Here it is, my US Wings Imported Cowhide

kwad · Post by **kwad** » Fri Dec 17, 2010 9:45 pm

As promised, here are the photos of my new US Wings Imported Cowhide.

Just arrived yesterday.

The leather is darker than I was expecting (which is a good thing) and has a waxy finish.
The grain is amazing! There are randomly placed patches that look like the Bison hide.
It is heavier than my Wested lambskin, but, lighter than my Novapelle. Overall, a nice weight.

Construction wise, it is top notch. I couldn't imagine the US version being any better made.
One thing that I was not expecting was the handwarmers. They are not cut into the liner (the pockets are of the patch type). I actually prefer them this way as the straps don't pull the pockets open (like on my Wested's)
One single slit style inside pocket on left side.

The liner is very nice (and it fits the shell of the jacket well).

Zipper is a #5, antiqued brass YKK.
Strap sliders are a steel grey color, and look very nice up against the dark, chocolatey brown color of the leather.

Weston · Post by **Weston** » Fri Dec 17, 2010 10:07 pm

Very, very nice Kwad! It looks like Sarge upgraded the offering since I posted my pics and review. Mine was a prototype all. This looks even better to me!

Weston

kwad · Post by **kwad** » Fri Dec 17, 2010 10:25 pm

Thanks Weston. In what ways does my jacket differ from your proto?

I could not be happier with this jacket. To me, THIS IS A RAIDERS JACKET!
It reminds me sooo much of the Hawiian/Imam's jacket (which happens to be my favorite).

My Wested Authentic Lamb will soon be the property of my Father in law. (It's too small for me, but, just right on him). Any man that wears a vintage fedora every day, as he does, needs a good Indy Jacket.

I forgot to mention, in addition to a $100 discount, Sarge also included a good heavy weight hanger, a free US Wings hat, a $10 gift card and a copy of his autobiography (very interesting read that has given me a new appreciation for the man). Now if that ain't generous, I don't know what is.

Weston · Post by **Weston** » Fri Dec 17, 2010 10:38 pm

kwad wrote:
Thanks Weston. In what ways does my jacket differ from your proto?

You can take a look a mine in this thread if you want.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=48449" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It looks to me like the differences are the leather, lining, and sliders. Everything else looks identical. The Kids Indy jackets use the same leather as the adults, and when my daughters jacket arrived I thought "Holy smokes! The Kids jacket is even better than mine!" I swear the lining is satin, not nylon. If it is nylon, it the finest, softest nylon I've evern seen.

Weston

Holt · Post by **Holt** » Fri Dec 17, 2010 11:00 pm

YES!!

there it is!

Man! Look at those pocket flaps!!!!! one of the best set of flaps I have ever seen!!

I cant wait until I get my Schott made!

Love the sliders. looks metal? is it?

Man! I am jealous!.. I would so love a imported jakcet aswell! the fit is spot on, I'm guessing a size Large? looks like it! I'm seeing the raven bar jacket in this one!

Mark Brody · Post by **Mark Brody** » Fri Dec 17, 2010 11:02 pm

Looks great! I can't wait to get mine. So is the final cut true to size?

bobcatmvp1 · Post by **bobcatmvp1** » Fri Dec 17, 2010 11:06 pm

Looks GREAT! If you don't mind, what size are you wearing, and what is your height and weight?

kwad · Post by **kwad** » Fri Dec 17, 2010 11:28 pm

Holt,
Yes, the sliders are metal. They have a dull gunmetal/raw steel look.

Weston,
You are right about the lining. It is super smooth.
It is MORE silky smooth that than the satin liner in my Wested. I love it.
I was expecting the leather to look like the naked Cow used on the Hero jackets. I was NOT expecting this! The smell!!!!

Mark,
I usually wear a 44R. This jacket fits me perfectly.

BobCat,
The jacket is a large. I am 5'10, 190 pounds.

