Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Discuss all of the intricacies of the jacket in full detail

Moderators: Indiana Jeff, Mike, Indydawg

Orl
Field Surveyor
Field Surveyor
Posts: 67
Joined: Thu Mar 19, 2009 11:00 am
Location: Canary Islands

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by Orl »

Yes \:D/ \:D/ \:D/ \:D/ \:D/
O.H.G. Relic Hunter 22 Dec

I haven't received any mail from Andy yet. I hope to have the jacket soon :lol: :lol: :lol:

Where did you see the published list?
User avatar
Mulceber
Legendary Adventurer
Legendary Adventurer
Posts: 2963
Joined: Sat Aug 02, 2003 11:08 pm

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by Mulceber »

Their facebook page. :TOH: If their schedule had it finished on December 22nd, it's possible it hasn't shipped yet, especially if they were a day or two behind schedule. I bet it's finished, and they'll send it out when their offices/the post office are open again.
Orl
Field Surveyor
Field Surveyor
Posts: 67
Joined: Thu Mar 19, 2009 11:00 am
Location: Canary Islands

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by Orl »

Yes, I just entered your FB and saw it. Probably he sent it in these days
Orl
Field Surveyor
Field Surveyor
Posts: 67
Joined: Thu Mar 19, 2009 11:00 am
Location: Canary Islands

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by Orl »

At last \:D/ I have The Relic Hunter Jacket in my possession. I received it on Wednesday but until today I haven't had time to take some pics. I have to say that I decided on this one because I was looking for both the model and the more precise skin used on the screen. I was between two craftsman S & J and BK. Finally I chose BK and the only drawback was the delay but the wait was worth it. The jacket is of an extraordinary quality and feels like a glove fitting perfectly. I had owned several Wested before and the smoothness of this one only resembles the first Wested I had about 18 years ago. The size I normally use is a 44 but I decided on this in a size 42 by adding 0.5 inch on the lake. I'm very happy with this jacket and I think I finally found the Raiders jacket. I appreciate your comments :whip:


Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
User avatar
CRB
Archaeologist
Archaeologist
Posts: 332
Joined: Fri Oct 22, 2010 12:26 pm
Location: London, UK
Contact:

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by CRB »

Awesome fit and look in that one, well done


Excited to see the Grail when it arrives ...
mister.e.meat78
Dig Worker
Dig Worker
Posts: 13
Joined: Tue Jan 15, 2019 10:03 pm

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by mister.e.meat78 »

That jacket looks fantastic!!

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
User avatar
Indiana Jeff
Site Admin
Site Admin
Posts: 10204
Joined: Thu Aug 07, 2008 1:59 am
Location: TX Panhandle

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by Indiana Jeff »

That's a home run right there!


Regards,

Indiana Jeff
Orl
Field Surveyor
Field Surveyor
Posts: 67
Joined: Thu Mar 19, 2009 11:00 am
Location: Canary Islands

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by Orl »

thanks guys, I appreciate your comments! What worried me most was the length of the jacket. We always see it or short or long and no matter how it should be as we see on the screen ](*,)
CM
Legendary Adventurer
Legendary Adventurer
Posts: 2592
Joined: Thu Jan 18, 2007 6:43 am
Location: Melbourne, Australia

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by CM »

In the film the jacket looks short or long depending on the shot, angle and posture/stance of HF. Like any jacket it sits differently in different contexts. It drove many of us crazy before we realised that that's just how jackets photograph. Additionally, the pattern appears to slide off Ford and sits lower and higher depending on movement ;)
Orl
Field Surveyor
Field Surveyor
Posts: 67
Joined: Thu Mar 19, 2009 11:00 am
Location: Canary Islands

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by Orl »

true, even so it brings us crazy! I’m quite happy with the length of my jacket. I will have to take some more pics of different positions to compare. Even so, I think I've been successful :-k
CM
Legendary Adventurer
Legendary Adventurer
Posts: 2592
Joined: Thu Jan 18, 2007 6:43 am
Location: Melbourne, Australia

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by CM »

It looks great. Remember this is not a science. :TOH:
User avatar
Tibor
Museum Curator
Museum Curator
Posts: 1222
Joined: Tue Aug 05, 2008 6:47 pm
Location: Chicago

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by Tibor »

The length is a perfect compromise of the different jackets/scenes in Raiders. Looks great!
User avatar
Mulceber
Legendary Adventurer
Legendary Adventurer
Posts: 2963
Joined: Sat Aug 02, 2003 11:08 pm

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by Mulceber »

Another home run from the folks at BK. It looks like a fantastic jacket - wear it in good health!
User avatar
Forrest For the Trees
Museum Curator
Museum Curator
Posts: 1234
Joined: Sat Apr 18, 2009 1:01 am
Location: Okay, it's not really the South... it's Texas

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by Forrest For the Trees »

Length is exactly right. Front hem about 1 inch past belt buckle, back hem just at top of rear pockets.
Orl
Field Surveyor
Field Surveyor
Posts: 67
Joined: Thu Mar 19, 2009 11:00 am
Location: Canary Islands

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by Orl »

thanks guys for your appreciations!
User avatar
Mulceber
Legendary Adventurer
Legendary Adventurer
Posts: 2963
Joined: Sat Aug 02, 2003 11:08 pm

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by Mulceber »

Not a Raiders jacket, but a BK jacket.

