Show us your Expeditions! / Any Distressed Expeditions?

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Sep 22, 2010 5:44 pm

Anything is possible.

Drop Dave Marshall a line and ask.

http://www.gibson-barnes.com/Contact+Us/id/53/

Regards! Michaelson

that_dog · Post by **that_dog** » Wed Sep 22, 2010 5:45 pm

One of the reasons I got rid of my Expeditions is the short sleeves. They are just not cut for the long-armed among us.

Holt · Post by **Holt** » Wed Sep 22, 2010 5:49 pm

Michaelson wrote:Anything is possible.

Drop Dave Marshall a line and ask.

http://www.gibson-barnes.com/Contact+Us/id/53/

Regards! Michaelson

Rundquist · Post by **Rundquist** » Wed Sep 22, 2010 6:05 pm

Texan Scott wrote:...drug by a truck!

Holt, my opinion of it is that is not a "fashion" jacket. When I think of fashion jackets, I think of the smooth shiny lamb jackets that we see in department stores. This is not the case with the G&B Exp. lamb. Yes, it is lamb, but for lamb, it is durable, maybe decause of the type of coating they use on the leather. The skin has texture and is pebbley for lamb. Once I applied picard to it, the leather became like butter.

Remember how Todd's Std. was assumed? Costume, flimsy, etc.? Yet, as you well know, it can take the abuse. Add to it a higher grade skin, military tough stitiching, and think of G&B as Todd's Std. 'big brother'. This G&B that I have weighs 3.25 pounds, and it is substantial for the type of skin, considering it is a 44.

I should clarify. I thought of the G&B lamb as my "dress" indy jacket, not a dress Indy jacket, lol.

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Wed Sep 22, 2010 6:10 pm

Here are some photos which illustrate the grain and texture of the leather:

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Wed Sep 22, 2010 6:13 pm

Indiana Holt wrote:I need 25.5'' at least. maby 26''

I have always wanted a Expo, any chance for having them make one with 25.5'' sleeves? is that a possibility?

Sounds like you might need a Long size. Also they will add a hidden snap to the bottom of the storm flap. Snaps on the pockets and storm flap are the old style, "Original" brand, nip*le snaps, which I like.

that_dog · Post by **that_dog** » Wed Sep 22, 2010 6:17 pm

I had long sizes, and the sleeves were still too short.

But the G&B lamb is very nice leather... looks good and drapes well. If it weren't for the sleeves being too short and draping funny (as discussed in an old thread) I certainly would have kept it.

Holt · Post by **Holt** » Wed Sep 22, 2010 6:38 pm

thats just it. I dont like long jackets.

If they could put a 25.5'' sleeve on a 44R it would be perfect for me. and NO snaps. not on a Raiders

I do love the snaps but thats the unique to LC/CS. I was thinking of getting an Expo next year.

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Sep 22, 2010 6:39 pm

No snaps are installed. 'We' add them later, but they don't come on the jacket from G&B.

Regards !Michaelson

Post by **Dr. Nebraska S.** » Wed Sep 22, 2010 6:48 pm

Michaelson wrote:No snaps are installed. 'We' add them later, but they don't come on the jacket from G&B.

Regards !Michaelson

I can confirm that: over in this thread is where I discussed adding snaps for the storm flap after a few months of owning my Expo:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=46921
I know the addition of the snaps isn't SA, but I sure like having them! And they match the strap sliders.

Best wishes,
NS

Rundquist · Post by **Rundquist** » Wed Sep 22, 2010 6:55 pm

Indiana Holt wrote:thats just it. I dont like long jackets.

If they could put a 25.5'' sleeve on a 44R it would be perfect for me. and NO snaps. not on a Raiders I do love the snaps but thats the unique to LC/CS. I was thinking of getting an Expo next year.

You don't know until you ask Dave. What I know that they will do is let you buy a regular jacket that you've together (you and them) guessed is the closest to what you want. You get the jacket and then make adjustments based on the pattern of what they sent you. You send them back the jacket and then they build you a new one based on what you need. Cheers

Post by **Tennessee Smith** » Wed Sep 22, 2010 7:10 pm

Let me start off by saying I hate Photobucket, I resized the pics, they come up as being resized... they're not

That said enjoy the LARGE PICS of

professionally distressed G&B goat...