Tundra,

As you are the owner of one of the greatest jackets ever made, I'll take that as a great compliment

Measurements are,(zipped up, laying flat, action pleats tucked in flat).

Pit to Pit: 23"
Waist: 22"
Back: 25" (from bottom of collar stand to hem)
Sleeves: 26" (from sholder seam to cuff, outside)

indy1936 · Post by **indy1936** » Sat Dec 18, 2010 12:16 am

Great looking jacket! I'd love to find out the back/sleeve measurements of one in an XL or XL/long. I have been unable to get a clear answer after talking to uswings several times. The only thing holding me back from ordering is not knowing which size and length that I need.

whipcracker · Post by **whipcracker** » Sat Dec 18, 2010 2:20 am

That is a Raiders jacket!!!!!!

Man I wish I could get one of these at $195 that's a steal, but my houses have not sold

and I am afraid that I will miss the COW offer, even though i was on the otiginal list for the calf...

But there will be others, Christmas for the kids and wife is more important.

you have one of the NICEST jackets I have seen. Holt I agree, PERFECT pocket flaps! Love it love it love it.

Wear it well........... $\:D/$ $\:D/$ $\:D/$

damieneo · Post by **damieneo** » Sat Dec 18, 2010 10:01 am

Kwad, the jacket looks amazing! It fits you well, almost tailor made to your specifications. I have the Hero jacket and if you say this is different ...Wow!

Can't wait to get mine this tuesday 21st when it clears local customs. Just can't wait to wear it to my local tv industry awards ceremony

..... And local tv as a Christmas special is running the 4 Indy films nightly...Gosh...I'm rambling

djd · Post by **djd** » Sat Dec 18, 2010 10:04 am

Nice one Kwad!

kwad · Post by **kwad** » Sat Dec 18, 2010 1:52 pm

Damieneo,

All the pictures I have seen of the Hero Nekkid Cow look very different from this leather.
The Hero jacket pics I have seen look to be a lighter base color with a crackled, darker pigment layed over the top (with those little black dots).
This leather is very even in color (no mismatched panels) .
You are going to love your jacket (once customs is done trying it on

)

djd,
thank you!
I can't wait to see yours when it comes in (US made SL, right?)

Ravenswood · Post by **Ravenswood** » Sat Dec 18, 2010 2:07 pm

I agree. Far and away, that IS the RAIDERS jacket!!

I'd snatch it up in a heart-beat, but this year finds me in debt up to my eyebrows...

coronado3 · Post by **coronado3** » Sat Dec 18, 2010 2:44 pm

Okay, throw this thing in the washer and lets see what happens....

IndianaChris711 · Post by **IndianaChris711** » Sat Dec 18, 2010 8:05 pm

Man that is a nice Raiders cowhide jacket.

Well I was wondering whether to even get a cowhide, but look at this one, and it is an import. Very good quality. I ordered a Straited Lamb from Sarge, just don't know if the pocket flaps are going to look like those, these look perfect on this jacket. Very tempted to go with this jacket instead of my straited lambskin made here in the states.

IndianaChris

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Sun Dec 19, 2010 9:53 am

QUITE impressive!

I'm VERY happy for you, kwad.

djd · Post by **djd** » Sun Dec 19, 2010 10:20 am

kwad wrote:

djd,
thank you!
I can't wait to see yours when it comes in (US made SL, right?)

That's the plan! Hopefully they'll tell me it's shipped in the next couple of days

kwad · Post by **kwad** » Sun Dec 19, 2010 11:36 am

coronado3 wrote:Okay, throw this thing in the washer and lets see what happens....

Nope, no washing machines for this one

I'm going to let this one age all by itself. However, It MAY get a coat of pecards in the future.

