did (infact he was a huge help w/ my ?'s). I wanted a seal brown jacket w/ a nickle zipper, but it was non-standard thus non-returnable. I was unsure of whether I needed a 40R or 40T. I ordered a 40T to test the size, sent it back, and G&B made me a awesome jacket.

Have you been tempted to order???

Indiana Joe · Post by **Indiana Joe** » Thu Jun 05, 2008 8:53 pm

Rundquist wrote:I saw a "nappa" Expedition in the showroom. It's criminal that nobody knows about that option or has bothered to get one. I almost decided to get one at one point, but I opted for something else that I ought to be ready to get very soon. Cheers

Indydawg and I got our cowhide Expeditions a few years back. I seem to recall his jacket being much lighter than mine. Is there a standard cowhide and a 'nappa' cowhide? If so, what is the difference?

BlueSkyz · Post by **BlueSkyz** » Sat Jun 14, 2008 5:47 pm

So here's the latest update in my jacket saga.....making a long story short,my Expedition has shipped made from vintage nappa cowhide WITH the G&B quality we have come to expect from them. I hope to get it next week and will keep you informed. I can't say enough about this company! There were a few glitches and they fixed any and all issues I had. I am proud to buy American and G&B is THE company.
Difference between nappa vs cow hide is the dyeing process,Nappa wears and lightens much quicker than standard hides. I have a Raiders made from it and it is soft,supple and comfortable.

Tollan · Post by **Tollan** » Sat Jun 14, 2008 5:58 pm

What was the price on that jacket? I really look forward to seeing your photos

I really like that company as well!

BlueSkyz · Post by **BlueSkyz** » Sat Jun 14, 2008 6:03 pm

Slight increase to deal with the different leather. Don't know if they will make anymore.......they are getting ready to start selling 'buffalo' hide Expeditions in the next couple of months...........

Tollan · Post by **Tollan** » Sat Jun 14, 2008 6:28 pm

Buffalo!? Interesting. That hide has quite a heavy grain, no?

PSBIndy · Post by **PSBIndy** » Sat Jun 14, 2008 7:30 pm

Tollan wrote:Buffalo!? Interesting. That hide has quite a heavy grain, no?

...should be very similar to cowhide.......I have a pair of buffalo hide shoes that are very durable.

BlueSkyz · Post by **BlueSkyz** » Sun Jun 15, 2008 5:40 am

http://s301.photobucket.com/albums/nn41/blueskyz54/

Try this for a couple of pic's[/img] more to follow. S[/img]

agent5 · Post by **agent5** » Sun Jun 15, 2008 11:04 am

However, their website isn't quite accurate on some of the pricing. I spoke to Travis about ordering a Goat Expedition in Black, and was informed that the color black was considered a "custom" color and was subject to a $28 fee. I guess $28 isn't a big deal in a $450 jacket, but it caught me by surprise since their website says that the Goatskin is available in Dark Brown or Black...both for the price of $448. There was no mention of a $28 customization fee (at least not as of today - 5/13/08 ).

I believe that this has been an ongoing issue with G&B for years now and one they are well aware of from what I recall. Sad that they haven't attempted to change their site to reflect current pricing seeing that it's so simple to do and takes very little time.

Not a gripe...just an FYI....

You have every right to gripe about it. IMO too many members here don't gripe enough when it's really needed. Doing this may get people to listen to you and incorporate changes to the problem. Doing nothing gets you just that.

Tollan · Post by **Tollan** » Sun Jun 15, 2008 12:35 pm

I ordered a lamb Expedition last week and asked if they could attach a nickel zipper instead of the brass one. I was told that " We don’t do any modifications to the Expedition jacket". Seems a bit strange to me... why wouldn't they put a different zipper on the jacket? I went ahead with the order anyway as it's not a huge deal to me but if one pays a bit extra for a jacket it seems strange that they draw the line at quite a small thing.

bobjones · Post by **bobjones** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 10:13 pm

Maybe this was covered earlier, just don't recall...how do the browns of the G&B in lamb, goat and nappa compare?

