TONY NOWAK IS REPLICATING AN ORIGINAL RAIDERS JACKET!!

[binkmeisterRick]

Wow, not one comment about the photos I posted I gotta say folks Im really suprised. Tony was very adamant that I get these posted ASAP so you all could see.

Great photos. Just seeing them now.
Terry is wearing a CS jacket I presume

Tony told me he made Terry an Indy I jacket, to which Terry replied when trying it on, "This is it!"

[indyrocks]

And allow me to muddy the waters further. It was always my impression that Tony had 2 jackets to look over. I thought Slydini's was a copy of the Leather Concessionaires jacket that Tony got from Sparks and the jacket that Hatch, Bink, etc. own was a copy of the Hawaiian jacket, the one Tony refers to as "the jacket that matters". I'm guessing I'm way off base here. Let me know by how much. Wink

My waters are officially muddied.....Tony told me he'd be replicating "the one that counts" as well. This means THE jacket, not the Mr Sparks jacket right? Why would have Slydni have received a replica of the Mr Sparks jacket? Tony definitely knew the differences between the two and explained them to me as well.

[Hatch]

How do I get to be in the club of knowers of things??!!

You sit back and just watch.

The clue to who it was has been given several times, but very few have picked up the thread.

Regards! Michaelson

I think the answer may lie with "Frank" the delivery man.........seems there was a producer named Frank associated with all projects......Am I getting warm??..........Hatch

[binkmeisterRick]

Can I be frank with you?

[SpeedRcrX]

I doubt it at this point. He's starting to get a lot of orders, not to mention all the time that he spends on the phone talking to gearheads. I'd go by whatever he told you and be thankful if it doesn't end up taking longer. ;-)

Well a girl can dream.... ;-)

[Piers]

Can I be frank with you?

you be Frank, I'll be Earnest

[RCSignals]

Wow, not one comment about the photos I posted I gotta say folks Im really suprised. Tony was very adamant that I get these posted ASAP so you all could see.

Great photos. Just seeing them now.
Terry is wearing a CS jacket I presume

Tony told me he made Terry an Indy I jacket, to which Terry replied when trying it on, "This is it!"

I was going by the jacket Terry is wearing in the picture, which looks more like the CS jacket. Good to hear he has or also has an Indy 1 and thinks it's "it" .
That is a high recommendation!

edit. Looked at the photo again. It is a CS. I don't doubt though that he also has an Indy 1

[RCSignals]

And allow me to muddy the waters further. It was always my impression that Tony had 2 jackets to look over. I thought Slydini's was a copy of the Leather Concessionaires jacket that Tony got from Sparks and the jacket that Hatch, Bink, etc. own was a copy of the Hawaiian jacket, the one Tony refers to as "the jacket that matters". I'm guessing I'm way off base here. Let me know by how much. Wink

My waters are officially muddied.....Tony told me he'd be replicating "the one that counts" as well. This means THE jacket, not the Mr Sparks jacket right? Why would have Slydni have received a replica of the Mr Sparks jacket? Tony definitely knew the differences between the two and explained them to me as well.

From my discussion with Tony, the 'Mr Sparks' jacket was not replicated. I have the impression it was an early Leather Concessionaires fan offering, not a movie jacket.

[RCSignals]

Jacket number 27 has arrived.

This is going to take some getting used to.

First impressions:

Beautifully constructed jacket - absolutely top quality workmanship.
Nice canvas bag (as well as colour copies of the Terry Leonard photos that Indiana Williams posted).
Inscription on inside of lining is nice and subtle (black embroidery).
"Tony Nowak Original" label has been added without the bulky leather surround as requested.

This is a SHORT jacket. I'm 6ft tall and the back of the jacket is at the top of my belt line. I must have a longer torso than Ford (which makes sense actually because I'd read about him having a short torso but long arms).

I'm not a big fan of the weathering though and the undertone of the jacket has a reddish hue to it.

Pockets are 6 x 8 inches and the left pocket is positioned 1 inch away from the storm flap stitiching (as I requested).

Honestly, this hasn't won me over yet and I'm going to have to debate whether I will keep it. I don't even know if Tony issues refunds?

