TONY NOWAK IS REPLICATING AN ORIGINAL RAIDERS JACKET!!

Tibor · Post by **Tibor** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 8:42 pm

I'd like to think that Tony could round up some really nice hides ... using the considerably more expensive vegetable-tanned process. I've had some nice experience with these and the color is generally much deeper. I think Gibson and Barnes makes a top quality product, but it is definitely a chrome-tanned hide, which, make no mistake, can also produce a high quality jacket, but it is different and produces a different finish.

I always liked the somewhat thicker lambskin look in the early part of Raiders and veg-tanned would replicate that nicely. I could see a jacket like that being pretty pricey, but then I could also see Peter doing something similar with different hides as well.

I think we suffer from an abundance of riches, and this is another gem to look forward to. There are some really nice hides lurking out there in the industry that to this point, none of our cast of characters has used (probably due to cost and consistency of supply). Can't wait to see it.

Post by **Mike** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 9:08 pm

Herr Doktor wrote:Mike...

No mention of price (ballpark estimate or otherwise) from Tony, I take it?

Nope. It didn't seem to me that he had much time to discuss it. He should be getting back later in the week and hopefully then we can talk more in-depth.

eazybox · Post by **eazybox** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 9:50 pm

As I recall, Tony told me he had found the original leather. I was so stunned to learn he actually had an original jacket that I may have misunderstood him, though. He may simply have meant lambskin in general-- but knowing how detail oriented he is, I wouldn't be surprised if he has pinned down the exact same type of hide used in the movie.

What I am certain of is that he said the hide he's using is thin. I described my Todd's Standard to him and the analogy of it becoming "flat as a pancake" when folded up, and he said that was a good description of how the leather he is using behaves. I'd be very surprised if The Most Wanted's hide turned out to be as extremely thin as the Standard's, though. Just another small tidbit to chew on until the whole story begins unfolging...

Jack

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 9:55 pm

eazybox wrote:As I recall, Tony told me he had found the original leather. I was so stunned to learn he actually had an original jacket that I may have misunderstood him, though. He may simply have meant lambskin in general-- but knowing how detail oriented he is, I wouldn't be surprised if he has pinned down the exact same type of hide used in the movie.

What I am certain of is that he said the hide he's using is thin. I described my Todd's Standard to him and the analogy of it becoming "flat as a pancake" when folded up, and he said that was a good description of how the leather he is using behaves. I'd be very surprised if The Most Wanted's hide turned out to be as extremely thin as the Standard's, though. Just another small tidbit to chew on until the whole story begins unfolging...

Jack

eazy-b.....you're not selling this jacket for me....

leather like todd's standard?.....that's alot to chew on for sure {indy g holstering his cheque book}

eazybox · Post by **eazybox** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 10:01 pm

Indiana G wrote:
eazybox wrote:As I recall, Tony told me he had found the original leather. I was so stunned to learn he actually had an original jacket that I may have misunderstood him, though. He may simply have meant lambskin in general-- but knowing how detail oriented he is, I wouldn't be surprised if he has pinned down the exact same type of hide used in the movie.

What I am certain of is that he said the hide he's using is thin. I described my Todd's Standard to him and the analogy of it becoming "flat as a pancake" when folded up, and he said that was a good description of how the leather he is using behaves. I'd be very surprised if The Most Wanted's hide turned out to be as extremely thin as the Standard's, though. Just another small tidbit to chew on until the whole story begins unfolging...

Jack
eazy-b.....you're not selling this jacket for me....

leather like todd's standard?.....that's alot to chew on for sure {indy g holstering his cheque book}

I'm pretty sure Tony didn't realize exactly how thin the Standard is when I described it. But I can't wait to hear the whole story and see the photos.

Jack

indyrocks · Post by **indyrocks** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 10:05 pm

Well thin doesn't necessarily mean low quality at all. If Tony is looking to provide screen accuracy AND durability I think he'll be able to do that. We all know of the ongoing debate about different hides but the bottom line is personal preference of course. If Tony is going after something on the thin side it sounds like he's looking for it to be very SA since that's what the jacket was-thin(ish).

I'm speculating of course but I think we should all remember to reserve final judgement until pics are posted and people have held the product in hand.

eazybox · Post by **eazybox** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 10:09 pm

Also, we were only talking about the thinness of the leather and not the quality of the hide. Admittedly, the quality of Todd's hides is not that great.

Jack

indyrocks · Post by **indyrocks** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 10:15 pm

Exactly eazybox. I've seen the same type of hide from different sources and they have varied greatly in quality. It's all about where they come from and the quality/cost of them.

