Question: TONY NOWAK's Jacket Numbering System

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Tue Mar 23, 2010 7:23 pm

Hi everyone,
I hope someone here can help me out with a couple of questions I have... any input from anyone here would be greatly appreciated.

(I'm sure the answers to my questions were probably made public back when Tony first announced his plans... but I'm having a devil of a time finding this info... and there seem to be a LOT of different "Nowak-Themed" Threads.)

Last week I placed an order with Tony Nowak giving him some of the details of what I'm looking for when it comes to my Custom Nowak Raiders Jacket. Tony very promptly replied saying he thought my choices were good and that he'd be calling me some day THIS week so that we could discuss some more specifics.
In anticipation of talking with Tony, I've gotten to thinking - or questioning - how he numbers his jackets.

First of all, I've seen many references to 888 jackets (somebody will mention that they own "#001/888" or "#666/888" or whatever )...

Is Tony intending to make a TOTAL of 888 INDY jackets (in varying leathers & styles) and then that's "it"?

OR is it
888 Shrunken Lamb Jackets (in varying styles),
888 Goatskin Leather Jackets (in varying styles),
888 Happy Cow Leather Jackets (in varying styles),
888 747 Cowhide Leather Jackets (in varying styles),
Etc, etc...?

OR is it
888 Raiders Jackets (in varying Leathers),
888 ToD Jackets (in varying Leathers),
888 Last Crusade Jackets (in varying Leathers)
AND
888 Crystal Skull Jackets (in varying Leathers)?

Also:
For those of you who've ordered Nowak Jackets and either spoken with him over the phone or consulted with him in person:
Regardless what the answers are to my questions above, when it comes to numbering a jacket clearly Tony likes to offer his customer the option of "picking a number" (in case someone has a preference, a lucky or favorite number, what have you...)

How is this done?

Does he let you rhyme off a few preferred numbers while he says
"Nope...taken"
"Nope...taken"
"Nope...taken"
"WAIT... Yep, THAT one's available"
OR - in the case of clients calling from long distances (like myself) - does he e-mail a List that looks like this (for example... no disrespect intended if I mention someone's REAL # here):
000/888: Taken
001/888: Taken
002/888: Taken
003/888: *STILL Available*
004/888: *STILL Available*
005/888: Taken
Etc, etc...

Sincere Thanks for any guidance you might be able to offer...
I know I'm coming to the right group of people who have the right answers!
(Yes... yes that was BLATANT butt-kissing)

Mitch

Yojimbo Jones · Post by **Yojimbo Jones** » Tue Mar 23, 2010 7:28 pm

Mitch, IIRC, its 888 for Raiders, 777 for LC and 666 for ToD (or something like that). That's per movie, leather choices don't factor in. When you call, I've had the impression he has a book that he's looking at and gives you the all clear if it hasn't been taken.

gwyddion · Post by **gwyddion** » Tue Mar 23, 2010 7:45 pm

Yep, the 888 are the total amount of Raiders jackets he will make. IIRC there will be 777CS jackets made and only 333 LC jackets

.
Tony's just not that fond of e-mailing, so you probably won't get a list of available numbers. Just ask him whether a number is free and he'll look it up for you.

Have you decided on the leather yet?

If there's anything I can help you with, don't hesitate to ask

Oh, and do tell us and show us when you have it

Regards, Geert

EDIT: I did a quick check, and he will make 777 CS jackets, 888 Raiders jackets, 555 ToD jackets and 333 LC jackets.

Indyzane · Post by **Indyzane** » Tue Mar 23, 2010 8:30 pm

Tony has a spiral binder that he keeps all the numbers. Might I suggest that you have a list of numbers that are important to you. Then when you talk to him you'll have a list for him. This is what I did when I visited him, nearly more than half the numbers I wanted were gone.

Congrats on ordering a jacket from Tony. I talked with him last night and he has been so busy with the 3 films he is working on.

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Tue Mar 23, 2010 9:29 pm

Wonderful info, fellas... Thanks!

(Hopefully other Gearheads curious about this same subject - and intending to become future customer's of Tony's - will find this Thread and get these same great answers as well.)

You've all helped to make me well-prepared for my phonecall (whenever Tony can manage the time)

Geert, the leather I've settled on for THIS jacket (I'm already referring to it as merely my FIRST Tony Nowak Jacket) is the 747 Cowhide.

jnicktem · Post by **jnicktem** » Tue Mar 23, 2010 9:34 pm

Mitch, THANK YOU for asking this! I have been looking into getting a Nowak for myself... and was wondering this very question!