When I first got my Relic Hunter, I fell in love with the craftsmanship and the phenomenal leather that they use, and decided I needed to get one of their A-2s. Well after much back-and-forth with Andy about sizing, I decided on a Dubow 1755, size 42R in Badalassi Cowhide (seal). It arrived a few weeks ago, and I've been wearing it ever since:

Image
Image

When I first tried it on, I thought "Oh no, Andy's messed up the sizing! I'm going to have to try and exchange it!" Andy very patiently explained to me though that this actually is a good fit. The A-2 is not a Raiders jacket and folks in the first half of the 20th century had very different ideas about what was a good fit (also, their pants had substantially higher waistlines). I've been wearing it ever since, and I see what he means. It takes a little getting used to, but the A-2 is very comfortable. Since I started wearing it, I haven't been wearing the Relic Hunter since it's too light to wear in the depths of winter, but I tried it on a couple times and it actually feels baggy by comparison. :shock:
User avatar
distantpeople
Archaeologist
Archaeologist
Posts: 279
Joined: Sat Oct 15, 2016 5:48 am
Location: Department of Archeology, University of London

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by distantpeople »

A period photo for reference:

Image

Take care with an A-2, you can inadvertently begin a new collection...

Image
User avatar
Forrest For the Trees
Museum Curator
Museum Curator
Posts: 1234
Joined: Sat Apr 18, 2009 1:01 am
Location: Okay, it's not really the South... it's Texas

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by Forrest For the Trees »

When I first tried it on, I thought "Oh no, Andy's messed up the sizing! I'm going to have to try and exchange it!"
That's funny, because when I first saw your picture, I thought, "That's awesome! He got a perfect fit!" Great choice. :clap:
User avatar
Kladdagh
Field Surveyor
Field Surveyor
Posts: 65
Joined: Wed Feb 24, 2016 1:07 pm
Location: In a Museum ...

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by Kladdagh »

I agree ... It is the perfect fit for this era with the A2 ... Congrats :TOH:
User avatar
Charybdis
Museum Curator
Museum Curator
Posts: 1655
Joined: Thu Sep 20, 2012 3:36 pm
Location: Palmetto State (SC)

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by Charybdis »

Nice! And my perfect sizing too, 42R!!! It's interesting that you said that you "needed" to get an A2, funny that's exactly what I think as well. I would love to get a BK A2, man those are nice!

Now correct me if I'm wrong, but aside from the bomber crews who had to wear the heavy leather gear for the cold temps, but did fighter pilots actually wear the leather flight jacket in the cockpit on missions? I have never really seen photos of them in the leather jacket in the cockpit, mostly is was their flight suit and mae wests (for Navy fliers)...anyone know for sure?
User avatar
davidd
Professor of Archaeology
Professor of Archaeology
Posts: 769
Joined: Thu Nov 27, 2008 2:54 am
Location: Somewhere in rural Utah
Contact:

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by davidd »

Congrats on the Kelso A2! That is a nice looking jacket!
User avatar
Canasta
Dig Leader
Dig Leader
Posts: 545
Joined: Tue Jul 02, 2002 9:58 am
Location: Springfield, Illinos
Contact:

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by Canasta »

Looks great!
The Badalassi cowhide is so nice.
i had a chance to try on, what was at the time, and may still be, the only
Relic Hunter made in that hide.
I have a RH in the Liberty HH and LOVE it.
User avatar
Nosirrah
Professor of Archaeology
Professor of Archaeology
Posts: 916
Joined: Thu Dec 07, 2017 8:55 pm
Location: On, in or under the Great Lakes.
Contact:

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by Nosirrah »

Canasta wrote: The Badalassi cowhide is so nice.
Can you say that on this forum? :shock: [-X
I tried it once and got bleeped. :oops:
IndianaJustin
Museum Curator
Museum Curator
Posts: 1363
Joined: Tue Jan 09, 2018 4:09 pm
Location: South America 1936

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by IndianaJustin »

Badalassi
Badalassi
Badalassi...cowhide :lol:
User avatar
Mulceber
Legendary Adventurer
Legendary Adventurer
Posts: 2963
Joined: Sat Aug 02, 2003 11:08 pm

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by Mulceber »

