Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Indiana Croft · Post by **Indiana Croft** » Tue Aug 02, 2016 7:02 pm

Wish there were away to get dimension of there jackets off the site. Rates are good but I don't want take a high dollar error, just can't afford it.

Croft

Forrest For the Trees · Tue Aug 02, 2016 8:34 pm

Indiana Croft wrote:Wish there were away to get dimension of there jackets off the site. Rates are good but I don't want take a high dollar error, just can't afford it.

Croft

Send Bill Kelso Mfg. an email for standard size measurements. I've owned 9 different Indy jackets, and the Kelso is the only one that is every bit as awesome as I would have hoped. It is perfect. They refined Tony Nowak's pattern and paired it with the ideal leather.

afalzon · Post by **afalzon** » Wed Aug 03, 2016 6:07 am

Hi,

We can't post the dimensions of the jackets on the site to avoid being copied by the next Chinese co. who wants to release this jacket (nothing against the Chinese).

If you inquire by email we will reply. We hear that some competitor brand is offering full length replies to your questions while we are said to give the "Spartan" short version. May I remind you that we offer in excess of 30 jacket styles, all high degree exact replicas of vintage jackets and we get tons of questions from vintage jacket enthusiasts on a daily basis, including weekends so our customer service is super busy.

You also know that we have gone great lengths to make this jacket as screen accurate as possible to satisfy our customers and friends; minimize the need for many questions and eliminate the worries about quality and fit.

In case you asked a question and feel that it was not answered completely please feel free to ask again. We are here to help.

And yes we offer fully custom sized.

Indiana Croft · Post by **Indiana Croft** » Wed Aug 03, 2016 1:24 pm

Thank you.
I'll send an email, there are certain measurements that I need.
The Wested Hero I have is awesome, but I feel the back panel is just a bit wide, causing the shoulder seam to hang further down than I think is SA.

I want SA, but it doesn't have to be stich na$#@$I perfect.
I'll send them today, thanks again.

Croft

TheExit148 · Post by **TheExit148** » Wed Aug 03, 2016 5:28 pm

Gorak, can you post a pic of the Cario vs the Hawaii jacket's collars like this? Pretty much the same photo, but over top instead of angled? It'd help with the decisions on which version for me.

Gorak · Post by **Gorak** » Wed Aug 03, 2016 5:56 pm

I will get those as soon as I can.......

Tyrloch · Post by **Tyrloch** » Mon Aug 15, 2016 4:51 pm

For those of you that own a horse hide relic hunter, when you talk about it being a heavy jacket, do you mean heavy like US wings bison jackets? Or Gibson and Barnes Barnes expedition in goatskin? Or is it even heavier than both of those?I guess I'm trying to understand exactly what you guys mean by it's a heavy jacket. I'm not looking for a leather windbreaker, but I don't want to feel like I'm wearing a leather armor either. I'm just trying to decide if the horsehide is exactly what I'm looking for, or if it's going to be too heavy and I should just stick with the goat.

Baldwyn · Post by **Baldwyn** » Mon Aug 15, 2016 8:49 pm

I don't think it's a heavy jacket. I never owned a US Wings Bison, but it's probably heavier than the G&B goatskin I once owned. It's stiffer than any jacket I've owned, but weight-wise it seems similar to cowhide.

Tyrloch · Post by **Tyrloch** » Mon Aug 15, 2016 9:32 pm

How stuff? And stiff before break in, or afterward as well? And US Wings Bison is akin to a heavy duty cowhide.

Canasta · Post by **Canasta** » Tue Aug 16, 2016 3:28 pm

Just got a message from Andy that my Liberty HH will ship this week. YIPPEE!

Tyrloch · Post by **Tyrloch** » Tue Aug 16, 2016 4:21 pm

Also, have you guys experience that they are true to size, or do they run slightly small/large? I am a 41 inch chest, and Andy told me that I would be good with the 40, but I would hate to spend over $1000 on a jacket only to find out it's a little too snug.

Baldwyn · Post by **Baldwyn** » Tue Aug 16, 2016 8:01 pm

The liberty seems softer to me than the Victory. Also lighter than the Victory. The Victory is still stiff after breaking in, but it's not stiff to wear. In otherwords, all the movement points are broken in, but some parts of it are still stiff. I don't mind. It doesn't drape like lamb, but it's not uncomfortable, and I love it

The Relic Hunter is a full cut. I would think you'd be fine with a 40 as well. Andy does a good job sizing people up. I was going to get a 42 Wild Boy, but he said the 40 would be fine, and it is.