Rob · Post by **Rob** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 10:18 pm

My Wested horsehide is quite thin, yet I'd bet on it against most other Indy jackets I've seen

SpeedRcrX · Post by **SpeedRcrX** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 2:16 pm

I'm really, really curious to see this project. Can't wait to see some photos soon.

jacksdad · Post by **jacksdad** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 5:35 pm

I'm curious too, my goat skin is thin but at the same time very tuff, so it's going to get very interesting around here and we will have to wait to see how they look and feel.

indyrocks · Post by **indyrocks** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 9:31 pm

I had posted about this issue back in July, right when I got my jacket. Although, when I saw ReturningSon's pictures it was clear to me that there definitely was a difference in the pockets, that it wasn't simply an illusion. I wasn't tryin to stir up the pot guys, I just wanted to have your opinions. I wanted to know if there were a couple different patterns used... I e-mailed Tony with the question and pictures, (I also needed to ask him about my zippers, he's sending me a bag of replacement zippers)... his response regarding the pocket flaps is as follows:

HELLO SHAWN ! THEY ARE ALL MADE BY THE SAME PATTERN BUT THERE ARE NO TWO ALIKE - HANDCRAFTED LEATHER , I AM LOOKING AT A RAIDERS JACKET HERE THAT I DID NOT MAKE AND THE TWO POCKETS ON THE SAME JACKET ARE DIFFERENT . YES I DID SEND THE ZIPPER PARTS AND THE FEDEX GROUND # IS XXXXXXXXXXXXX. EACH AND EVERY JACKET IS UNIQUE AND ONE OF A KIND STARTING WITH THE ONES IN THE FILM AND AGAIN THERE ARE NO TWO ALIKE . I TRULY WISH THAT EVERYBODY COULD SEE HOW THE INDY 4 ARE MADE , THEY WOULD LOVE THEM EVEN MORE . MY VERY BEST REGARDS ALWAYS TONY NOWAK .

Just wanted to share with you guys what he said. The Raiders jacket he keeps talkin about is sure causing a ripple eh? He told me the brand name written inside and I didn't recognize it. I can't wait to see how it turns out.

I lifted this post made by KrYpToNiAn1 from another thread (hope you don't mind!

) because it seemed more appropriate here. What I find very interesting is that a brand name was mentioned. I thought the Hero jacket would have had the tags ripped out?

(Eazybox pointed this out as well in the other post but I didn't want to copy and paste a million things!)

eazybox · Post by **eazybox** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 11:19 pm

Yes, KrYpToNiAn1 confirmed in the Nowak Jacket Owners Thread that Tony had told him LEATHER CONCESSIONAIRES was the brand name "written" inside the jacket. Tony also mentioned Leather Concessionaires to me and was aware of them having made the Hero jackets. I find this all very intriguing.

Jack

KrYpToNiAn1 · Post by **KrYpToNiAn1** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 11:33 pm

I thought the Hero jacket would have had the tags ripped out?

I don't think it's a tag... I think it's written on it somewhere??? Although, I could be wrong.

In a correspondence I just had with Tony - he claims he never said "Leather Concessionaires" - so out of respect for the man, I think we should just drop the subject for now.

Guess we'll just have to wait and see...

s.

Satipo · Post by **Satipo** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 12:07 am

I agree. If it is there, at Tony's, then it is something that man was not meant to disturb. ;-)

Herr Doktor · Post by **Herr Doktor** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 12:15 am

Satipo wrote:I agree. If it is there, at Tony's, then it is something that man was not meant to disturb. ;-)

That sounds vaguely familiar. Can't quite place it, though.

eazybox · Post by **eazybox** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 12:17 am

Satipo wrote:I agree. If it is there, at Tony's, then it is something that man was not meant to disturb. ;-)

Seriously, I agree; we are all really just speculating and misinformation can spread like wildfire. I'm sure Tony knows exactly what he's doing, and we are all so eager to see the results that we are filling in the blanks for him before he even says anything. Out of respect we should allow him the space to reveal the story in his own good time. ;-)

Jack

Fedora · Post by **Fedora** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 10:08 am

I can tell you something about Tony and his work. When I talked to Bernie Monday(we still stay in touch) Bernie was raving about how Tony literally "lived" for Bernie's nit pickiness regarding this last film jacket. For those that don't know Bernie, he can be quite intimidating when sourcing, and he literally scared the beejeezus out of me a couple of times with his demands.

The funny thing was, that once the hat was picked, and we had to replicate the sample, Bernie became the nicest big league guy I ever dealt with. Almost "fatherly" in his demeanor. And, I grew to really respect him because of this.

Somehow, I have no doubt Tony will replicate this Raiders jacket like no one else can. But I am prejudiced, so......Fedora

Cassidy · Post by **Cassidy** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 10:42 am

Fedora wrote:I can tell you something about Tony and his work. When I talked to Bernie Monday(we still stay in touch) Bernie was raving about how Tony literally "lived" for Bernie's nit pickiness regarding this last film jacket. For those that don't know Bernie, he can be quite intimidating when sourcing, and he literally scared the beejeezus out of me a couple of times with his demands.