DJD,
Don't forget the pics when it arrives!

damieneo · Post by **damieneo** » Thu Dec 23, 2010 3:26 am

Mine arrived yesterday after clearing Customs. Here it is:

It's hard to show the colors properly. But it is closer to the US Made Cow Legend on the US Wings website. Other than that, in most areas it is the same as described by kwad. I should be able to post pics of me wearing it later. The fit seems a little roomy for me, The shoulders overhang on mine. But then when I first got the Hero Cow jacket, it was big but seems to have shrunk a size down and fits me well now.

The leather is actually very rich in feel, slightly waxy as kwad described it. It's kinda soft and smooth when running the fingers along the leather surface. One thing I am surprised is that it seems almost like there's no antique process done to the jacket. Except for a light change of color in a patch on the left side of the jacket, it is almost even and like new.

IT is also very different leather from the Hero Cow jacket. The Hero jacket is soft, but this Legend is softer and lighter in weight. Drapes well too. The scent of the leather is almost ...like a a real animal!

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Thu Dec 23, 2010 3:58 am

Congrats Damieneo!!!

That looks amazing!!

Ian

Holt · Post by **Holt** » Thu Dec 23, 2010 9:00 am

man, Im really starting to dig those cowhide jackets.

how'bout a back shot?

kwad · Post by **kwad** » Thu Dec 23, 2010 3:28 pm

Damieneo,

Nice looking jacket you got there

You should try using some Pecards leather dressing on it.

I used the cream style Pecards (it's the gell type without all the bees wax in it) two days ago.
Wow, what an improvement!

In daylight, my jacket originally was a rusty brown color and looked very light.
After the pecards, it looks like the jacket does in the movie!!
In low light, it looks almost black, in direct light, it is dark brown with a reddish undertone.

When I look at it now, I think "Now THAT is authentic brown!!".

I'll take some pics later to show y'all.

Holt,

Just BUY ONE ALREADY!!!

You will not be dissapointed.

damieneo · Post by **damieneo** » Fri Dec 24, 2010 12:57 am

Ian,
Thanks!

Been wearing the jacket all day. Can't believe how comfortable and light it is. The lining is really silky soft.

Holt,

I will try to get some pictures of the overall fit on me

Kwad,

Thanks for the suggestion. It's hard to get pecard over here, but I guess I will need to order one soon. Will need it for the Hero Cow as well as a Caiecedo Whip. Did you notice any slight changes in the fit after applying pecard? I like how the jacket fits on you. I am at 5' 8" and wear a size small. The jacket feels like a of room for me. Maybe I need to bulk up since I have a slender frame LOL!

Weston · Post by **Weston** » Fri Dec 24, 2010 1:16 am

damieneo wrote:Ian,
Thanks! Been wearing the jacket all day. Can't believe how comfortable and light it is. The lining is really silky soft.

Holt,

I will try to get some pictures of the overall fit on me

Kwad,

Thanks for the suggestion. It's hard to get pecard over here, but I guess I will need to order one soon. Will need it for the Hero Cow as well as a Caiecedo Whip. Did you notice any slight changes in the fit after applying pecard? I like how the jacket fits on you. I am at 5' 8" and wear a size small. The jacket feels like a of room for me. Maybe I need to bulk up since I have a slender frame LOL!

Don't be in a rush to treat the leather. If it's the same leather as my daughters jacket, it won't need conditioner for a long, long time! It really is beautiful stuff, and already permeated with oils, so, don't be in a big hurry to dress it.

Weston

kwad · Post by **kwad** » Fri Dec 24, 2010 1:32 am

Weston,

No water treatment for this one thank you!
I used the pecards specifically to darken the leather. (I like it much better now. Didn't think that was possible!)

Damieneo,

No, the treatment did not alter the size in any way.
Just wear the jacket as much as possible and it will conform to your shape.
Mine felt big and boxy when I first pulled it out of the box. Now, after wearing it night and day since I got it, it fits like a glove.

kwad · Post by **kwad** » Fri Dec 24, 2010 1:57 am

Here she is after the Pecards, next to my Wested Lamb for comparison (the Wested is in front).