Gorak · Post by **Gorak** » Thu Aug 18, 2016 8:33 am

I have fallen waaaay of the wayside with work and all ( I own a pre-school and this time of year is the busiest)but here are photos of the South America and Cairo collars and pockets....
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h304/ ... u7p3ru.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The darker one is the Cairo...the chocolaty one is the SA. Keep in mind that the SA has been majorly artificially distressed while the Cairo is still in almost new condition. Being that it arrived in summer, I haven't been able to wear it much even though it is lighter weigth than the SA. Just been to busy to mess with it right. But here they are...sorry for the late response......

Canasta · Post by **Canasta** » Wed Aug 24, 2016 7:05 pm

Guess what I got in the mail a couple days ago.

Kelso in Liberty HH.

Pics to come.

Tyrloch · Post by **Tyrloch** » Wed Aug 24, 2016 7:43 pm

Ha! Just ordered a Liberty HH yesterday! Would love to see pics of yours to know what to expect...

Canasta · Post by **Canasta** » Wed Aug 24, 2016 9:38 pm

Tyrloch .... Expect perfection! Stiff, beautiful, grainy perfection.
.... And pics a bit later.
C

Baldwyn · Post by **Baldwyn** » Thu Aug 25, 2016 2:16 am

I've seen teaser photos of Canasta's jacket, and I. LOVE. IT. I honestly feel it's got more of a Screen Accurate vibe (color, grain, and drape) than my Victory Horse, not that I'm complaining. Tyrloch, congrats on pulling the trigger!!!!

Tyrloch · Post by **Tyrloch** » Fri Aug 26, 2016 6:04 pm

Thanks Baldwyn! I'm waiting patiently, it's a bit easier since it's still 90* here in NJ! I probably won't be wearing a jacket til the end of Oct!

That being said, I'm still very curious to see what your jacket looks like Canasta. Did you get the seal or dark seal? And since I forgot to confirm this anywhere, does the collar extend midway onto the stormflap? I'm not an SA crazed type of guy, as validated by my hide choice, but it's one of the few things I like to have incorporated on an Indy jacket. Most of my other specs are fit related...

Baldwyn · Post by **Baldwyn** » Fri Aug 26, 2016 7:33 pm

Part-way into the stormflap. Gorak's photo above shows it, kinda. Not exactly midway, more like 1/3 towards the edge. It's lined up with the zipper teeth on the inside.

Canasta · Post by **Canasta** » Fri Aug 26, 2016 9:37 pm

Dark Seal, baby!
These pics are right out of the box. More to come with a little review.
Enjoy, suckers!

)

C

giantthugee86 · Post by **giantthugee86** » Fri Aug 26, 2016 9:48 pm

Wow that looks nice. Wish I had the dough for that.

Canasta · Post by **Canasta** » Fri Aug 26, 2016 9:56 pm

giantthugee86 wrote:Wow that looks nice. Wish I had the dough for that.

I sold a '92 Morgan Whip so I could fund it.
The Morgan was just hanging on my wall, as I had decided
to no longer use it in my performances. I whip should be used.
The jacket I'll wear all the time.

Gorak · Post by **Gorak** » Fri Aug 26, 2016 11:29 pm

Wow, straight outta the box and your collar looks great! Beautiful jacket!

Tyrloch · Post by **Tyrloch** » Sat Aug 27, 2016 11:49 am

Now that's the color I was hoping for! I can't wait to hear your review on fit, hide characteristics and overall quality, etc. But it looks great, and Gorak's right: nice collar without any training!

afalzon · Post by **afalzon** » Wed Aug 31, 2016 3:45 am

Hello all,

Teaser photo from a new (coming soon) BBC WWII related show, featuring the Relic Hunter jacket.

CRB · Post by **CRB** » Thu Sep 01, 2016 2:34 pm

Very intriguing, I can feel my 6th Bill Kelso order coming on ...

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Sat Sep 03, 2016 11:12 am

Gorak wrote:I have fallen waaaay of the wayside with work and all ( I own a pre-school and this time of year is the busiest)but here are photos of the South America and Cairo collars and pockets....
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h304/ ... u7p3ru.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The darker one is the Cairo...the chocolaty one is the SA. Keep in mind that the SA has been majorly artificially distressed while the Cairo is still in almost new condition. Being that it arrived in summer, I haven't been able to wear it much even though it is lighter weigth than the SA. Just been to busy to mess with it right. But here they are...sorry for the late response......

LOVING these photos, my friend!
THANK YOU as always for the fantastic (and informative) photos you post!