If I was looking for a chocolate brown lighterweight jacket, which distressed nicely like the LC jacket, would the lamb be the way to go, or is the nappa more of a chocolate brown, and going to distress over time more like the LC? IIRC someone said here that a G&B owner said the browns are VERY dark, and in the sunlight give off a purplish undertone, I just dont remember if they were referring to the goat, lamb or both.

BlueSkyz · Post by **BlueSkyz** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 9:10 am

My G & B's are very dark..............borderline black.............my dark vintage nappa cowhide is beautiful! It is darker than other leathers but not anything unreasonable.I've had a dark seal goat and it too was dark. If you want a G&B get it in the vintage nappa cowhide because of the dyeing process,it ages quicker and quite nicely if I say so myself.
As I've said before,G&B make the best jackets available[for a non-custom], while I don't own a wested I find it hard to believe that there is a better made jacket out there[non-custom]. Buy American and get the best .................. http://s301.photobucket.com/albums/nn41/blueskyz54/

rrhanselka · Post by **rrhanselka** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 10:10 pm

What is a NAPPA G&B? All they offer is a Lamb and a Goat? Please LMK.

Many hanks
Randall

bobjones · Post by **bobjones** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 12:45 am

BlueSkyz wrote:My G & B's are very dark..............borderline black.............my dark vintage nappa cowhide is beautiful! It is darker than other leathers but not anything unreasonable.I've had a dark seal goat and it too was dark. If you want a G&B get it in the vintage nappa cowhide because of the dyeing process,it ages quicker and quite nicely if I say so myself.
As I've said before,G&B make the best jackets available[for a non-custom], while I don't own a wested I find it hard to believe that there is a better made jacket out there[non-custom]. Buy American and get the best .................. http://s301.photobucket.com/albums/nn41/blueskyz54/

Blue, the nappa for the expo is alot darker than the nappa for the raiders in your pics. Were you aware of this, and what did G&B indicate about the color difference? Also, are there differences in the weight/feel of the 2 nappa hides?

BlueSkyz · Post by **BlueSkyz** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 8:11 am

Yes my Raiders jacket is a completly different color,I tried to get G&B to make my Expedition out of the same leather but it is no longer available.................the dark vintage nappa cowhide is what they are using now. BUT the nappa is very soft and comfortable right out of the box,I look forward to many years of use.
This leather is an option that I hope they will continue to offer. Although they are getting ready to begin making it out of buffalo,I would hope they could be a little more flexible about hide choices..........
I am very pleased with my new jacket and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a strong,well made jacket that will last more than a life time.
It is a little bit lighter weight than my Raiders but not really that much,the Raiders is 'more jacket' than the Expedition due to the bi-swing back and general construction.
Well worth it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

bobjones · Post by **bobjones** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 8:27 pm

BlueSkyz wrote:Yes my Raiders jacket is a completly different color,I tried to get G&B to make my Expedition out of the same leather but it is no longer available.................the dark vintage nappa cowhide is what they are using now. BUT the nappa is very soft and comfortable right out of the box,I look forward to many years of use.
This leather is an option that I hope they will continue to offer. Although they are getting ready to begin making it out of buffalo,I would hope they could be a little more flexible about hide choices..........
I am very pleased with my new jacket and would reccommend it to anyone who is looking for a strong,well made jacket that will last more than a life time.
It is a little bit lighter weight than my Raiders but not really that much,the Raiders is 'more jacket' than the Expedition due to the bi-swing back and general construction.
Well worth it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Blue, the more i look at the nappa cow, the more i like it, and the chocolate brown is the nicest shade I think I've seen from G&B yet.

Goat troubles me because it wont age, and i'd rather go with a cowhide as it will distress better over time.

G&B did send me a cow "dark seal" sample, and I expect to receive the nappa cow in a day or two, but having your pics of the nappa is a fortuitously-timed godsend.

Would you say that the G&B nappa is heavier/lighter in weight than their goat? I have a black G&B goat "reference" jacket right now, and it is an attractively light-weighted jacket (in comparison to my much heavier Aero FQHH and Roots "lambda" cowhide).

