Nowak Jacket Owners Thread

bigrex · Post by **bigrex** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 11:17 pm

Great raiders cut, and the grain is interesting but I think it is a little artistic license and maybe not literally screen accurate?

ReturningSon · Post by **ReturningSon** » Fri Oct 31, 2008 12:14 am

man.....I am starting to consider this...stop it...stop it Tony!

knibs7 · Post by **knibs7** » Fri Oct 31, 2008 2:42 am

I know they used steel bristled brushes and HF's pocket knife to scrub, scratch, and beat the you-know-what out of the Raiders jacket and you can really tell when Indy is on the front of the truck, but I think Tony may have gone too far with the distressing this time. As mentioned, a little too artsy. Just MY take though

NIBS

Castor Dioscuri · Post by **Castor Dioscuri** » Fri Oct 31, 2008 2:55 am

Thanks everyone, I really do appreciate the kind words about the jacket, and I'm almost certain that as time goes by, the jacket can only improve with age!

Before I answer some of the questions that have been raised here though, I really feel that I should mention something about the jacket length. The picture is somewhat decieving in that the jeans I have on are actually fairly low-riding. If I were to wear regular pants that sat on my waist with the jacket, the top of my pants would be aligned with the bottom of the pocket flaps. Just thought I'd mention that to clear some confusion!

To those of you on the fence about the jacket, just put down that mortage and grab that jacket before heading out to trade that urn! Tony's jacket simply has to be seen, felt, and worn to be believed!

Whipcracker, I personally would believe that those activities you mentioned, if done long enough, would probably smoothen the leather to some extent. If I'm not mistaken, someone here previously mentioned that smooth leathers have this texture to begin with, and are sanded down to achieve a smooth appearance. However, Tony would probably be your best bet...

As for waterproof-ability, I don't intend on finding that out anytime soon! ;-)

If it helps though, it certainly looks more water-resistant than the vegetable-tanned Wested I had, just based on jacket color alone... Or perhaps I should say it looks like it will HIDE water easier! You also have to remember that this is lambskin, which is down on the list as far as water-resistance goes.

And G, still waiting to see yours on you, buddy! Hmm, don't I get some kind of award at least for beating you to the pics?

And Mike... That's just the beginning of the black-spidey suit G was going on about...!

SpeedRcrX · Post by **SpeedRcrX** » Fri Oct 31, 2008 6:07 am

Rhaaa I have to stop watching these photos, they make me want to order this Indy I jacket........

Indiana Strones · Post by **Indiana Strones** » Fri Oct 31, 2008 6:17 am

Castor, what can you say about the colour? Can you post a comparison daylight pic with a Wested?

Hatch · Post by **Hatch** » Fri Oct 31, 2008 5:07 pm

Rain no problem, mine's been through two soft rains in last 3 days.....even used some hot wet paper towels to soak elbow bend area to speed up wrinkling with great results.......You might as well not fight it guys BIG TONY is going to get you eventually Hatch

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Fri Oct 31, 2008 5:31 pm

My Indy IV arrived today. It's the same cut as the HF. Fits like it was tailored for me. Perfect.
I had a second inside pocket added and stronger zipper.

Chris_King · Post by **Chris_King** » Fri Oct 31, 2008 5:33 pm

Cool. You certainly can't beat Tony's Indy 4 jacket.

I've got to ask though - can you imagine wearing a jacket with a 23 inch back length instead of the 26.5 inches you've got on that one? Don't you think that would be really short for a Raiders jacket?

Chris

RCSignals wrote:My Indy IV arrived today. It's the same cut as the HF. Fits like it was tailored for me. Perfect.
I had a second inside pocket added and stronger zipper.

Hatch · Post by **Hatch** » Fri Oct 31, 2008 5:42 pm

My size 46 Indy 4 is 27in back length and Indy I is 241/2 in and both fit well .....different look ,sure ..but both look true to the different styles ..TN said Raiders fitted more like flight jacket......Hatch

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Fri Oct 31, 2008 5:42 pm

Chris_King wrote:Cool. You certainly can't beat Tony's Indy 4 jacket.

I've got to ask though - can you imagine wearing a jacket with a 23 inch back length instead of the 26.5 inches you've got on that one? Don't you think that would be really short for a Raiders jacket?

Chris

RCSignals wrote:My Indy IV arrived today. It's the same cut as the HF. Fits like it was tailored for me. Perfect.
I had a second inside pocket added and stronger zipper.

