15/888

whiskyman · Post by **whiskyman** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 7:36 am

Has not yet arrived. After being held for a day in customs (the day I took of work to be home to receive it), it arrived at my home while I was work. SO now I have to wait yet another day. Really, what is the point of paying for express priority shipping??? Instead of three days it has now been six.

Chris_King · Post by **Chris_King** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 7:39 am

This is the reason why I have packages delivered to my office address.
I had too many frustrating delays over the years! I feel your pain.

Chris

Jakob Emiliussen · Post by **Jakob Emiliussen** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 7:40 am

Postal services seem to be the same all over the world - LATE!!

Regards
Emiliussen
DENMARK

whiskyman · Post by **whiskyman** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 9:09 am

I just got my jacket. Seems arguing over the phone sometimes does help speed things up!

My first impression of this jacket - it's not how I imagined it would be. It really reminds me of the prototype Todd jacket that I once had from Gmann. The leather is very similar. It doesn't feel as robust as I thought it would. Is it veg-tanned or not? I thought it was but it doesn't feel like it to me.

Indiana Strones · Post by **Indiana Strones** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 9:15 am

whiskyman · Post by **whiskyman** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 2:44 pm

Yeah, I know. I'll perhaps take some tomorrow. Right now I'm trying to come to terms with spending a grand on a soft and stretchy purplish coloured lambskin jacket that closely resembles a jacket I once bought for $200.

DVD Connoisseur · Post by **DVD Connoisseur** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 2:47 pm

[Gulp!] That does not sound good....

Hatch · Post by **Hatch** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 2:54 pm

As Indy G and I have discovered it transforms to just what it should be "THE JACKET " once you wear it ....corforms to your body sort of like " the black spidey suit" ........Hatch

DVD Connoisseur · Post by **DVD Connoisseur** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 2:58 pm

It's the "purplish" description that's giving me palputations!

Indiana Strones · Post by **Indiana Strones** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 3:00 pm

Hatch · Post by **Hatch** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 3:03 pm

DVD Connoisseur wrote:It's the "purplish" description that's giving me palputations!

I might go with "Russet " undertones but not purplish...........

Rundquist · Post by **Rundquist** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 3:05 pm

Hatch wrote:As Indy G and I have discovered it transforms to just what it should be "THE JACKET " once you wear it ....corforms to your body sort of like " the black spidey suit" ........Hatch

I think that the jacket is great and agree that it needs to "transform" before it becomes "the" Raiders jacket. However, some people are just not going to dig lambskin period. It won’t feel substantial enough to some. I can’t think of any complaints with TN’s Crystal Skull jacket, mostly because it was cowhide. The same workmanship went into this jacket, maybe more (this lambskin is very hard to work with because it doesn’t stay put). But some people are going to feel that they are getting less of a jacket just based on the fact that it’s made out of lambskin.

EchoSix · Post by **EchoSix** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 3:07 pm

Everyone's been defending the fact that the amount of money spent on this jacket, is in buying the customer service that goes along with it.

Don't stress about it at all. Seriously.

Give it a day. Wear it. Take some pictures and post some here.

Then, tomorrow, if you still have even the slightest hesitation over it... Emai a couple of those pictures to Tony Nowak and I'm sure he'll give you a call to work it out.

I don't recall anyone mentioning this, in any of the threads prior to now, but... What's his return policy like? It's a custom made jacket. IS there a return policy or does he make another one for you, since you spent enough on one of his jackets, to make four Wested jackets (since the exchange rate has changed).

Clutters · Post by **Clutters** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 3:07 pm

I'm feeling better and better about not having a grand to spend on this jacket. Whiskeyman, thanks for the photos on your washed goat, which is what I ended up getting. I'm very happy with that one.

Raider S · Post by **Raider S** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 3:07 pm

I wouldn't spend that much on lambskin. Goat, horse, or even cow maybe. Not lamb.

I wish Tony would get some of that washed goat and I'd buy two!

EDIT - Clutters, we mentioned washed goat at the same time.

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 3:32 pm

Hatch wrote:
DVD Connoisseur wrote:It's the "purplish" description that's giving me palputations!
I might go with "Russet " undertones but not purplish...........

Looking at mine... nope. No hint of purple. Russet, yes, which is quite nice, in my opinion, but not a hint of purple.

whiskyman · Post by **whiskyman** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 3:33 pm

I was happier with the washed goat.

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 3:34 pm

Did you sell that one? If not, keep it! Hold on to something for a change!