The funny thing was, that once the hat was picked, and we had to replicate the sample, Bernie became the nicest big league guy I ever dealt with. Almost "fatherly" in his demeanor. And, I grew to really respect him because of this.

Somehow, I have no doubt Tony will replicate this Raiders jacket like no one else can. But I am prejudiced, so......Fedora

That's a great story, Fedora...and why was it that they ordered more hats again?

nicktheguy · Post by **nicktheguy** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 10:59 am

I was on the phone with Tony yesterday - I asked him about the Raiders jacket....he said he's got TWO of them - one from a producer, and one from the production office. TWO! Also he confirmed the price at 975 for the jacket.

Tollan · Post by **Tollan** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 11:14 am

OK... so the price now confirmed!!

*Ding Ding*

Rrrrrrround 1!!

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 11:23 am

No, hold your 'fighters' in their neutral corners. Let TONY confirm the price when he finally logs in to discuss the project, which he plans on doing.
;-)
Regards! Michaelson

Satipo · Post by **Satipo** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 11:32 am

Two jackets!?! Now that's just showing off ... ;-)

Indiana Strones · Post by **Indiana Strones** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 11:57 am

Satipo wrote:Two jackets!?! Now that's just showing off ... ;-)

I would love to see pics of those jackets!!

Satipo · Post by **Satipo** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 12:49 pm

It would be interesting to know how much they differ from each other.

indyrocks · Post by **indyrocks** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 1:46 pm

This is EXTREMELY interesting. Tony has seemingly hit the jackpot! And as per Fedora's post it seems like he is going to deliver the goods!

I don't own a Nowak but from what I've seen here I've got high hopes for his new endeavor.

eazybox · Post by **eazybox** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 2:38 pm

indyrocks wrote:This is EXTREMELY interesting. Tony has seemingly hit the jackpot! And as per Fedora's post it seems like he is going to deliver the goods!

I don't own a Nowak but from what I've seen here I've got high hopes for his new endeavor.

In the "Hat & Jacket" video on indianajones.com, Bernie Pollack quotes Tony as saying, "I can do whatever you want." To me, that quote is also a fitting description of Tony's character. He is very self-confident, yet humble and anxious to please.

One reason he has not posted up until now is that he wanted to let his jackets speak for themselves. And they have spoken volumes, as anyone can see by reading the other thread. He has converted many of us from skeptics to true believers in what has to be a record amount of time. That's the main reason I am so excited about this new project.

Jack

Satipo · Post by **Satipo** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 3:05 pm

It is a very exciting time for fans of the Raiders jacket. All this build up ... I have a constant drum-roll sounding in my head!

indyrocks · Post by **indyrocks** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 4:17 pm

Satipo wrote:It is a very exciting time for fans of the Raiders jacket. All this build up ... I have a constant drum-roll sounding in my head!

Me too.

Indiana Williams · Post by **Indiana Williams** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 4:29 pm

Man I wish he'd post on here and clear up all this. I keep hearing all this speculation but I want to hear it from the man himself. If hes got an original raiders jacket Ive got a mind to go down there and check it out with my own eyes?

JimL · Post by **JimL** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 4:31 pm

If I was that close I'd go there myself anyway! Just in case!

Post by **Mike** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 9:03 pm

Guys. Calm down.

As stated, he's busy on a movie at the moment. We don't need to go storming the castle. Or burning bridges over this just yet. Lets give it some time and an answer will come.

Lets not give a reason to close this down as we've done already once.

sebas · Post by **sebas** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 9:38 pm

Given that the original makers of the fedora (HJ) and the shirt (MBA/Noel Howard) either are not in business or offer something completely removed from the original 1980 gear, it's logical that there are so many vendors at it, trying to "crack the code" to get the perfect fedora and shirt. Thank God for them because -as a result- SA gear is availbale to all us gearheads.

HOWEVER...

Honestly, regarding this would-be TN development, I have zero excitement. I mean, do we really need -yet another- take on the Raiders jacket? Peter Botwright made the original. He's still around, making that jacket (in all sorts of varieties to boot). Why someone would think that a "cover version" of that could beat the original, made by the original maker, is beyond me. (This applies to Todd, US Wings, Disney or whoever else has had a go). Again, this is only regarding the Raiders jacket specifically. The fedora is a different ball of wax.

That's my take on this. I know may of you will disagree...
Have a better one, fellas!

CM · Post by CM » Tue Sep 23, 2008 10:22 pm

I agree with you in part Sebas. I don't want a TN Raiders either, but it is exciting that he may have the actual jackets. Personally, I'm happy with the G&B - it's as accurate and well built as I could ever hope to get.

But the market will determine if the TN Raiders is worthwhile. If people buy it then good luck to them.