(And if someone can help resize these I'd greatly appreciate it)

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Wed Sep 22, 2010 7:10 pm

Its been my experience that they will work with you on the tweaks. They will allow for a few specifics, like sleeve length and back length. I mean, from the buyer's point of view, why order one of these jackets if it doesn't fit. From the seller's point of view, how could you sell one if a guy couldn't get a good fit? Usually they will do this, provided that you sign a form saying that it is non-returnable, because basically they've just made the jacket custom for you. Pattern is a different story. They will not alter that pattern, which is a good thing. Also they will add a HIDDEN snap to the bottom of the storm flap. They did it for my goat that was originally ordered, and they did this for the lamb, pictured above. Of course, I did not return either of these jackets nor give them any hassle about either.

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Sep 22, 2010 7:13 pm

I appreciate you doing this for me, TS!

This jacket was one of the first production Expeditions that came out, purchased by MK who was webmaster here at Indygear at the time.

He took it to folks he knew in the wardrobe department of a large studio, and they, in turn, showed him how they distressed new jackets to appear well used and worn beyond their years for film.

What you see is a combination of that work, and natural wear and tear of age and use.

As I recall, it's vegetable tanned goatskin.

I do wear it as my Fall jacket, and though the sleeves are a little short on my long arms, they work fine when I'm wearing a long sleeve shirt. A perfect 'jacket'.

Regards! Michaelson

Holt · Post by **Holt** » Wed Sep 22, 2010 7:14 pm

Tennessee Smith wrote:Let me start off by saying I hate Photobucket, I resized the pics, they come up as being resized... they're not

That said enjoy the LARGE PICS of professionally distressed G&B goat...

]

wow!! LOVE the look of a real worn goat Indy jacket.

Thanks for sharing Mark and thanks for posting the pics Erin!

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Wed Sep 22, 2010 7:16 pm

Really a nice jacket. I bet its soft goathide, well broken in?

Post by **Tennessee Smith** » Wed Sep 22, 2010 7:18 pm

Incredibly soft, like butta!!!

ProfessorHenryWJonesJr · Wed Sep 22, 2010 7:29 pm

Nebraska Schulte wrote: EDIT: Indy Gear Club Obi Wan member "ProfessorHenryWJonesJr": It appears we were posting similar thoughts at similar times.

COW Global Moderator "Nebraska Schulte"

After seeing COW member "Gorak's" lambskin Expedition and, as I mentioned in an earlier post in this thread, Gibson and Barnes had my size in lambskin already in stock and ready to ship.......yes, I purchased it. $\:D/$

Check back with me in a decade after I have naturally distressed it.

PsychicsAndSwords · Post by **PsychicsAndSwords** » Wed Sep 22, 2010 7:29 pm

Michaelson wrote:Anything is possible.

Drop Dave Marshall a line and ask.

http://www.gibson-barnes.com/Contact+Us/id/53/

Regards! Michaelson

You know, I sent them a message a few weeks ago asking if it was possible to get them made with longer sleeves (I have super-long arms) and possibly with different leather, and they said sure, $38 for the custom size and possibly more for the leather. I sent another message yesterday asking for more specifics about the leather prices and they responded by saying they don't alter the Expeditions in any way. Now I'm just confused.

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Wed Sep 22, 2010 7:34 pm

I'd CC the message to the person you spoke to before and work with that CS rep.

PsychicsAndSwords · Post by **PsychicsAndSwords** » Wed Sep 22, 2010 7:42 pm

Well that's what's really confusing to me - it was the same person both times. I was actually replying to the original response when I got the second response saying they didn't do that on the Expeditions. I tried again and await clarification...

Rundquist · Post by **Rundquist** » Wed Sep 22, 2010 8:25 pm

G&B seems to have official guidelines that they officially follow, but they have also been known to be accommodating if you talk to the right people. I would ask for Dave Marshall. If he says no, then the answer is no.

riothamus · Post by **riothamus** » Thu Sep 23, 2010 8:54 am

What email address are you guys using? I sent an email using their website form to Drew several days ago and have not heard anything back.