I would like to say that Tony's customer service is the best experience I've had with a jacket purchase. He was patient and very forthcoming with all the doubts / questions that I had before deciding to buy the jacket.

I'll take some pics tomorrow.

Chris

I think you said you ordered this jacket for display, not wear, and as a duplicate of 'the' jacket, with the exception of a few changes to your own specification.

Do you think you didn't get what you expected?
The length issue when worn by you needs photos. I have no idea where the belt line of your trousers sits. This can vary of course with the cut of the trousers.

From all the clear still photos I've seen recently of the movie jacket, and of the TN shrunken lamb, the more convinced I am of this being the correct leather. I see reddish hues to the movie jacket too, in the creases and 'distressing' mostly.

I have no idea if Tony would issue a refund. Usually custom items such as this don't qualify for refund from anyone. That said 'G' was able to arrange a deal.

Looking forward to your photos.

[Don't Call Me Junior!]

Well, I'm in. TN Indy I jacket will be coming my way in the near future. Shrunken lamb, no special requests, distressed, essentially "artist's choice". For sizing we just took the measurements he used for my CS jacket and moved that to the Indy 1 jacket. The only measurement change was 1/2 inch shorter on the sleeves since the CS jacket had slightly longer sleeves as part of that more casual fit jacket. They key difference between the two cuts, Tony said to me when confirming whether or not I was looking to modify his vision, is that the Indy 1 jacket has uniform front and back lengths whereas the CS cut is longer in the back than the front as most jackets are.

The pictures that were posted are what finally compelled me to call at this time but of course I knew I was "doomed" to get one as soon as we heard that he was taking on this endeavor.

The Indy 1 jacket is addictive and has no mercy! - t. nowak

[binkmeisterRick]

I know there's some concern about jacket length from some people, but if you look at all the pictures of my jacket that I've posted, especially of me wearing it, the measurements of the front and back are exactly the same. 22 1/2 inches both front and back. (I just remeasured, and yep, that's the case.) It works, trust me. ;-) From what Chris told me, it's only half an inch different from Ford's jacket. ;-)

[Don't Call Me Junior!]

Yes, it was Tony who brought it up saying that there were orders from people that were modifying the back length and did I want to maybe do this too, or adjust one thing or another. I said, "nope, just make it the way you think represents the spirit of the Raiders jacket". "That's the best choice", he told me. But it is awesome that he'll do anything you want. ANYTHING, if you believe it will make you happier with your jacket.

I know it's only pictures, Rick, but I was simply floored when I say your jacket.

[SpeedRcrX]

I had the same concern about the back length, when we checked the measurements, with Tony, of my Washed Goat. Based on the photo I sent him, I told Tony I found the jacket a little short, he told me that the length was fine but he could do it longer if I like it better.
But since he thought it was the ideal length for me I said to him to leave it like that and that I trust him about the measurements and to make or not all the adjusments needed.

[PLATON]

Platon,

This has been discussed somewhere before, but... Could it just be a matter of the costume making Ford into literally a Harry Highpants in terms of his belt height? Thus the "short torso" issue is part illusion.

Maybe he does have a slightly short torso (though not much judging by the nudie pics), but if the belt was worn at waist level, the second belt actually creates the illusion of a more modern look.

For every deficiency found in jackets made by our beloved jacket makers we have we tend to blame HF's body. First he has short torso then he has long arms and I don't know what else.

Maybe the collar appears that long because HF has a neck half the size of that of a normal man. This surely makes the collar look long. Oh, yes that's it. I know that now.

[PSBIndy]

. But it is awesome that he'll do anything you want. ANYTHING, if you believe it will make you happier with your jacket.

Well, for the price that his jackets command, he should do anything that his client wants........seriously, though, Tony's a cool guy.

[Rundquist]

Platon,

This has been discussed somewhere before, but... Could it just be a matter of the costume making Ford into literally a Harry Highpants in terms of his belt height? Thus the "short torso" issue is part illusion.