Indiana Williams · Post by **Indiana Williams** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 10:28 pm

Mike wrote:Guys. Calm down.

As stated, he's busy on a movie at the moment. We don't need to go storming the castle. Or burning bridges over this just yet. Lets give it some time and an answer will come.

Lets not give a reason to close this down as we've done already once.

I wouldnt really consider it storming the castle, seeing as how Tony told me since Im not that far away that I was welcome to visit his shop anytime. I understand what you mean though, Mike. We gotta keep this guy on ice ;-)

Cavalcade · Post by **Cavalcade** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 9:12 am

Good to see you back.

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 9:13 am

Agreed. Keep in mind what happened with G&B, if you folks haven't been following that thread. To much of a good thing can spoil it for everyone...so patience. It will all come to fruition, and in a timely manner.

Regards! Michaelson

PLATON · Post by **PLATON** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 9:34 am

_ are you getting the prototype on this one?

PLATON · Post by **PLATON** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 10:05 am

I hope the he doesn't keep his word about the 888 and that he goes further than that.

Anybody knows how much time did it take for the 777 to become sold out? That is if they did.

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 10:07 am

I believe the 777 are still going out the door, PLATON so he hasn't sold out yet.

Regards! Michaelson

Nebraska Brad · Post by **Nebraska Brad** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 12:08 pm

The marching hulk returns...good to see you here.

-Nebraska

Dutch_jones · Post by **Dutch_jones** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 12:41 pm

PLATON wrote:I hope the he doesn't keep his word about the 888 and that he goes further than that.

Anybody knows how much time did it take for the 777 to become sold out? That is if they did.

No offense, but 888 and 777 are an immense ammount, I think he may hav e just reached 250 jackets on his prices.

Odo · Post by **Odo** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 1:22 pm

I ordered a CS last week, and Tony told me that there were still some jackets available, but if I wanted one I shoulnd't wait too long, cause there were only a few numbers available.
I picked #485 (cause of the memphis belle, 124485-nothing to do, but I liked that number)
So maybe, when the lasts CS LE# are gone, we'll hear from those Raiders Jackets.

Indiana Strones · Post by **Indiana Strones** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 1:29 pm

So how many numbers are still available?

:

ReturningSon · Post by **ReturningSon** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 5:37 pm

Tony said that he kept track by cataloging the numbers issued, not by the actual jackets he sold.

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 6:59 pm

_ wrote:

He has possession of an original Raiders jacket. I am sworn to secrecy on many points, but suffice it to say it is one that is well worth copying. I've worked with a few jacket makers over the years. If I were to pick one to trust to reproduce an icon, it would be Tony Nowak. His excitement, energy, and dedication to the fan has recharged my batteries...for the time being... ;-)

PS: Could we try to control ourselves in taking up his time? He is so generous and welcoming, but I would hate for "overzealousness" to change that... JMO...

I've never met Tony Nowak, only spoken with him on the telephone. I have to agree with your charaterisation of him, and your 'PS' recommendation.

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 7:04 pm

sebas wrote:Given that the original makers of the fedora (HJ) and the shirt (MBA/Noel Howard) either are not in business or offer something completely removed from the original 1980 gear, it's logical that there are so many vendors at it, trying to "crack the code" to get the perfect fedora and shirt. Thank God for them because -as a result- SA gear is availbale to all us gearheads.

HOWEVER...

Honestly, regarding this would-be TN development, I have zero excitement. I mean, do we really need -yet another- take on the Raiders jacket? Peter Botwright made the original. He's still around, making that jacket (in all sorts of varieties to boot). Why someone would think that a "cover version" of that could beat the original, made by the original maker, is beyond me. (This applies to Todd, US Wings, Disney or whoever else has had a go). Again, this is only regarding the Raiders jacket specifically. The fedora is a different ball of wax.

That's my take on this. I know may of you will disagree...
Have a better one, fellas!

After everything I've read here on the 'original', 'original maker' and 'original patterns' I'm not convinced of it's 'start point' originality. It seems to have gone through too many evolutions to get to where it is today.

I have no doubt someone else can make an 'original' jacket.

Just my opinion and observation. I could be completely wrong on the 'original'

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 7:05 pm

PLATON wrote:I hope the he doesn't keep his word about the 888 and that he goes further than that.

Anybody knows how much time did it take for the 777 to become sold out? That is if they did.

Where does 888 come from?

St. Dumas · Post by **St. Dumas** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 7:47 pm

RCSignals wrote:I have no doubt someone else can make an 'original' jacket.

There's always only one original jacket-maker. Wearing a jacket made by the same tailor/shop who made the film-used jacket carries a lot of weight with a lot of people.

SD

Post by **Mike** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 8:04 pm

RCSignals wrote:Where does 888 come from?

From Tony.

You can see where I quoted him on page 3 of this thread.