You can still see the parts of the leather that were distressed. They are the reddish patches you see on the breast panel.

And here is a shot of my sleeve. The Pecards really made the cragly grain in the leather more apparent. The whole jacket has beautiful graining, just some spots are more extreme than others.
It gives the jacket alot of character.

Once again, thank you Sarge/US Wings! I finally have the Raiders jacket I always wanted.

orb · Post by **orb** » Fri Dec 24, 2010 2:52 am

Wear this with proud !

kwad · Post by **kwad** » Fri Dec 24, 2010 3:00 am

Thank you Orb, I certainly will (and do).

Noah · Post by **Noah** » Mon Jan 03, 2011 4:32 pm

I'm a bit late, but great looking jacket kwad! Great fit on you!

whipcracker · Post by **whipcracker** » Mon Jan 03, 2011 5:37 pm

Man that is one nice jacket!! Can't beat the value. Wear it long and well!!

damieneo · Post by **damieneo** » Sat Jan 29, 2011 6:37 am

Well, here's fun shot of me in the Legend. Didn't plan to but my colleague asked me to put on the jacket and just appeared in a scene for a telemovie

As for SA gears....

Was using only what I had in hand at that time.

Anyway, the heat that day was like 96 Fahrenheit! Sauna Legend

Must say, the jacket held up very well, the grains are popping up.

Holt · Post by **Holt** » Sat Jan 29, 2011 8:26 am

awesome! for one second there I could have sworn you wore a lambskin raiders jacket. great drape!

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Sat Jan 29, 2011 11:41 am

That's a wonderful photo, damieneo!
Hopefully when your colleague finishes this project you will be able to share some more of it (photos or video) with us here at C.O.W.

Best regards,
Mitch

Mark Brody · Post by **Mark Brody** » Sat Jan 29, 2011 12:18 pm

damieneo wrote:Well, here's fun shot of me in the Legend. Didn't plan to but my colleague asked me to put on the jacket and just appeared in a scene for a telemovie As for SA gears.... Was using only what I had in hand at that time.

Anyway, the heat that day was like 96 Fahrenheit! Sauna Legend Must say, the jacket held up very well, the grains are popping up.

Did I miss the episode of "Lost" where Jin wore an Indiana Jones costume, or was this from "Hawaii Five-O"?

That jacket looks great, damieneo - I've got some pretty high hopes for it.

damieneo · Post by **damieneo** » Sun Jan 30, 2011 5:08 am

Indiana Holt wrote:awesome! for one second there I could have sworn you wore a lambskin raiders jacket. great drape!

Holt, thanks! I had a double-take myself when I first received the jacket. It is so soft that it drape so well and made me wonder if this was a cowhide in the first place. Some of my colleagues were surprised that this IS a leather jacket, with such a 30 year old leather texture to it.

You should see the graining popping out now. I'll post some new shots of the jacket later.

Mitch LaRue wrote:That's a wonderful photo, damieneo!
Hopefully when your colleague finishes this project you will be able to share some more of it (photos or video) with us here at C.O.W.

Best regards,
Mitch

Thanks, Mitch

Snapshots of the jacket in action coming soon along with the Fed IV and Caicedo whip in action.

Mark Brody wrote:
Did I miss the episode of "Lost" where Jin wore an Indiana Jones costume, or was this from "Hawaii Five-O"?

That jacket looks great, damieneo - I've got some pretty high hopes for it.

LOL! Where I am, the climate should be similiar to Hawaii so wearing this jacket in mid-noon while I was shooting this scene is like being in a sauna. Mark, Once you get your replacement jacket, you will definitely like it. It's really soft, and feel luxurious. And it drapes so well.

kwad · Post by **kwad** » Sun Jan 30, 2011 9:03 am

Very cool Damieneo!
The jacket is looking great.