Last question: can you post some additional pics of the nappa cow expo close-up, of say the collar and pockets? Thanks.

BlueSkyz · Post by **BlueSkyz** » Sat Jun 21, 2008 9:19 am

Hola, I would have to say generally the nappa is slightly heavier than goat. I have had a goat Expedition and it ,depending on the thickness of the hide,was a little lighter than the cow. The cow distresses naturally over time and it looks broken in quickly. I've have a CWU in goat that I've had since the mid 80's and it still looks brand new!
I am VERY pleased with the nappa Expedition and would recommend it highly. Getting G&B to make one might be an issue,maybe not.
The dark brown color very nice and I really like it over the lighter colors of brown available. I have posted some more pictures . Jerry
http://s301.photobucket.com/albums/nn41/blueskyz54/

feathers73 · Post by **feathers73** » Sat Jun 28, 2008 10:13 pm

Great jacket. I want to order an expedition but I can't decide what leather I should get. I have a US Wings import goatskin but it is way to heavy. I would like something around the weight of my Polo leather jacket which is lamb. I'm really wanting to go lighter weight. Any suggestions? Was the size true to fit for you?

crismans · Post by **crismans** » Sun Jun 29, 2008 12:11 pm

Truly great looking jackets. It's a shame that they don't offer the lighter brown leather now as I'm more partial to that color but the new darker brown looks great as well. To clarify: is this the chocolate brown I've heard about (I'm editing to say that I believe I've got this wrong, the chocolate brown refers to a goat leather, correct?)

Also, I know you've answered questions about weight until you're probably sick but I have a Wings CE which is a terrific jacket but is quite heavy and will have to be regulated to winter use. Could the nappa be a good fall/early winter choice (I'm in KY so we have low 70s to 50s)? Also, does the nappa drape well? I don't expect it to drape like Ford's thin lamb but I want something that has a good drape to it for the money.

Thanks!

bobjones · Post by **bobjones** » Sun Jun 29, 2008 12:55 pm

crismans wrote:Truly great looking jackets. It's a shame that they don't offer the lighter brown leather now as I'm more partial to that color but the new darker brown looks great as well. To clarify: is this the chocolate brown I've heard about (I'm editing to say that I believe I've got this wrong, the chocolate brown refers to a goat leather, correct?)

Also, I know you've answered questions about weight until you're probably sick but I have a Wings CE which is a terrific jacket but is quite heavy and will have to be regulated to winter use. Could the nappa be a good fall/early winter choice (I'm in KY so we have low 70s to 50s)? Also, does the nappa drape well? I don't expect it to drape like Ford's thin lamb but I want something that has a good drape to it for the money.

Thanks!

I have been talking to G&B and the only hide/color options currently available are:

- Goat: black, dark seal (dark brown), "regular" seal (milk chocolate brown)

A jacket ordered in regular seal is non-refundable.

- Lamb: black, dark seal (dark brown)

They said that the Expo is NOT available in any other leather type. If you can get a different answer, let me know.

crismans · Post by **crismans** » Sun Jun 29, 2008 1:40 pm

bobjones wrote:
I have been talking to G&B and the only hide/color options currently available are:

- Goat: black, dark seal (dark brown), "regular" seal (milk chocolate brown)

A jacket ordered in regular seal is non-refundable.

- Lamb: black, dark seal (dark brown)

They said that the Expo is NOT available in any other leather type. If you can get a different answer, let me know.

That is unfortunate. Admittedly, I'm no expert on leather craft, but you would think it would be a fairly simple/easy task to offer different leathers for the Expedition, especially if it meant increased sales.

I'll call them and see if I hear anything different.

BlueSkyz · Post by **BlueSkyz** » Sun Jun 29, 2008 7:56 pm

It is a shame they won't make it in other hides now.I am really happy with the dark vintage nappa Expedition they made for me.

BlueSkyz · Post by **BlueSkyz** » Tue Aug 12, 2008 8:33 am

Just an update . The jacket is awesome...............