So you're going with the 747? I am very interested in that as well- however I am awaiting on some leather samples from Tony first before making a firm decision.

crismans · Post by **crismans** » Tue Mar 23, 2010 10:31 pm

Geert, the leather I've settled on for THIS jacket (I'm already referring to it as merely my FIRST Tony Nowak Jacket) is the 747 Cowhide.

You will be very happy with it. It's an amazing leather. My favorite of all that I've had (which has been far too many in far too short a time

).

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 4:49 am

crismans, from what I've seen and read in various Nowak Threads, you're definitely qualified to declare a preference!
Based on what I know of your Jacket experiences (and research), I always hold your opinion in very high regard!

nick: Very glad to know that this info came as a help to you as well.

I thought it might prove helpful to have this info in one spot (Thread)... Hopefully it'll also be of assistance to other New Nowak customers as they appear in these Forums and start doing their "homework"

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 10:18 am

Someone took my number.

IndianaChris711 · Post by **IndianaChris711** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 10:26 am

Based on those number I think I may get a LC from Tony first as those will be most likely the first to run out of numbers, then again I could be wrong, most people get a Raiders from him. Anyway I have a high possibility the number I want is probably taken anyway. Thanks for the info on the numbers, I think that just help me in deciding, what will be my first Nowak.

IndianaChris

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 10:29 am

Is he running out of numbers on any? does anyone know?

IndianaChris711 · Post by **IndianaChris711** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 10:34 am

BendingOak wrote:Is he running out of numbers on any? does anyone know?

I don't think he is running low on numbers, I was just saying since there is only 333 of LC those probably could run out first, but then again, most people that do order, order a Raiders jacket, so I could be wrong. Didn't mean to throw anyone into a panic.

IndianaChris

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 11:33 am

IndianaChris711 wrote:
BendingOak wrote:Is he running out of numbers on any? does anyone know?
I don't think he is running low on numbers, I was just saying since there is only 333 of LC those probably could run out first, but then again, most people that do order, order a Raiders jacket, so I could be wrong. Didn't mean to throw anyone into a panic.

IndianaChris

Not a panic but wouldn't want to miss out on a raiders jacket from Tony.

Tremolo · Post by **Tremolo** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 12:10 pm

It would be quite interesting to know how much of each are approximately left.

For those who already ordered from him and don´t live in the US, did Tony also call you?

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 1:00 pm

Tremolo wrote:It would be quite interesting to know how much of each are approximately left.

You know, it'd be interesting (or maybe, WILL BE interesting)... if Tony were to ever post an announcement here that he only has (for instance) "Only 30 Last Crusade Jackets LEFT" before he'd fulfill his LC Line of Jackets, there would probably be a little bit of a feeding frenzy to get one.

Kinda' like a moment from my youth:
Watchin' housewives crawling over each other to take advantage of the "Blue-Light SPECIAL" at a K-Mart before they even know exactly WHAT the item On Special IS!

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 1:02 pm

jnicktem wrote:So you're going with the 747? I am very interested in that as well- however I am awaiting on some leather samples from Tony first before making a firm decision.

Nick, I meant to say before:
Once you have those Leather Samples in hand, I'd love to hear your thoughts on each (and know which way you're leaning on 'em)

St. Dumas · Post by **St. Dumas** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 1:17 pm

I seriously doubt Tony is running low on the Raiders, TOD and LC jackets, as he doesn't advertise them on his website. The likely scenario is that the COW members who have already posted their ownership of these jackets form the majority of people who put in orders.

SD

crismans · Post by **crismans** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 2:26 pm

St. Dumas wrote:I seriously doubt Tony is running low on the Raiders, TOD and LC jackets, as he doesn't advertise them on his website. The likely scenario is that the COW members who have already posted their ownership of these jackets form the majority of people who put in orders.

SD

You would think that but I recall Tony mentioning that he's gotten quite a few orders from outside the COW circle. But I don't think there's any reason to panic about any jackets drying up right now (I hope not, anyway, as I've got two more to get before I quit).

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 4:04 pm

St. Dumas wrote:I seriously doubt Tony is running low on the Raiders, TOD and LC jackets, as he doesn't advertise them on his website. The likely scenario is that the COW members who have already posted their ownership of these jackets form the majority of people who put in orders.

SD

While COW members have purchased these jackets from Tony they are not the only to purchase them.
He's sold many jackets to people to which COW is only a beast that eats grass in a field.

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 4:05 pm

RCSignals wrote:He's sold many jackets to people to which COW is only a beast that eats grass in a field.

Does such a magical beast actually exist?!

Regard! Michaelson

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 4:35 pm

Sure does. They aren't very magical though

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 4:41 pm

Annnnnnnnd these "magical beasts" you speak of...
Would their hides make good leather for Nowak Jackets?