You would think so. When I look at the Indy I jacket pictures they don't look a whole 3.5 inches shorter.

I've ordered a NH ToD from Wested (asked for original size measurements), so I'm still saving my lunch money for a TN Indy I.

crismans · Post by **crismans** » Fri Oct 31, 2008 10:18 pm

Hatch wrote:Rain no problem, mine's been through two soft rains in last 3 days.....even used some hot wet paper towels to soak elbow bend area to speed up wrinkling with great results.......You might as well not fight it guys BIG TONY is going to get you eventually Hatch

That's what I'm afraid of...

CM · Post by CM » Sat Nov 01, 2008 3:54 am

That jacket is stunning Castor.... I want one.... I'm becoming a convert. It's a work by a craftsman, not a factory.... I really like that leather too.

Chris_King · Post by **Chris_King** » Sat Nov 01, 2008 4:01 am

Actually, Castor has confirmed that the back length (measured from the base of the collar to the bottom of the jacket) is 22 INCHES on his size 40 jacket. That's a whopping 4.5 INCHES SHORTER than Harrison's crystal skull jacket!!!

This must mean that the fit of the jacket is well and truly different to the Crystal Skull jacket because I just can't find any photos to support a 4.5 inches differences in length between the Raiders and Crystal Skull jackets.

Chris

RCSignals wrote:
You would think so. When I look at the Indy I jacket pictures they don't look a whole 3.5 inches shorter.

I've ordered a NH ToD from Wested (asked for original size measurements), so I'm still saving my lunch money for a TN Indy I.

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Mon Nov 03, 2008 1:58 am

And G, still waiting to see yours on you, buddy! Hmm, don't I get some kind of award at least for beating you to the pics?

"in this race, there is no silver medal for second place"

you'll see it soon enough when i post pics of my latest hat......but i'm waiting on ribbon right now.

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Mon Nov 03, 2008 2:20 am

Chris_King wrote:Actually, Castor has confirmed that the back length (measured from the base of the collar to the bottom of the jacket) is 22 INCHES on his size 40 jacket. That's a whopping 4.5 INCHES SHORTER than Harrison's crystal skull jacket!!!

This must mean that the fit of the jacket is well and truly different to the Crystal Skull jacket because I just can't find any photos to support a 4.5 inches differences in length between the Raiders and Crystal Skull jackets.

Chris

RCSignals wrote:
You would think so. When I look at the Indy I jacket pictures they don't look a whole 3.5 inches shorter.

I've ordered a NH ToD from Wested (asked for original size measurements), so I'm still saving my lunch money for a TN Indy I.

Maybe Castor should measure his again. His sure doesn't look that in his pictures.

I've always thought the Raiders jacket looked shorter in pictures than later jackets. Almost like an A2 without the wool banding, maybe a touch longer.

Hatch · Post by **Hatch** » Wed Nov 05, 2008 10:02 am

Bink is on board on the other thread.......can't wait for his pics and update from the QM.. I'm trying to get Indy G to work on handshake for the "Keepers of the Grail Jacket Society".......Hatch

Baldwyn · Post by **Baldwyn** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 5:36 pm

Castor Dioscuri wrote: Durability wise, given Tony's usual attention to detail, no stitch was questionable, nothing was fraying prematurely, in fact, ignoring aged look, this jacket looks so solid, that I would believe this to be able to survive the events of Raiders!

But then you wouldn't have a jacket. You would have left it on a boat

Hatch · Post by **Hatch** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 6:04 pm

But if it hadn't been left,how would it ever have gotten to Tony??

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 6:09 pm

Hatch wrote:But if it hadn't been left,how would it ever have gotten to Tony??

"frank" brought it to tony after he paid up the rental fees for the bantu wind.

Baldwyn · Post by **Baldwyn** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 6:11 pm

Ohhh....we were talking about how Slydini's jacket was based on the one from the Bantu Wind!

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 6:18 pm

all right boys, i'm gonna spill the beans. #010, in its first incarnation is going to find a new home with indiana williams where it's going to get its name legally changed and accompanied with new papers.

#010 will be reborn soon.........i have fed mr. nowak my refinements.....the next incarnation will be scarey close to the temple jacket if tony gets everything right (which i assume he will). i haven't been able to get a hold of him today. i think he was busy on the phone talking to bernie pollack saying, "you won't believe how nit picky this canadian guy is........"

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 6:20 pm

He's probably getting ready to go over to the QM for tomorrows big summit kick off.