Maybe he does have a slightly short torso (though not much judging by the nudie pics), but if the belt was worn at waist level, the second belt actually creates the illusion of a more modern look.

For every deficiency found in jackets made by our beloved jacket makers we have we tend to blame HF's body. First he has short torso then he has long arms and I don't know what else.

Maybe the collar appears that long because HF has a neck half the size of that of a normal man. This surely makes the collar look long. Oh, yes that's it. I know that now.

No doubt the jackets were different in each movie, absolutely. But Ford’s body totally changed in each movie and that has to be accounted for in the looks of the jacket. In the new making of Indiana Jones book, there are pics of HF with his shirt off from both Raiders & TOD. Ford’s body definitely had much to do with the look of the jacket in Raiders. Heck, his body didn’t even stay the same for the next movie that he did (Blade Runner).

I’ve seen many jackets over the years on this board. Yeah you can argue measurements to the thousandth of an inch if you want to. But in the end the best looking jackets are the ones that are on the best bodies and fit right. The ones that look the worst are on heavy guys and super skinny guys.

No offense, but arguing fine details (unless you have Ford’s body) is like putting a $20,000 paint job on an old Ford Pinto. Ford’s body is “paramount” (no pun intended) in the discussion.

PS- Unless you have Ford’s exact body measurements, every detail has to be resized accordingly to your size. These measurement pages from the “experts” like you do more harm than good. Many is the time a different sized fan has used screen grab derived measurements from an “expert’s” page, only to have his finished jacket look like junk.

[crismans]

I'm getting more and more excited about mine coming in. One reason is, when I got into this, I was like a kid in a candy store when it came to all of the jacket choices and I really went overboard. When I came partially to my senses, I realized that I was going to have to start being smarter about this whole gear thing (I'm not sure that Indy obsession is a reason to file bankruptcy). Anyway, when I ordered my Wested ToD, I sold off some OTR jackets to pay for it. Which just left my Indy IV jacket. While I had liked the look of the hide and couldn't question the quality of its construction, the hide was just too stiff to drape right and feel comfortable. Without any other Indy choices available, I started wearing it a lot and it's just wonderful since beginning to break in. The cowhide is nice and soft (I did Pecard it as well, which I highly recommend--sorry Tony!) and is getting all of these creases. And the drape, while never to be confused with a Raiders jacket, is getting better and better.

To sum it all up, if the stiff cowhide can turn into such a marvelous jacket, what will this lamb end up doing?

[Indiana G]

I'm getting more and more excited about mine coming in. One reason is, when I got into this, I was like a kid in a candy store when it came to all of the jacket choices and I really went overboard. When I came partially to my senses, I realized that I was going to have to start being smarter about this whole gear thing (I'm not sure that Indy obsession is a reason to file bankruptcy). Anyway, when I ordered my Wested ToD, I sold off some OTR jackets to pay for it. Which just left my Indy IV jacket. While I had liked the look of the hide and couldn't question the quality of its construction, the hide was just too stiff to drape right and feel comfortable. Without any other Indy choices available, I started wearing it a lot and it's just wonderful since beginning to break in. The cowhide is nice and soft (I did Pecard it as well, which I highly recommend--sorry Tony!) and is getting all of these creases. And the drape, while never to be confused with a Raiders jacket, is getting better and better.

To sum it all up, if the stiff cowhide can turn into such a marvelous jacket, what will this lamb end up doing?

it will as well.....just faster...it molds quicker than the cow for sure.......because it feels like it has its own personality....telling you to do evil things.........

[Holt]

does the jacket come with a huge white spider symbol?

[RCSignals]

I'm getting more and more excited about mine coming in. One reason is, when I got into this, I was like a kid in a candy store when it came to all of the jacket choices and I really went overboard. When I came partially to my senses, I realized that I was going to have to start being smarter about this whole gear thing (I'm not sure that Indy obsession is a reason to file bankruptcy). Anyway, when I ordered my Wested ToD, I sold off some OTR jackets to pay for it. Which just left my Indy IV jacket. While I had liked the look of the hide and couldn't question the quality of its construction, the hide was just too stiff to drape right and feel comfortable. Without any other Indy choices available, I started wearing it a lot and it's just wonderful since beginning to break in. The cowhide is nice and soft (I did Pecard it as well, which I highly recommend--sorry Tony!) and is getting all of these creases. And the drape, while never to be confused with a Raiders jacket, is getting better and better.