Bartram · Post by **Bartram** » Mon Sep 12, 2016 7:06 pm

So, I've decided that the Relic Hunter is the jacket for me, but I'd love some advice on sizing.

Anyone ordered one in a "Long" cut.
I am long waisted and wear a 41L in a suit coat.
Does anyone else wear a Long in a sportcoat, and if so, did you order a "Long" in your Relic Hunter, and if so....how did it fit?

Inquiring minds want to know....especially while this exchange rate lasts;)

Thanks,
B

giantthugee86 · Post by **giantthugee86** » Mon Sep 12, 2016 7:15 pm

Canasta wrote:Dark Seal, baby!
These pics are right out of the box. More to come with a little review.
Enjoy, suckers! )

C

What kind of skin is that?

Canasta · Post by **Canasta** » Mon Sep 12, 2016 7:35 pm

That's the Liberty HH.

giantthugee86 wrote:
Canasta wrote:Dark Seal, baby!
These pics are right out of the box. More to come with a little review.
Enjoy, suckers! )

C

What kind of skin is that?

Glenville86 · Post by **Glenville86** » Tue Sep 13, 2016 12:46 am

Bartram wrote:So, I've decided that the Relic Hunter is the jacket for me, but I'd love some advice on sizing.

Anyone ordered one in a "Long" cut.
I am long waisted and wear a 41L in a suit coat.
Does anyone else wear a Long in a sportcoat, and if so, did you order a "Long" in your Relic Hunter, and if so....how did it fit?

Inquiring minds want to know....especially while this exchange rate lasts;)

Thanks,
B

I ordered mine in a longer length (48L) with a 28 inch back length. Cost an additional 50 pounds. The jacket is too long if you are into screen accuracy. I am not so much into SA and it is fine. I personally think I could have ordered the standard size and it would have fit fine. I think it is similar if ordering a Wested Hero where the back length will seem too short but fits fine. I ordered the Hero in it's longest back length which was under 28 inches (normal back length for other Indy jackets for me) and it was fine.

Bartram · Post by **Bartram** » Tue Sep 13, 2016 11:23 pm

Glennville, this is super helpful. Did you have much correspondence over it, or just order off the rack?

B

Glenville86 · Post by **Glenville86** » Tue Sep 13, 2016 11:44 pm

Bartram wrote:Glennville, this is super helpful. Did you have much correspondence over it, or just order off the rack?

B

I basically ordered a size 48 off the rack but gave them the measurements from one of my Wested off the rack Raiders jackets that I liked the fit of. We had a few mail exchanges as the 28 inch back was slightly longer than they sell the jacket for at regular price. They had to make a new pattern for mine. I think I would have been fine length wise without going over the max allowed for the length on the off the rack. The Kelso is actually longer than any of my other jackets from Wested, S&J and USW.

Tyrloch · Post by **Tyrloch** » Fri Sep 16, 2016 6:10 pm

Am I mistaken, or did Canasta post a few pics and then tease us with the mention of more with a review?

Canasta · Post by **Canasta** » Wed Sep 21, 2016 11:57 am

I really like the jacket .... a lot.
The hide is nicer than any other I have had. It's dark, but not flat. It has depth. Probably not as much as the Victory, but they are dyed differently.
I chose this hide simply because I wanted HH, but couldn't justify the cost of the VHH.
The HH has a nice texture. Pretty rich. As they state on their site, the HH takes on nicks, scratches pretty easy.
You will notice in the pics.
There are a couple things I would change it I was going to order again.
• Pocket placement.
The pockets are about an inch farther back and a little higher than other jackets (like my GB). It is a little harder to get my hands into the pockets than I would like. I have to kinda work at it. (I'm really referring to the flaps. The hand warmers are not an issue.)

• The arm holes are just a tad tight under the pit, so I notice them a little. not so much an issue.

I do really like the jacket and the hide choice. I really thought about the Surrogate with modified pockets. It has a cool back panel. I like a jacket that is a little longer.

The pocket

Sleeve nicks

Pocket placement compared to Gibson Barnes (bottom)

Hope this helps. Can't wait to see more from others with HH.
C

Tyrloch · Post by **Tyrloch** » Wed Sep 21, 2016 12:55 pm

What's the size of your jacket and the size of the armhole? I'm surprised that no one else has mentioned their jackets being snug in the armpits...

Canasta · Post by **Canasta** » Wed Sep 21, 2016 1:44 pm

It's a 44. I'll measure the hole.
I don't think I have fat armpits

)

CRB · Post by **CRB** » Wed Sep 21, 2016 4:48 pm

Is the jacket heavy ? Is it supple or stiff ?