CM · Post by CM » Tue Nov 25, 2008 3:36 pm

whiskyman wrote:I was happier with the washed goat.

I was surprised you even bought a TN, given how happy you have been with Wested.

Post by **Holt** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 3:46 pm

I am going to bet money on this!

LOL

whiskyman · Post by **whiskyman** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 3:47 pm

I sold it to help pay for the TN.
And mine definitely has a pink/purple undertone

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 4:06 pm

Rundquist wrote:
Hatch wrote:As Indy G and I have discovered it transforms to just what it should be "THE JACKET " once you wear it ....corforms to your body sort of like " the black spidey suit" ........Hatch
I think that the jacket is great and agree that it needs to "transform" before it becomes "the" Raiders jacket. However, some people are just not going to dig lambskin period. It won’t feel substantial enough to some. I can’t think of any complaints with TN’s Crystal Skull jacket, mostly because it was cowhide. The same workmanship went into this jacket, maybe more (this lambskin is very hard to work with because it doesn’t stay put). But some people are going to feel that they are getting less of a jacket just based on the fact that it’s made out of lambskin.

tony has been working with shrunken lamb hide for....well....forever. he sent me an older picture of himself, arnold, and mr. gold who all sported a TN A2 style jacket made in the shurnken lamb. both tony and arnold looked considerabley younger in the picture......if i had to gauge the era....it looked like early to mid 90's.

it is difficult to work with, but tony is a veteran with this medium.

Hatch · Post by **Hatch** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 4:10 pm

What about some pics ? Maybe you got Marion's (grin)

crismans · Post by **crismans** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 4:13 pm

One of the many ironies surrounding this jacket is that we're now having to pay a premium for the lambskin that was (according to my understanding) pretty common and cheap back in the day.

Anyone got a time machine handy?

Raider S · Post by **Raider S** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 4:19 pm

Crismans, nobody HAS to pay for one!

Not sure what else Tony will work with, but if he offered a thin, distressed goat hide of some sort I think it would be VERY popular.

Rundquist · Post by **Rundquist** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 4:28 pm

crismans wrote:One of the many ironies surrounding this jacket is that we're now having to pay a premium for the lambskin that was (according to my understanding) pretty common and cheap back in the day.

Anyone got a time machine handy?

Actually, lambskin has always been one of the more expensive leathers. G&B & US Wings charges more than goatskin for theirs. Lambskin Avirex jackets were always priced higher than their other leather counterparts. Wested is the only one that charges the same price for whatever. Cheers

Post by **Mike** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 5:41 pm

Remember back in the day when Wested's lambs had the russet undertones, or "purplish hues" then he had to switch leather sources and got lamb with gray undertones and everyone cried foul, where's our purple?

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 5:42 pm

Yep.

Regards! Michaelson

indy1936 · Post by **indy1936** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 5:53 pm

Mike wrote:Remember back in the day when Wested's lambs had the russet undertones, or "purplish hues" then he had to switch leather sources and got lamb with gray undertones and everyone cried foul, where's our purple?

Do you remember when this switch happened? I have a few Wested's dating back to the 90s and want to see if I can spot it.

Post by **Mike** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 7:38 pm

Not specifically, Michaelson's better at time tables than I am. But I know my early 90's was as well as my Lambstouch had the darker hues. I think it was shortly before the Authentic Lamb, but don't quote me on that.

crismans · Post by **crismans** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 7:49 pm

Rundquist wrote:

Actually, lambskin has always been one of the more expensive leathers. G&B & US Wings charges more than goatskin for theirs. Lambskin Avirex jackets were always priced higher than their other leather counterparts. Wested is the only one that charges the same price for whatever. Cheers

Granted, but (and I'm only asking for my own knowledge) it's the shrunken lamb that's driven the price of the Indy I, right? And this particular type of lambskin was more readily available in the early 80s? And I'm thinking that, given the described construction of the jacket, the production company wasn't trying to create a jacket that would last for the ages, but only through production, so I would think they would go with a cheap lambskin.

Again, I'm not trying to argue a minute point, but how else will I learn?

Teach me oh jacket masters of lore! (read this as totally tongue in cheek)

Baldwyn · Post by **Baldwyn** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 7:58 pm

whiskyman wrote:Yeah, I know. I'll perhaps take some tomorrow. Right now I'm trying to come to terms with spending a grand on a soft and stretchy purplish coloured lambskin jacket that closely resembles a jacket I once bought for $200.