Regards! Michaelson

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 6:25 pm

Michaelson wrote:He's probably getting ready to go over to the QM for tomorrows big summit kick off.

Regards! Michaelson

the best way to recreate the temple jacket is for you guys to make sure he gets good and drunk.....that way, i'll get the misaligned seams and improperly placed zipper.............JUST THE WAY I WANT IT!!!

in all seriousness, to the attendees of the QM, i am envious. have fun and play safe. make sure you lob some tortillia's at mr. sable and i want to see shane sporting some kind of woman's accessory. i really wish i could be there and i hope next year's summit won't be this exact same date.

cheers,

g

Indiana Williams · Post by **Indiana Williams** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 6:56 pm

I was going to wait till I got the jacket before I posted but yes I will be taking G's first jacket off his hands. He offered and I couldnt pass on it. To me I knew as soon as I slipped that jacket on that I had just pulled the sword from the stone. I cant wait to get the jacket from Tony. I want to publically thank G for offering me that jacket. Had he not I wouldnt have had the chance to own one of these jackets. For the folks at the QM, Im kicking myself that I cant be there. mainly because its so close to where I live enjoy the summit and enjoy Tony hes quite the character as most who have met and spoken to him will attest. Can wait to see the pics.
Best Regards,
Joe

Indiana G wrote:all right boys, i'm gonna spill the beans. #010, in its first incarnation is going to find a new home with indiana williams where it's going to get its name legally changed and accompanied with new papers.

#010 will be reborn soon.........i have fed mr. nowak my refinements.....the next incarnation will be scarey close to the temple jacket if tony gets everything right (which i assume he will). i haven't been able to get a hold of him today. i think he was busy on the phone talking to bernie pollack saying, "you won't believe how nit picky this canadian guy is........"

Post by **Holt** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 7:52 pm

yeah I know you were getting it..congrats on it.it sure looks great and great on you.

bests
Holt

Indiana Williams · Post by **Indiana Williams** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 7:55 pm

Thanks Holt

scot2525 · Post by **scot2525** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 7:56 pm

Holt, searcher of THE MOST PERFECT JACKET, when will you order a TN Indy I?

Post by **Holt** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 8:20 pm

hehehe.

well..its a lot of money..so we will see ;-)

Baldwyn · Post by **Baldwyn** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 8:59 pm

Well, since I'm Castor's size, Castor, if you decided to let your jacket go, I'll take it

Baldwyn · Post by **Baldwyn** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 3:45 am

I ordered my jacket on September 30th and finally got it today! I think the Indy I jacket was distracting Tony. Anyways, here's mine:

More photos here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2 ... 364&ref=mf

I like the jacket a lot, of course, but it's not quite perfect. Like most people, I'd like it darker. And although I thought the fit was perfect (it is for a CS look), I'd prefer it a little snugger. So I'm in the midst of a Kaplan treatment as I type!

Some things of note:
The liner is made out of nylon and feels like a windbreaker. Makes it amazingly nice to slip on and off, and allows some weather proofing too!

The second inner pocket is totally cool.

Looks like glue is used in parts to bind the leather. On mine, it's visible on the inner crease of the pleat.

The stitching and construction is unbelievable. Yes, I had a G&B, and think the construction here is even better.

As soft as the leather is, I would say it's dry, and a little crusty feeling. It doesn't have a tendency to "mold" itself readily right out of the box.

More later!

Indiana Williams · Post by **Indiana Williams** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 3:57 am

Nice jacket, Baldwyn. I like how you had Tony switch the logo and the inscription on the lining. I agree that the Raiders jacket has been taking most of his attention. Glad to see people still buying his CS jacket. Its the one that started it all, our dealings with Tony that is. Wear it in good health and 'Beat the **** out of it!'
Best Regards,
Joe

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 4:21 am

Good looking jacket Baldwin. It looks plenty dark enough in the pictures, just as dark as the jacket in the movie it represents.

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 2:04 pm

very subtle distressing......i like it on the cowhide

that inscription is an instant classic

i'm sure tony was chuckling when he did your lining.

enjoy in good health..and yes, beat the livin bajeezas out of it as it will only get better.

G

Tollan · Post by **Tollan** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 2:06 pm

Nice one! I like the Map pocket on the right (a la G-1)... nice touch!