To sum it all up, if the stiff cowhide can turn into such a marvelous jacket, what will this lamb end up doing?

The leather of my TN Indy IV is not stiff at all. Very soft and conforming for Cow hide. Certainly not as soft as Lamb, but not like regular Cow hide either.

[crismans]

Well, I probably didn't phrase myself right. It wasn't stiff compared to other cowhides I've had. I just meant that it was stiff compared to my lambskins and washed goats.

After about a week of regular wear, however, and it's a completely different jacket.

[Castor Dioscuri]

Speaking of the Raiders jacket, here's an observation I made...

In the Hawaiian scenes, the zipper (on the side without the stormflap) becomes "wavey" (or has a bend, in other words) towards the center, right above the pocket flap. To see what I mean, take a look at:



I'm almost certain this is where the leather shrank during distressing, since the zipper teeth "cramming" that Tony does on his replicas gives them the same effect, or at least this spot is where mine 'bends' as well. (note that on my jacket, the only difference I requested was for the chest to be 40").

I'm pretty certain that the teeth is 'crammed' in that specific spot, as that very spot has a tendency to always stick either outwards, or inwards. I'm not saying this is a flaw, just an intentional design on Tony's part.

For the TEMPLE INTERIOR, though, here's my theory...

When watching the movie, I made an observation that Ford's jacket inside the temple continuously has an interesting effect. The zipper right below the collar has a pronounced C-shaped curl...



I'm guessing this must be where the leather on his jacket shrank (or stretched), because no matter what he does... lift his arms, kneel, play hop-scotch, spin around to look at a boulder, the curl always pops back into shape!

Perhaps if one were to want a screen-accurate IDOL GRAB jacket, for example, then perhaps what they might simply need to do is to get Tony's Raiders jacket with some of G's improvements, and request for the zipper teeth to be 'crammed' near the collar?

[Indiana G]

that 'c' curl on the zipper is instrumental imo to the look of the jacket. todd's will handle this easily due to the lether being quite thin in that area. i specifically asked for a wavey zipper like that on my first indy 1 and tony told me that was easy as it just needed to be improperly installed with the zipper being all wavey due to intentionally poor sizing/attaching to the jacket, you'll get that curve exactly where you want it......see my pic. i have it there.

though you can request wested to give you zero leather facings, it would be exceptionally difficult to get this effect in a natural state as their zippers are installed properly.

[Don't Call Me Junior!]

Just out of curiosity, regarding the "improperly installed" zipper. Does it function properly or does it get hung up when you try to fully zip the jacket? I don't have my TN Indy I jacket yet...

[binkmeisterRick]

Tony's zipper functions flawlessly, even if he did mimic a flawed zipper instal. ;-)

[Don't Call Me Junior!]

Good. I'm pretty sure I'll use mine. It's frickin freezing here!

[RCSignals]

Speaking of the Raiders jacket, here's an observation I made...

In the Hawaiian scenes, the zipper (on the side without the stormflap) becomes "wavey" (or has a bend, in other words) towards the center, right above the pocket flap. To see what I mean, take a look at:



I'm almost certain this is where the leather shrank during distressing, since the zipper teeth "cramming" that Tony does on his replicas gives them the same effect, or at least this spot is where mine 'bends' as well. (note that on my jacket, the only difference I requested was for the chest to be 40").

I'm pretty certain that the teeth is 'crammed' in that specific spot, as that very spot has a tendency to always stick either outwards, or inwards. I'm not saying this is a flaw, just an intentional design on Tony's part.

For the TEMPLE INTERIOR, though, here's my theory...

When watching the movie, I made an observation that Ford's jacket inside the temple continuously has an interesting effect. The zipper right below the collar has a pronounced C-shaped curl...



I'm guessing this must be where the leather on his jacket shrank (or stretched), because no matter what he does... lift his arms, kneel, play hop-scotch, spin around to look at a boulder, the curl always pops back into shape!