Canasta · Post by **Canasta** » Wed Sep 21, 2016 5:05 pm

CRB wrote:Is the jacket heavy ? Is it supple or stiff ?

It's a little heavier than my GB in goat. It's not a summer jacket, that's for sure.
The jacket is a little stiff, but the hide feels really nice. It's a substantial jacket for sure.

C

Did I mention the scent .... oh boy.

Glenville86 · Post by **Glenville86** » Thu Sep 22, 2016 8:36 am

Ordered another one today. This time in Horsehide Mark 31 Seal. Like I need another jacket -

Indiana Croft · Post by **Indiana Croft** » Fri Sep 23, 2016 7:26 pm

Can I ask a blatantly bold question.

How do you guys afford these things, I want one but just have such a hard time paying out over 500 and that's not with shipping.

Waiting I can handle, but the price just keeps putting me off.

Sorry

Croft

Oh, and nice jackets, they are beautiful.

Tyrloch · Post by **Tyrloch** » Fri Sep 23, 2016 8:05 pm

I would venture either independently wealthy, a bunch of o/t, of a few bank heists...

Forrest For the Trees · Fri Sep 23, 2016 8:44 pm

Or questionable priorities.

I justified it as I had collectively spent just as much on several jackets that I wasn't happy with and ended up selling. Plus, once you invest enough in a hobby or two, they end up funding themselves as you sell some stuff off and purchase something else. And, I almost always buy gently used. I rarely buy retail or brand new. Most of this stuff pretty much loses half its monetary value once it is in your possession.

With some collectibles, however, a little patience can go a long way. Just sold my toy collection and literally got a few thousand dollars for everything. Ditto for some collectible vintage clothes and books.

But now that my wife and I have had a kid, my spending on this kind of stuff has come to screeching halt. Now I get to funnel my money into daycare and diapers!

Canasta · Post by **Canasta** » Fri Sep 23, 2016 10:29 pm

Indiana Croft wrote:Can I ask a blatantly bold question.

How do you guys afford these things, I want one but just have such a hard time paying out over 500 and that's not with shipping.

Waiting I can handle, but the price just keeps putting me off.

Sorry

Croft

Oh, and nice jackets, they are beautiful.

I completely get where you are coming from.
I actually sold a '92 Morgan Whip to afford the jacket.

Glenville86 · Post by **Glenville86** » Sat Sep 24, 2016 2:17 am

Indiana Croft wrote:Can I ask a blatantly bold question.

How do you guys afford these things, I want one but just have such a hard time paying out over 500 and that's not with shipping.

Waiting I can handle, but the price just keeps putting me off.

Sorry

Croft

Oh, and nice jackets, they are beautiful.

In my case, I am retired Army and now work civil service. No kids in the house or major expenses except for my house payment which is not that high. I am currently overseas where they pay my rent and utilities. These last 10 years overseas, I have bought everything I wanted as I will go back to a "normal" life in KY soon and priorities will shift.

Indiana Croft · Post by **Indiana Croft** » Sat Sep 24, 2016 8:42 pm

Thanks, I'm am currently working towards a Kelso, just not there yet. Do need to sell some things. Anyone into movie poster one sheets. Have a lot of vintage Eastwood.

Croft

Canasta · Post by **Canasta** » Tue Sep 27, 2016 4:42 pm

Actually considering selling my Liberty HH Kelso.
I love the hide, but feel it is just a little too snug in the pits and the pocket placement I would like to change.
I would order another with mods. The hide as fantastic.

C

Tyrloch · Post by **Tyrloch** » Tue Sep 27, 2016 6:02 pm

Too snug, huh? Did you ever measure them? From shoulder seam straight to where the arm hits the body...

zhund · Post by **zhund** » Tue Sep 27, 2016 6:48 pm

I just ordered the Cairo version after a lot of consideration and so many favorable reviews. I'll be sure to post some lovely pics when it arrives.

Canasta · Post by **Canasta** » Tue Sep 27, 2016 10:04 pm

Tyrloch wrote:Too snug, huh? Did you ever measure them? From shoulder seam straight to where the arm hits the body...

I did, and it seems like the measurements are a little off.

Pit to pit mine measures 22.5/23", They should be 24.5 according to the info I was given for a standard 44

Shoulder to shoulder measures 20", but should be 21.5".

Shoulder to pit on my GB is 11", whereas the Kelso measures 10"

C