Whiskyman, I'm sorry you're disappointed with your jacket. I know what you mean. My G&B I had for 8 years, wore it almost every day, but it never ended up looking right (I think it was too small), and most of all, I didn't like how it distressed to grey instead of a nice brown patina or reddish hues. After all that, I sold it. I really hope you're able to come to terms with your jacket. It's sometimes easy to get swept up with the enthusiasm of this place.

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 9:00 pm

whiskey.....you gotta wear it in. that's where the magic lies imo.

when you get it....it doesn't fit or feel correct. but in a couple of weeks, it turns into something else. hopefully bink, slydini, hatch, castor and IW can support this.

and, it is because of this that the jacket will be with you for a while. just my opinion of course.

agent5 · Post by **agent5** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 10:44 pm

G,
Do you think there is a slight possiblilty your head may explode if someone gets it, wears it for weaks and is still dissatisfied with it?

PSBIndy · Post by **PSBIndy** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 11:15 pm

I'm a firm believer in love at first sight. If you don't love it now, you won't love it later. You can "grow" to like it but it's never the same....esp. for something that expensive. Perhaps you can return it to Tony for another go at it.....and this time, tell him exactly what you want.

Raider S · Post by **Raider S** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 11:36 pm

agent5 wrote:Do you think there is a slight possiblilty your head may explode if someone gets it, wears it for weaks and is still dissatisfied with it?

I think this is one of the best things I've ever read on here!

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 11:51 pm

crismans wrote:One of the many ironies surrounding this jacket is that we're now having to pay a premium for the lambskin that was (according to my understanding) pretty common and cheap back in the day.

Anyone got a time machine handy?

It was more common in the 80's. I don't believe it was ever 'cheap'.
It's an expensive tanning process and few tanneries do it.

crismans · Post by **crismans** » Wed Nov 26, 2008 12:11 am

RCSignals wrote:
crismans wrote:One of the many ironies surrounding this jacket is that we're now having to pay a premium for the lambskin that was (according to my understanding) pretty common and cheap back in the day.

Anyone got a time machine handy?
It was more common in the 80's. I don't believe it was ever 'cheap'.
It's an expensive tanning process and few tanneries do it.

Got it. I should be going for more readily available than cheap then. I still find it odd that, for a jacket that otherwise wasn't that well put together, they went with this leather choice.

I'll quit beating the dead horse now.

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Wed Nov 26, 2008 1:59 am

agent5 wrote:G,
Do you think there is a slight possiblilty your head may explode if someone gets it, wears it for weaks and is still dissatisfied with it?

not with this new hat i've made.......

tony stresses that the key to the jacket is in the hide and how it conforms to the body after use. i can testify to that fact and so can hatch. i was hoping bink and slydini and castor could attest to it.

yes, some may dismiss the jacket all together by looking at her, throwing it on, and then summizing....."nah, not for me"......perhaps that is all that some need to make a decision and i respect that as that's what i do everyday at work...."time is of the essence" ;-)

i just want the folks to know that like all jackets, it breaks in and conforms to your body.....but alot of the jackets i have purchased break in....and then leave me wondering what happened to the raiders look that i had a couple of days ago? as far as this offering goes, the raiders look slowly creeps up on you and once it pitches camp.....(like big tony says).....game over.

as far as my jacket goes....i'm on level 99....and i still have a couple of lives left ;-)

whiskyman · Post by **whiskyman** » Wed Nov 26, 2008 4:40 am

I am disapointed in just how thin and flimsy this leather is. It reminds me of the plastic foam they use to pack audio gear. I'm also convinced it's the same type of leather that Todd used on his prototype. The colour, stretchiness and even smell are identical and the texture is pretty similar. But Todd's jacket was only somewhere around the 200 mark rather than the 1000 mark. Granted, he didn't phone me three times in the middle of the night.
Here are some pics of the original Todd jacket (I hope John will forgive me for poaching his pics)
My TN is in the classifieds. I wish I'd used the money for a family holiday.

Jakob Emiliussen · Post by **Jakob Emiliussen** » Wed Nov 26, 2008 4:46 am

whiskyman wrote:I am disapointed in just how thin and flimsy this leather is. It reminds me of the plastic foam they use to pack audio gear. I'm also convinced it's the same type of leather that Todd used on his prototype. The colour, stretchiness and even smell are identical and the texture is pretty similar. But Todd's jacket was only somewhere around the 200 mark rather than the 1000 mark. Granted, he didn't phone me three times in the middle of the night.
Here are some pics of the original Todd jacket (I hope John will forgive me for poaching his pics)
My TN is in the classifieds. I wish I'd used the money for a family holiday.