Perhaps if one were to want a screen-accurate IDOL GRAB jacket, for example, then perhaps what they might simply need to do is to get Tony's Raiders jacket with some of G's improvements, and request for the zipper teeth to be 'crammed' near the collar?

Tony told me it isn't because the leather shrank, it's because the original jacket was improperly made with a zipper that was too long. So your term 'crammed' is appropriate.
I think it's Tony's preference to use a correct sized zipper, but if you want an too long one 'crammed' in place he'll do it too.

[Don't Call Me Junior!]

I think it's Tony's preference to use a correct sized zipper, but if you want an too long one 'crammed' in place he'll do it too.

You have to make a special request to get the signature zipper curl? I didn't think this was the case. On my jacket the only thing we discussed changing from his "norm" was possibly the sleeve length. I only brought it up to him because the TN CS has longer than usual sleeves and asked if that would be taken into account on the Indy I jacket. But the zipper I assumed was going to be "screwed up". Can someone confirm if I need to specify this?

[RCSignals]

I think it's Tony's preference to use a correct sized zipper, but if you want an too long one 'crammed' in place he'll do it too.

You have to make a special request to get the signature zipper curl? I didn't think this was the case. On my jacket the only thing we discussed changing from his "norm" was possibly the sleeve length. I only brought it up to him because the TN CS has longer than usual sleeves and asked if that would be taken into account on the Indy I jacket. But the zipper I assumed was going to be "screwed up". Can someone confirm if I need to specify this?

My understanding is you'd have to ask for it. Best to check with Tony.

[Don't Call Me Junior!]

Yes that sounds best. I will be calling him shortly.

[Don't Call Me Junior!]

Well, I'll have to wait for him to call me back now....

[crismans]

Well, I'll have to wait for him to call me back now....

And for him to email me. I bet he wants to take us all out sometimes (and not on a date ;-) ). Although, other than size, this is the only adjustment I'm asking for.

[Don't Call Me Junior!]

I bet he wants to take us all out sometimes (and not on a date ;-))

I haven't heard that one in quite a number of years. I got a good laugh out of that!

Well, in fairness, I did talk to him. The phone rang once and he picked up and asked if he could call me back. He just sounded really busy and I think there were other people in the shop because I heard a lot of voices. He asked when would be the best time he could call me back. I told him to try anytime which, if he calls this evening, could be any time between now 6PM and 1AM EST.

I get the impression that he really enjoys what he does and if he were truly annoyed by us he would just stop making the Indy jackets while at the same time they present an excellent business opportunity for him and he is smart enough to take advantage of it. I think he enjoys the challenge immensely including dealing with particular customers. I wish some of the other people I interact with in life were as pleasant and forthcoming as he is even though I know he has a million and one things going on.

[crismans]

I spoke briefly with Tony yesterday and he says that the wavy zipper is an integral piece of the jacket and comes standard.

[RCSignals]

I spoke briefly with Tony yesterday and he says that the wavy zipper is an integral piece of the jacket and comes standard.

OK that's good I suppose. I'm guessing he's made it standard because it was there on 'the' jacket and most people must be asking for it.

I wonder though if 'the' too long zipper was crammed in because the original broke and an incorrect size was all they had to replace it with? - Doesn't matter really, just a thought

[Rundquist]

I spoke briefly with Tony yesterday and he says that the wavy zipper is an integral piece of the jacket and comes standard.

OK that's good I suppose. I'm guessing he's made it standard because it was there on 'the' jacket and most people must be asking for it.

I wonder though if 'the' too long zipper was crammed in because the original broke and an incorrect size was all they had to replace it with? - Doesn't matter really, just a thought

My zipper "waves" in the exact same place as the movie jacket. I don't know if this is just because of the jacket's design or if Tony "crammed" the zipper in. My jacket is standard. Cheers

[RCSignals]

I think it would 'wave' or bow wherever the zipper length was forced in to a smaller space. It makes sense for it to be there if the zipper is started to be sewn in normally from the bottom then discovered to be too long toward the top end.