Baldwyn · Post by **Baldwyn** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 2:31 pm

Hey thanks guys! After reading how some were worried about the leather tag showing through the back, I thought of that inscription/tag swap. The "last jacket" idea was inspired by one of Castor's posts! And then I think the CS jacket is all about Tony really, and I needed a quote to show it

rick5150 · Post by **rick5150** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 2:50 pm

Chris_King wrote:Actually, Castor has confirmed that the back length (measured from the base of the collar to the bottom of the jacket) is 22 INCHES on his size 40 jacket. That's a whopping 4.5 INCHES SHORTER than Harrison's crystal skull jacket!!!

I want to reiterate what I said on another thread.

Do you think there is any significance to Tony stating that the jacket he used to pattern his jackets from was used at the beginning of Raiders?

I know first hand that none of my lambskin jackets fared well after getting soaked and being allowed to dry. What if the "Jock, start the engines" jacket was used and was left in the heat to dry? That could explain the shorter jacket and the cracked appearance.

Also, wasn't Raider's in essence filmed backwards? The beginning shots were filmed last? If filming wrapped after these shots, who would care about preserving the jacket?

Post by **Michaelson** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 2:59 pm

rick5150 wrote:Also, wasn't Raider's in essence filmed backwards? The beginning shots were filmed last?

That is correct.

Regards! Michaelson

Indiana Williams · Post by **Indiana Williams** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 3:26 pm

I have just spoke to Tony about #10. As he posted G will keep the number 10 and I have decided to go with 623( 6/23/80 first day of filming) 612 would have been cool but I knew that was taken 5 mins after the anouncement was made. I'm also considering adding a quote. Not from the film but something like 'Action!' seeing as my number was the firstday of filming. I got a few days before Tony get the jacket to think about it.
Best Regards,
Joe

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 3:57 pm

rick5150 wrote:.......... What if the "Jock, start the engines" jacket was used and was left in the heat to dry? That could explain the shorter jacket and the cracked appearance.

..........

According to Tony it is the type of leather, not the appearance of it because of accidental shrinking. That's why Tony chose the leather he did, it is 'shrunken Lamb' which was popular in the '80s. It's appearance comes from the tanning process. Avirex also used it on their Lambskin A2s.

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 4:00 pm

rick5150 wrote:
Chris_King wrote:Actually, Castor has confirmed that the back length (measured from the base of the collar to the bottom of the jacket) is 22 INCHES on his size 40 jacket. That's a whopping 4.5 INCHES SHORTER than Harrison's crystal skull jacket!!!
I want to reiterate what I said on another thread.

Do you think there is any significance to Tony stating that the jacket he used to pattern his jackets from was used at the beginning of Raiders?

I know first hand that none of my lambskin jackets fared well after getting soaked and being allowed to dry. What if the "Jock, start the engines" jacket was used and was left in the heat to dry? That could explain the shorter jacket and the cracked appearance.

Also, wasn't Raider's in essence filmed backwards? The beginning shots were filmed last? If filming wrapped after these shots, who would care about preserving the jacket?

1. i have a hard time matching the hawaii jacket to what i know of the indy 1 jacket considering that even the hawaii jacket had a larger collar; comperable to the temple jacket (eventhough the hawaii jacket was folded down on the collar stand).
2. i also have a hard time believing that tony cannot discern between leather grain and cracks/shrinkage
3. there was speculation that the "jock, start the engines" jacket was actually cloth.........more stuff to go hmmmmmmm over.

i don't care...#010 will be reborn very soon. IW, your jacket should be with tony on monday and he knows that.

cheers,

g

Baldwyn · Post by **Baldwyn** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 5:14 pm

Funny, Joe, I was just thinking about what my Indy I inscription would be if I got one. To bookened my CS, I was thinking "Recreation of Indy's first, and Baldwyn's last (?) jacket".

For you, I thought:
"The Adventure Begins"

Yeah, "Jock, start the engines" might be cloth, but it was during a long shot. Now I'm curious about the one in the water, shortly after, though.

Indiana Williams · Post by **Indiana Williams** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 6:46 pm

that's not a bad idea. If I can't top that I'll go with that for my quote. Thanks for the idea ;-)

Baldwyn · Post by **Baldwyn** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 7:50 pm

Of course "The Adventure Begins" is more Remo Williams than Indiana Jones.

Alternatively, you could take the tag line from one of the posters:
The Return of the Great Adventure

Castor Dioscuri · Post by **Castor Dioscuri** » Sat Nov 08, 2008 3:56 am

Baldwyn wrote:I ordered my jacket on September 30th and finally got it today! I think the Indy I jacket was distracting Tony. Anyways, here's mine:

More photos here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2 ... 364&ref=mf

I like the jacket a lot, of course, but it's not quite perfect. Like most people, I'd like it darker. And although I thought the fit was perfect (it is for a CS look), I'd prefer it a little snugger. So I'm in the midst of a Kaplan treatment as I type!