With use, my jacket has become very soft and the grain is popping out as well.
I've put two coats of Pecards Leather Cream (the gell like stuff without the wax) on mine and the leather looks even better (I've also been beating the carp out of it every chance I get. It just asks for more). It darkened the leather quite a bit, but, it still gives off that beautiful reddish brown glow in direct sunlight. Indoors, it is almost black.

I have only two gripes about my jacket.
One is/was the label. That thick hunk of leather that the USW label was on would rub right against my spine, in between my shoulder blades. I eventually removed it (and the jacket is much more comfy).

The second was the hanger loop. Mine was sewn onto the TOP of the collar stand. After one use, the hanger would stick a good 1/2" above the collar. Although it was very useful, I ended up cutting it off.

As a side note, I finally found the country of origin label. It is on the back of the size tag.
According to the label, my jacket was made in Pakistan.

damieneo · Post by **damieneo** » Sun Jan 30, 2011 9:17 am

kwad wrote:Very cool Damieneo!
The jacket is looking great.

With use, my jacket has become very soft and the grain is popping out as well.
I've put two coats of Pecards Leather Cream (the gell like stuff without the wax) on mine and the leather looks even better (I've also been beating the carp out of it every chance I get. It just asks for more). It darkened the leather quite a bit, but, it still gives off that beautiful reddish brown glow in direct sunlight. Indoors, it is almost black.

I have only two gripes about my jacket.
One is/was the label. That thick hunk of leather that the USW label was on would rub right against my spine, in between my shoulder blades. I eventually removed it (and the jacket is much more comfy).

The second was the hanger loop. Mine was sewn onto the TOP of the collar stand. After one use, the hanger would stick a good 1/2" above the collar. Although it was very useful, I ended up cutting it off.

As a side note, I finally found the country of origin label. It is on the back of the size tag.
According to the label, my jacket was made in Pakistan.

Thanks kwad

I also noticed the hanger loop on mine. Whenever I tried to lower lower the collar it will stick out. Maybe I will cut if off. I agree with you about the leather on this jacket. The more I wear it, the more it goes softer, though mine seems to be softer on the left hand side while on the right hand side, the jacket has wonderful graininess that was not seen while it was new. I haven't tried any dressing on it, though I have Obenauf's which I used on my Hero Jacket, which really turns it almost deep dark chocolate. The sleeves developed thhose piped creasing and fold like on Weston's jackets. Nice!

Yup, mine was made in Pakistan as well. Same for the Hero jacket. I thought they were made in China.

damieneo · Post by **damieneo** » Mon Jan 31, 2011 2:32 pm

Tundrarider wrote:Great jacket and awesome pic, Damieneo!!! You really have the "Adventurer look" down pat!

Michael

Michael,

Coming from the great adventurer himself with the greatest jacket I've ever seen, your comments are greatly appreciated

.

Thanks!

PS Wish you were around...Now that would have been some kind of shoot!

damieneo · Post by **damieneo** » Wed Feb 09, 2011 12:28 pm

Some snapshots of the Legend in action in a telemovie I was in.

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Wed Feb 09, 2011 2:21 pm

I SECOND that.

Looking REAL good, damieneo!

JC1972 · Post by **JC1972** » Wed Feb 09, 2011 3:06 pm

damieneo,
That jacket looks great and looks great on you. Wear it in good health.

damieneo · Post by **damieneo** » Thu Feb 17, 2011 10:15 pm

Tundrarider wrote:I can't believe the drape on your jacket! Great action shots!!! They really show the jacket off and make it come to life!

You look great!!!

Michael

Thanks Michael!

It drapes well now ever since I applied Obenauf's on the jacket. Really, really soft.

Mitch LaRue wrote:I SECOND that.

Looking REAL good, damieneo!

Mitch, thanks!

Thought I get some action pics after seeing how great you look in your action pics

JC1972 wrote:damieneo,
That jacket looks great and looks great on you. Wear it in good health.

Thanks, JC

It will be my wrhorse jacket soon