Excelsior!
Riothamus

Indydawg · Post by **Indydawg** » Thu Sep 23, 2010 9:38 am

I think that G&B WILL make minor changes to an order like having a regular length body but will put long sleeves on it....but if you're asking for major changes like lengthenting the collar or making the action pleats more narrow or lining up the sleeve seams with the top back yoke seam...they are NOT going to do that level of customization.

At least, that's my take on it.

Gorak · Post by **Gorak** » Thu Sep 23, 2010 12:27 pm

Wow.. ProfessorHenryWJonesJr...great choice on the jacket. It`s kinda like living at the beach...after a while you kinda get use to it and long for something else untill new eyes remind you of what you have. Its really agreat jacket and very tough for being Lambskin. After hearing all the opinions about how lambskin was 'weak' on other jacket threads, it kinda had me worried years ago...now I just kinda laugh and move along. I think I`ve seen more threads with people hurting their jackets made of different hides than I have seen Lambskin troubles. Have fun and be sure to post pics...new ones and, God willing, we will some day see some 8,9 or 10 year old pics. Enjoy your jacket!

Post by **Dr. Nebraska S.** » Thu Sep 23, 2010 1:29 pm

Tennessee Smith wrote:Let me start off by saying I hate Photobucket, I resized the pics, they come up as being resized... they're not

That said enjoy the LARGE PICS of professionally distressed G&B goat...

(And if someone can help resize these I'd greatly appreciate it)

That is simply an amazing jacket!

, thank you for sharing this and also Tennessee Smith for the photos. I was showing these to my wife last night (who isn't much of a jacket person), and she was just amazed at how a good leather jacket just gets even better with age. Since this is my one and only leather jacket and I wear it frequently, this gives me something to look forward to with my own jacket over many years.

Best wishes,
NS

ProfessorHenryWJonesJr · Thu Sep 23, 2010 1:40 pm

COW member "Gorak",
My many thanks goes to you, sir.

After seeing the pictures of your 8 year old lambskin Expedition and reading about how it has been "used and abused" but, still looking great.....it was a "no brainer".

My thanks also go out to COW member "Texan Scott" for the additional pictures along with the description of the jacket.

Besides, had my eye on a Gibson and Barnes Expedition for a while but, was on the fence......until yesterday.

Once I receive the jacket, will provide pictures and a preliminary review ASAP.

Thanks, again.

Lao Feng · Post by **Lao Feng** » Thu Sep 23, 2010 8:27 pm

One beauty of a jacket!

Gorak · Post by **Gorak** » Wed Sep 29, 2010 8:00 am

ProfessorHenryWJonesJr...wheres`s the Expo? Did it come in yet?

ProfessorHenryWJonesJr · Wed Sep 29, 2010 10:20 am

Gorak wrote:ProfessorHenryWJonesJr...wheres`s the Expo? Did it come in yet?

Yes, the Expo arrived this past Monday afternoon. Quick review, it is a VERY nice jacket. Overall sturdy construction. Though the jacket is dark seal lambskin and is lightweight, it is a "substantial" lightweight jacket.

But, personally, still undecided on the fit. Doesn't help that I have a weird shaped physique with wide shoulders. Someone mentioned that the jacket has a bit of a "tight" fit but, I ordered my regular size and it feels a bit oversized. Think I may exchange it for a size down. But, more and more, I am leaning more towards the "custom" route for this type of jacket.

Here is a picture of the front of the jacket with flash.

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Sep 29, 2010 11:25 am

I'm sure it's already posted, but what size is that?

Regards! Michaelson

ProfessorHenryWJonesJr · Wed Sep 29, 2010 11:57 am

Michaelson wrote:I'm sure it's already posted, but what size is that?

Regards! Michaelson

Men's size 48 Regular.

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Sep 29, 2010 12:00 pm

Another thing that may feel 'odd' the first try is the elastic band between the lining and the back that keeps the action pleats closed. This is an old Navy design, and if you aren't aware it's in there, you think the fit across your shoulder blades is off.

Just a thought.