(Perhaps these are the Holy Goats we sometimes hear tell of...)

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 4:53 pm

....or the Happy Cows, eating grass in the field.

The magic comes 'after'

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 4:55 pm

Good thing bink is out this week.

About now we'd have several photos of steaks and hamburgers posted....

Regards! Michaelson

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 4:58 pm

Darn, I was counting on him too...

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 5:09 pm

Actually, I'm glad he ISN'T around.

I have 3 more hours here at work before supper. I don't think I could have taken those photos right now.

Regards! Michaelson

Indyzane · Post by **Indyzane** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 5:38 pm

I was visiting Tony in February when he pulled out the spiral note book with all the numbers, from what I could see

not all the numbers have been taken. I’m sure Raiders has the most numbers taken . Then KOTCS. Then LC. And then TOD.

I feel Tony’s popularity has grown allot more over the past year.

Why did Tony raised the price of the CS jacket? I’m guessing because of the interest? Why did he charge less for his CS jacket anyways?

Also the hype of how many numbers are left is genius marketing, because we'll never know until he says “I have this many left” then watch the pandemonium!

But there is a solution to the problem my friends……… Call Tony now and order your jackets before their gone.

Then you wont have the worries

St. Dumas · Post by **St. Dumas** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 5:45 pm

My point is that COW is one of, if not the preeminent Indy gear forums around. Those who frequent other Indy-related gear forums know about COW and likely read it, even if they don't post here. I'm saying that given that Tony doesn't advertise that he sells Raiders, TOD and LC jackets, most potential customers for these three jackets who aren't obsessive gearheads won't know they're available. And anyone who found out about it from this website is more likely than not going to post about it. Sure, Tony's going to sell to non gearheads who probably find out about those jackets from walking into his shop, but those will be a fraction of the number who learned about them on sites like these. Even Filmjackets.com isn't updated to reflect that Tony's making these and that site is the kind of site a non-obsessive Indy fan would probably seek out.

SD

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 6:08 pm

You would think so and it seems logical, but isn't necessarily the way it is.
Tony sold many Raiders jackets before the first one was ever shown here (fortunately or unfortunately numbered '1'). Same with CS jackets.
The LC and ToD styles may be a different situation I'm not sure. What some people here don't seem to understand still (and I don't mean you SD) is that Tony has been making jackets for years and is well known in many circles, in Hollywood and all over California .
Some people here seem to have or have had the impression that TN was new to jacket making with the Crystal Skulls work.

One thing I do know, when he runs out of numbers he's done with the customs.

Post by **Holt** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 6:11 pm

One thing I do know, when he runs out of numbers he's done with the customs.

but if he gets the Indy 5 gig and possible Indy 6 (if that movie ever happens) he's back in the game

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 6:40 pm

I kinda wonder about that, Eric. Seems we heard if this happened, they would more than likely use left over CS stock (as he made a bunch of jackets for that film).

Considering the amount of time he's spent with us on the CS run, as well as the other side trips with the other jacket designs and hides, I imagine we've taken up a LOT of his time on other projects. If that was the case, he may just leave it to the other vendors to pick up the slack, and once the custom work is done (as RC stated above), that will be that, unless you order a 'one off' through his website.

Just thinking out loud here.....

Regards! Michaelson

Post by **Holt** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 6:43 pm

I guess...

to bad, I really hoped I would see a raiders jacket style again on fords back...

but it would probabaly be a LC/CS style if they had to make new jackets anyway...

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 6:45 pm

Well, I'm not saying that's the case, but I believe if Mr. Pollack is still involved, which being Ford's personal choice as costumer over several projects, the current set up is HIS fingerprint on the outfit. It will be odd for him to change courses.

That said, the next film(s) may be set in the Sahari Desert. Ford would DIE in those cowhide CS jackets, so they would have to change material to something lighter weight. Anything is possible.

Like I said, strictly my opinion and nothing more.

Regards !Michaelson

nicktheguy · Post by **nicktheguy** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 6:55 pm

If they keep dilly-dallying on the start of Indy V they may have to dress him in rubber pants

Post by **Holt** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 6:58 pm

ooh, back to lambskin

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 7:30 pm

nicktheguy wrote:If they keep dilly-dallying on the start of Indy V they may have to dress him in rubber pants

You better HOPE not, nick. With your luck you'll end up having to do stunt double work, and YOU'LL die out in the desert instead!

Regard! Michaelson

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 7:43 pm

nicktheguy wrote:If they keep dilly-dallying on the start of Indy V they may have to dress him in rubber pants

Indiana Holt wrote:ooh, back to lambskin

what an odd reply to rubber pants.......