What kind of hide is it? Goat, lamb or what? I can only recommend that you get one in horsehide it's the only way to go if you feel that both lamb and goat is to "flimsy" - as you put it. I can recommend Wested's Raidersstyle horsehide - it not only looks good, it feels like something Indy would wear had he been real.

Regards
Emiliussen

whiskyman · Post by **whiskyman** » Wed Nov 26, 2008 5:56 am

Here are some pics. The last is in comparison with a Wested auth. goat

Erri · Post by **Erri** » Wed Nov 26, 2008 6:07 am

whiskyman wrote: My TN is in the classifieds. I wish I'd used the money for a family holiday.

Well you could have easily managed to visit your Italian friend again

I'm sorry to hear about your disappointment Whiskyman, the jacket doesn't look TOO bad but the customer satisfaction comes first. I still can't believe people are spending that kind of money for it but hey, that's the same thing I said before joining COW

Indiana Strones · Post by **Indiana Strones** » Wed Nov 26, 2008 6:25 am

Whisky, why you sold your beloved washed goatskin and not the regular goat? Just curious.

whiskyman · Post by **whiskyman** » Wed Nov 26, 2008 6:41 am

The reg goat has been up for sale for weeks but nobody wants it.

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Wed Nov 26, 2008 8:20 am

I have a Wested Authentic Lamb and my Nowak Indy 1 is a heavier jacket with a nicer hide compared to that one. The Wested went to California with me, but I "left it behind" for someone else to enjoy.

I can't speak for Nick's jacket, but mine isn't flimsy or "thin" feeling at all. It's far from "stuffing."

It's a solid hide, and softer than any lamb jacket I've personally handled, save a G&B. In fact, when Tony gave me my jacket he told me not to baby it. He proceeded to take of his Indy 1 jacket and "whap" it against the pavement a couple of times. I decided to follow suit and heartily hurled mine against the pavement a few times. (Yes, I'm insane, but I wanted to show Tony that I wouldn't baby this jacket if he wouldn't baby his.) If you can show me where my jacket suffered from the abuse, I'll pay you a hundred bucks.

G, you are right, the more you wear the jacket, the more it conforms to the wearer and begins to develop even more Indy mojo. But as Tony and others have said, this jacket is not for everyone. I'm fine with that. All I know is that it's for me, and that's all I care about.

Personally, I'm not surprised you're getting rid of this jacket so soon. Nick, I really do hope you can a jacket you're truly happy with someday, especially since you never seem to hang on to one very long.

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Nov 26, 2008 8:35 am

Mike wrote:Not specifically, Michaelson's better at time tables than I am. But I know my early 90's was as well as my Lambstouch had the darker hues. I think it was shortly before the Authentic Lamb, but don't quote me on that.

My first custom direct order lambskin from 1996 did, as well as my first lambtouch as well, so I can at least date it to that year.

Regards! Michaelson

Raider S · Post by **Raider S** » Wed Nov 26, 2008 11:02 am

Whiskyman, your jacket is up a good, fair price and I hope someone JUMPS on the chance to purchase it for that price. I really wish you the best of luck and I know you mention the holidays so don't be too hard on yourself.

In my HUMBLE opinion $1,000 is too much for a lamb jacket. That is NOT to say these things aren't top-notch, but simply the price is inflated due to its pedigre. With the hype that has been going on people thinking of one need to chill, relax, and realize Tony AIN'T gonna sell 888 that fast.

I see people trying to unload jackets they already own and enjoy to afford something they may have only seen in a photo. I have no problem with that, but there's zero rush. It's like Cabbage Patch frenzy.

But like I said before, if Tony offered these in a thin goat, I'd be very tempted myself.

Last thing, those photos of the Todd's are remarkable - especially the close-up of the pocket.

PS - I like the rug under your jacket. Another hobby of mine.

PLATON · Post by **PLATON** » Wed Nov 26, 2008 11:08 am

Hey Whiskyman

Can you shoot a photo of yourself wearing the jacket in a pose like the below for comparison?

Thanks

whiskyman · Post by **whiskyman** » Wed Nov 26, 2008 11:14 am

Here's the jacket being worn. Not the best shots and I shouldn't really wear such a big jumper underneath, but I'm ill so that's why no decent outdoor shots.
I have to add, I'm in no way unhappy with Tony- he made the jacket perfectly and it really does have the classic raiders look. I just had a very different idea of how this leather would be in person, and it's not at all what I want a leather jacket to feel like. That's MY problem though.