Some things of note:
The liner is made out of nylon and feels like a windbreaker. Makes it amazingly nice to slip on and off, and allows some weather proofing too!

The second inner pocket is totally cool.

Looks like glue is used in parts to bind the leather. On mine, it's visible on the inner crease of the pleat.

The stitching and construction is unbelievable. Yes, I had a G&B, and think the construction here is even better.

As soft as the leather is, I would say it's dry, and a little crusty feeling. It doesn't have a tendency to "mold" itself readily right out of the box.

More later!

Good man! You, my friend, have a much better eye than me for the details of this jacket, and I'm glad you've finally joined the club!

Now we've just got to talk you into that Indy I... did I say I was a size 40?

By the time I'm done with mine, I doubt you'd want anything to do with it!

By the way, nothing short of brilliant for the moving-around of the 'tag' and 'logo'!

Just hit that thing up with some Pecards (contrary to Tony's advice), or leave it dry to replicate a decades old Indy-accurate jacket!

Chewie Louie · Post by **Chewie Louie** » Sat Nov 08, 2008 10:23 pm

Well, speaking of moving the tag around, I did a little something special with the second jacket I ordered from Tony. I don't know, to me all that verbiage stitched on the inside always seemed a bit too much and out of place. While looking at the main label patch on my first jacket, as well as the leather patch he attaches to the canvas bag, I thought why not have Tony write my custom message on a matching leather patch as well? (The "Indy IV" stitched on the canvas bag leather patch looked awesome.) I figured the message stitched to a leather patch would look just as good. So I contacted Tony and he said it was doable. I placed my order, crossed my fingers and voila . . .

It matches and balances with the main label patch perfectly. I could not be happier.

Baldwyn · Post by **Baldwyn** » Sun Nov 09, 2008 1:47 am

Ok, so here are some pics of my TN being pecarded:

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak- ... 9_2575.jpg

Sizing was much nicer after the dryer, but the sleeves came a little short. Although less "Screen accurate" it definitely feels more Indy. Grain is amazing, and the jacket has a real patina, rather than feeling pre-distressed. To me, it looks like how his CS jacket should have looked, and brings all four films together.[/img]

crismans · Post by **crismans** » Sun Nov 09, 2008 10:16 am

Much praise for the gumption to run one of these through the washer/dryer.

The sleeves are a tad short now but the jacket looks terrific. Makes me think about doing my normal cold wash/cold rinse thing and see how it comes out.

Post by **Ken** » Sun Nov 09, 2008 11:28 am

_ wrote:
Raider S wrote:You are telling the world for certain the "deal is sealed" on a new Indy movie and they are starting some work on it already?
LOL! No - read what I said again...

I am saying there is work being done on Indy V. Several preliminary story ideas. A few things that might be called pieces of scripts. If I were to compare to Indy IV? Well, I'd say we are where we were in about mid-2000? Who knows if SS and HF will agree on the stories, but that's always been the problem getting these going...

I am saying that when Ford puts on a fedora and jacket again, they will only get there through Bernie Pollack. Bernie is Harrison's wardrobe designer. Period...

I am saying Bernie Pollack will call Steve Delk for the lid, and it is his job unless he does not want it.

I am saying Bernie Pollack will call Tony Nowak to make the jackets, and it is his job unless he does not want it.

There will be no "endless sea of jacket makers" trying to get the job. Peter was one of many and had the same chance they all did. Tony has the job now... I'd bet that the CS jacket is the jacket now - for any further sequels...

I know how movies sets are seen as disposable creations and once the movie is over, so is a lot of the concrn as to the left overs, but seriously, you would think that by now with George and his Skywalker ranch archives and Steven with his involvement in the costume on this movie, and the fact I am guessing is that they trashed less gear in this movie, surely they have enough gear for another movie? At worst they would have lost about what, 3/4 hats and jackets?

And they know about us now as well!

(PS - I know things change, people gain and lose weight etc. so this is only half serious, but seriously I do wonder... this movie they have really gone into with their eyes open to the costume in a way they haven't before)

Post by **Holt** » Sun Nov 09, 2008 2:37 pm

THAT is how the jacket should look like on screen.