Regards! Michaelson

ProfessorHenryWJonesJr · Wed Sep 29, 2010 1:28 pm

Michaelson wrote:

Another thing that may feel 'odd' the first try is the elastic band between the lining and the back that keeps the action pleats closed. This is an old Navy design, and if you aren't aware it's in there, you think the fit across your shoulder blades is off.

Just a thought.

Regards! Michaelson

Exactly, sir.

When I put on the jacket, I immediately noticed the "fit" in the shoulder area. But, the body seems somewhat wide. My OTR "imported" Wested jackets, which none are the company's "special offer" jackets, are the same numerical size but seem to have a more slimmer, narrow jacket body which fits me better.

Again, I may go down one size and take it from there. But, again, I am leaning heavily towards the custom route.

Tibor · Post by **Tibor** » Wed Sep 29, 2010 2:33 pm

Rundquist wrote:
Indiana Holt wrote:thats just it. I dont like long jackets.

If they could put a 25.5'' sleeve on a 44R it would be perfect for me. and NO snaps. not on a Raiders I do love the snaps but thats the unique to LC/CS. I was thinking of getting an Expo next year.
You don't know until you ask Dave. What I know that they will do is let you buy a regular jacket that you've together (you and them) guessed is the closest to what you want. You get the jacket and then make adjustments based on the pattern of what they sent you. You send them back the jacket and then they build you a new one based on what you need. Cheers

They did this for me on one of their "Raiders" models a few years ago, They put "L" sleeves on a "R" jacket. I run into the same problem. I really don't like the fit of longs on me - they usually end up way down on my hips when all I really want is the sleeves to be longer.

Indydawg · Post by **Indydawg** » Wed Sep 29, 2010 2:34 pm

Careful you don't get so close in with the body that you start getting your gun, whip, and bag snagged on stuff...part of the reason for the bigger body on the Expo, I feel, is so you can layer under it better AND so the other gear doesn't get caught up in the jacket so much..

Gorak · Post by **Gorak** » Wed Sep 29, 2010 3:05 pm

I would think that`s exactly what the unique design of the jacket is for...to NOT get caught up on anything.hence the high side vents, tighter than normal arms all the way up, side straps to close in the weapons rig area.

ProfessorHenryWJonesJr · Wed Sep 29, 2010 3:15 pm

Indydawg wrote:Careful you don't get so close in with the body that you start getting your gun, whip, and bag snagged on stuff...part of the reason for the bigger body on the Expo, I feel, is so you can layer under it better AND so the other gear doesn't get caught up in the jacket so much..

Gorak wrote:I would think that`s exactly what the unique design of the jacket is for...to NOT get caught up on anything.hence the high side vents, tighter than normal arms all the way up, side straps to close in the weapons rig area.

Thank for information and advice, guys.

Much appreciated.

Still possibly going to go down a size for the fact the WHOLE jacket feels oversized. I would like to believe that through some divine intervention

, I actually lost some weight. But, before doing anything else, I am going to have myself remeasured for my jacket size as a precaution.

Gorak · Post by **Gorak** » Thu Sep 30, 2010 8:17 am

Overall ,my friend, it is a great jacket and in most cases, totally looks the part but, like I said about myself before, there is just something off when I put it on that I cannot place my finger on that just doesn`t scratch that Raiders itch. I usually wear a 38 and my jacket is a size 40 so I always blame it on that but its too late and too expensive for me right now to expiriment with this particular jacket....glade I bought it but I still feel like the right jacket for me is out there...somewhere....

ProfessorHenryWJonesJr · Thu Sep 30, 2010 12:47 pm

Again, thank you for all the advice and information, guys. Much appreciated.

Well, the jacket has already been returned. I contacted Gibson and Barnes concerning the in-stock availability of the next size down, which they did not have. The current turnaround time if I were to order the next size down would be four weeks.

To take this off topic for a moment but, considering that situation and the price, have decided to just go the custom route with either Magnoli Clothiers or Todd's Costumes. Yes, I know that Mr. Riley Barrie is still available but, have something already in the preliminary stages concerning that.