Sounds like Tony has it in the exact spot.

[ANZAC_1915]

I have to say (and with all due respect to Tony and screen accuracy), I am finding the zipper topic amusing. If it was wavy on a Wested, people would be complaining about it!

The images of the hide are certainly starting to look better seeing the jacket in normal situations and lighting, the hide still looks rather thick though, compared to Wested's lamb. Any reports on jacket weight?

[RCSignals]

I have to say (and with all due respect to Tony and screen accuracy), I am finding the zipper topic amusing. If it was wavy on a Wested, people would be complaining about it!

It is amusing. It isn't something Tony did on purpose, he would prefer to install a correct sized zipper. People asked for the 'wave', I think 'G' was the first? He can only get that by installing a too long zipper in a space too short for it.

[Indiana G]

I have to say (and with all due respect to Tony and screen accuracy), I am finding the zipper topic amusing. If it was wavy on a Wested, people would be complaining about it!

It is amusing. It isn't something Tony did on purpose, he would prefer to install a correct sized zipper. People asked for the 'wave', I think 'G' was the first? He can only get that by installing a too long zipper in a space too short for it.

yup.....i have a list on what i like to have on a raiders jacket. i asked tony how to get a crinkly cruddy looking zipper and he delivered.

anzac.....one of the few things i've disliked about my westeds is that they were always so 'proper'. perhaps if wested offered a jacket that looked like it got dragged by a truck, they'd make a killing in sales.......i think peter doesn't want to be known for constructing shoddy looking jackets, even if we reaaaaaaaaalllly wanted it that way ;-) todd gave me a wavey zipper but it took some work to get it to stay. the TN does it right out of the bag

[PLATON]

crazy zipper

[crismans]

Just got the word that #328 is all but done and shall be soon winging my way.

[Indiana G]

Just got the word that #328 is all but done and shall be soon winging my way.

nice!!!









can i have it?

[jacksparrow900]

So the jacket tony has is the one worn by ford for the last shot of principal photography according to the shooting schedule the last scene to be filmed was the peruvian jungle with harrison ford that's why his fedora is not turned and that's why his jacket looks larger and looser than the one he wore at elstree and tunisia.

[RCSignals]

So the jacket tony has is the one worn by ford for the last shot of principal photography according to the shooting schedule the last scene to be filmed was the peruvian jungle with harrison ford that's why his fedora is not turned and that's why his jacket looks larger and looser than the one he wore at elstree and tunisia.

That's the shot the jacket Tony had is confirmed as being in, not necessarily that it wasn't used or appear elsewhere. It's condition apparently was not great, which may be an indicator of more usage than that one scene.

[PLATON]

OK here it is,

A Wested looking exactly like the TN Indy I

1.75 inch storm flap, big pockets, short, with TN collar, high yoke and short back.
What do you think?




Wested has done it again huh?

More photos here

http://members.tripod.com/~swingin/gear/gjwested2.jpg
http://members.tripod.com/~swingin/gear/gjwested3.jpg
http://members.tripod.com/~swingin/gear/gjwested4.jpg

[Michaelson]

Just adds another layer of irony to me. Wested has duplicated a jacket now being produced by another vendor that they made in the first place. This world just gets crazier and crazier.

Is it the same lambskin? Sure looks like it.

Regards! Michaelson

[binkmeisterRick]

PLATON, apart from the difference in leather, I see some obvious differences in that jacket versus my Indy 1 from Tony. Not to say it isn't a nice jacket in its own right, but it doesn't really come of looking like any of the Indy 1 Nowak jackets I've seen. It's also way too new and shiny looking and looks like it needs to be broken in yet, whereas my Nowak already came looking like it had been worn a few years. Again, nice jacket, but no Indy 1 in my book.

[PLATON]

I knew you guys were going to fall for this. I was only joking.
Wested did not copy TN's jacket (at least not yet as far as I know)
But isn't it very similar???

This jacket is circa 99 (see this thread viewtopic.php?t=20725&highlight=99)

Amazing?

[binkmeisterRick]

Um, Platon, I didn't fall for it.