Post by **Holt** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 7:50 pm

yeah

that was ment to Marks post

nicktheguy · Post by **nicktheguy** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 8:53 pm

Michaelson wrote:
nicktheguy wrote:If they keep dilly-dallying on the start of Indy V they may have to dress him in rubber pants
You better HOPE not, nick. With your luck you'll end up having to do stunt double work, and YOU'LL die out in the desert instead!

Regard! Michaelson

Yeah, you are right there. The oddest stunt doubling I did was on Scary Movie 4 - I had to wear a complete green screen body suit against a green screen and run through dust cannons which they overlaid Craig Beirko as he's running through the evaporated human dust... It was a humbling experience talking to people at crafty in a green lycra body stocking.....so rubber pants would end up being just my luck on Indy V

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Mar 25, 2010 7:57 am

Sounds like one of those job assignments you get where you question your choice of careers!

Regards! Michaelson

KingHamlet · Post by **KingHamlet** » Thu Mar 25, 2010 9:16 am

Thanks for posting this information. I've wondered about the numbering system myself for some time.
I really want to know how many Crystal Skull jackets he has left? That's one I've had a craving for, but have to save the money for it later, (Stupid wedding

...)

Anyway, I currently have #313 Last Crusade in Cowhide, which I'm in love with. The 3/13 is my fiance's birthday. I love the cowhide so much I don't think I'll ever switch to anything else, within days it just started forming and shaping while I wore it.

DarenHenryW · Post by **DarenHenryW** » Thu Mar 25, 2010 3:40 pm

Nothing much to add here except this, My CS jacket is #522 (May 22nd!)

And my Raiders jacket is 713 (July 13th) Guess who's birthday that is?

That's right!

Patrick Stewart

Cheech Marin

And guess who else? (I've heard Julius Caesar, but it's hard to confirm . . .)

That's right! ME!

Yes, Cheech Marin and I have the same the birthday! Oh yeah, and its the same as the guy who played Indiana Jones . . . whatever his name is. It's escaping me for the moment.

DHW

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Thu Mar 25, 2010 7:15 pm

WHy may 22nd?

crismans · Post by **crismans** » Thu Mar 25, 2010 7:36 pm

BendingOak wrote:WHy may 22nd?

It's when Crystal Skull hit theaters.

Anyway, I currently have #313 Last Crusade in Cowhide, which I'm in love with.

Have you posted pics, KingHamlet? I don't remember seeing them.

DarenHenryW · Post by **DarenHenryW** » Thu Mar 25, 2010 7:39 pm

May 22 2008 was the CS opening date. When I got my first jacket, (the CS) I wanted 713 and it was taken, then . . . now hold on! I'm such a LIAR! I don't have 522; I ASKED for it, (because it was the opening date for CS), but I didn't get it ... That's right! (I'm not joking at all when I say, that I am remembering this as I type this!)

DUHHH (What's wrong with me?!)

My CS jacket has 057 in it. For 1957!

So, nevermind, sort of . . .

So, to fix my mistake:

My CS Jacket: 057 for '57 or 1957 (the year CS takes place!)

and

My Raiders Jacket : 713 for July 13th, my birthday, (and the birthday of an important famous person!)

DHW

Baldwyn · Post by **Baldwyn** » Thu Mar 25, 2010 7:44 pm

WHEW. Because I thought 522 was reserved for something special, and was flummoxed when you said you had it!

Anyways, me
CS #98 (my daughter was born in Sept, my son in August)
Raiders #198 (added my wife who was born first in Jan!)

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Thu Mar 25, 2010 7:47 pm

crismans wrote:
BendingOak wrote:WHy may 22nd?

It's when Crystal Skull hit theaters.

oops. It's my anniversary. I thought it might be his as well.

DarenHenryW · Post by **DarenHenryW** » Thu Mar 25, 2010 7:57 pm

So, yeah, 522 was taken when I asked for it a year and a half ago . . . anybody have that number for their CS jacket?

DHW

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Thu Mar 25, 2010 8:07 pm

Daren, I know what you mean. I wanted my fire engine number but it was gone.

Post by **Michaelson** » Fri Mar 26, 2010 10:00 am

DarenHenryW wrote:So, yeah, 522 was taken when I asked for it a year and a half ago . . . anybody have that number for their CS jacket?

DHW

522 was reserved for a special auction jacket by Tony, as that was the release date of the CS film, and proceeds were to be paid to a charity in the name of Bernie Pollack's late brother Sydney.

I wanted that number too, as it is my wedding anniversery date, and was told the above information in July 2008.

Regards! Michaelson