After my endless and hopeful, or should I say hopeless, search for an "off the rack" jacket to "scratch that itch", whether it was with Wested, Gibson and Barnes, or U.S. Wings, more and more it has been made apparent to me that it is best to have a custom jacket made.

As many people once stated......if you are going to do something, do it right.

Rundquist · Post by **Rundquist** » Thu Sep 30, 2010 1:03 pm

I also get the next size down with G&B products, though I don't recommend it, as they say to order your regular suit size. Many people are happy doing just that. The other thing about the Indy jacket is that it should feel a little strange/short (maybe), if you have the right fit. It takes a little getting used to. It’s a weird jacket.

Edit- Just looked a little closer at your last post. Hopefully you will find a jacket that fits. It's really disappointing to get a jacket in your hands that doesn't fit. Custom is a good way to go, especially if you don't have average body proportions. However, if you have an average build I would say don't give up so easy on an off the rack jacket. I fit off the rack fine, but even then sometimes it takes me a time or two to get it right.

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Sep 30, 2010 1:35 pm

Well said, Adam!

Regards! Michaelson

Post by **Dr. Nebraska S.** » Sun Oct 10, 2010 12:14 pm

Per earlier suggestions, I've combined the two threads I started ("Any Distressed Expeditions Out There?" and "G&B Owners: Show us your Expeditions"). So, show us your Expeditions--distressed or (like mine) new and being worn in!

And remember:
;0

Best wishes,
Nebraska Schulte

ron521 · Post by **ron521** » Sun Oct 10, 2010 4:09 pm

I posted these in another thread, but since THIS thread popped up, will post them here as well:

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Sun Oct 10, 2010 5:23 pm

Nice jacket, Ron! G&B is noted for their tough jackets. I had a goathide and had to give it the water treatment twice to limber it up. These will last and last under semi-normal conditions.

Gorak · Post by **Gorak** » Mon Oct 11, 2010 8:11 am

Thank you so very much Tundraraider. I take that as a major compliment coming from you as I have seen your taste in jackets.

IndyOriginal · Post by **IndyOriginal** » Mon Oct 11, 2010 9:02 am

I've just been getting into jackets lately, after I received my US Wings Collector's Edition CS cowhide and having the pleasure of distressing it a bit for more of a LC/CS look. I only have one other Indy jacket, a Wested ROLA Lamb from like 1998 that fits poorly (bought it when I was 11 using my dad's measurements). After seeing the US Wings "Legend" jacket, i've basically been set on fire to pick up another ROLA. After looking around, I've got to say that the expedition is probably going to be it for me (the ROLA). The "Legend" is too thick, doesn't hang at all like the ROLA jacket. A Wested will hang right...but wouldn't go for another one after my experience and everything I've heard about inaccuracy/quality issues. Can't get a TN, and wouldn't drop that kind of cash on 1 jacket anyway. From everything I've seen, it all boils down to a Magnoli or an expedition. I'm extremely impressed by what I've seen here in this post...what awesome looking jackets. Hangs like a real pre-CS Indy jacket, and from everything written here, is basically indestructible (which a Wested definitely is not). I'm obviously not nuts about SA, but the more SA the better. I know that no jacket is perfectly SA, but I am very, very impressed by the way these babies look 'out-of-the-box.' Can't wait to pick one up.

Rick Deckard · Post by **Rick Deckard** » Mon Oct 11, 2010 9:45 am

How do you like your CE CS cowhide? In your opinion, how much does it look like a LC jacket? Now that we get $100 off, I'm thinking about picking one up. The LC is my favorite jacket, and from what I can gather that CE jacket is made of thick cowhide and is pretty durable. And that's what I want...a well made jacket I can toss around and not have to baby.

Sorry to go off topic.

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon Oct 11, 2010 10:02 am

Since this is a G&B discussion, you might want to start a new thread on that topic.

Regards! Michaelson

Weston · Post by **Weston** » Wed Nov 24, 2010 11:02 pm

Hey Nebraska!

Did you add those snaps to the jacket, or do they offer it that way? I have no experience with G&B, but have always admired the jacket. What we need to see is a picture of you wearing it in the field, covered in desert dust! Thanks for the pic.

Weston