Forrest For the Trees wrote:That's funny, because when I first saw your picture, I thought, "That's awesome! He got a perfect fit!" Great choice. :clap:
I know, right? It should have been obvious, but my leather jacket of choice for the last decade or so has been a Raiders jacket. I just couldn't get past my assumptions about the way a leather jacket should fit until someone pointed it out to me.
Nosirrah wrote:
Canasta wrote: The Badalassi cowhide is so nice.
Can you say that on this forum? :shock: [-X
I tried it once and got bleeped. :oops:
IndianaJustin wrote:Badalassi
Badalassi
Badalassi...cowhide :lol:
So is Badalassi going to become the new circumlocution, like the kids who just love to say #### mushrooms? :P

edit: aannnddd it bleeped me...hasn't bleeped Badalassi yet though, so I guess that's still cool.
distantpeople wrote:Take care with an A-2, you can inadvertently begin a new collection...

Image
Oh man, right now I'm just doing my best not to dive into a whole new hobby. Every once in a while I find myself thinking "...what I really need now is a russet A-2 jacket..."
Last edited by Mulceber on Wed Feb 20, 2019 3:18 pm, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
Indiana Jeff
Site Admin
Site Admin
Posts: 10204
Joined: Thu Aug 07, 2008 1:59 am
Location: TX Panhandle

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by Indiana Jeff »

Forrest For the Trees wrote:
When I first tried it on, I thought "Oh no, Andy's messed up the sizing! I'm going to have to try and exchange it!"
That's funny, because when I first saw your picture, I thought, "That's awesome! He got a perfect fit!" Great choice. :clap:

Ditto. Before reading a word, I thought, "Great fitting jacket."


Regards,

Indiana Jeff
User avatar
Mulceber
Legendary Adventurer
Legendary Adventurer
Posts: 2963
Joined: Sat Aug 02, 2003 11:08 pm

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by Mulceber »

Update: I was wearing my Dubow out today, plus the clothing I'm wearing in the second picture I posted, and at Brueger's the person at the check out asked me if I have military ID. :lol:

I wish I'd had a good response, but I just said no as politely as I could while trying to stifle a giggle.
Orl
Field Surveyor
Field Surveyor
Posts: 67
Joined: Thu Mar 19, 2009 11:00 am
Location: Canary Islands

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by Orl »

The looks is very well, as I see the fit is perfect. Enjoy it!
User avatar
CRB
Archaeologist
Archaeologist
Posts: 332
Joined: Fri Oct 22, 2010 12:26 pm
Location: London, UK
Contact:

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by CRB »

Has no one received the Grail jacket yet ? Was looking forward to hearing about the leather and fit compared with the Relic Hunter
User avatar
teneas
Archaeologist
Archaeologist
Posts: 288
Joined: Mon Jan 06, 2014 5:39 pm
Location: Deep within the lost..

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by teneas »

CRB wrote:Has no one received the Grail jacket yet ? Was looking forward to hearing about the leather and fit compared with the Relic Hunter
Not a grail jacket but I've got a fortune and glory coming soon...I think lol
xmasters
Dig Leader
Dig Leader
Posts: 553
Joined: Mon Mar 27, 2017 3:50 am
Location: UK

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by xmasters »

CRB wrote:Has no one received the Grail jacket yet ? Was looking forward to hearing about the leather and fit compared with the Relic Hunter
The leather is very different. Fit, well it fits like a LC jacket, which is a different pattern to the Raiders RH. I could take pictures, but at the moment the jacket looks just like the one you see on the BK website. When it's broken in more I'll take some pictures of it being worn.
User avatar
Mulceber
Legendary Adventurer
Legendary Adventurer
Posts: 2963
Joined: Sat Aug 02, 2003 11:08 pm

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by Mulceber »

Why not show pictures of you wearing it? That's one thing the website doesn't have.
indymassilia
Laboratory Technician
Laboratory Technician
Posts: 134
Joined: Fri May 11, 2012 5:07 am
Location: FRANCE

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by indymassilia »

I will try to take some pictures of mine,wearing it soon..
User avatar
CRB
Archaeologist
Archaeologist
Posts: 332
Joined: Fri Oct 22, 2010 12:26 pm
Location: London, UK
Contact:

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by CRB »

Do you have the Relic and the Grail ? Is it wise to order the same size in each ?
indymassilia
Laboratory Technician
Laboratory Technician
Posts: 134
Joined: Fri May 11, 2012 5:07 am
Location: FRANCE

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by indymassilia »

My 2 relics are 44R and grail 42R..42R for a relic should fit me well too for a less "loose fitting"..
User avatar
CRB
Archaeologist
Archaeologist
Posts: 332
Joined: Fri Oct 22, 2010 12:26 pm
Location: London, UK
Contact:

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by CRB »

So would anyone order a 40 in the Last Crusade if they were happy with the 40 Relic ? What about sleeve adjustments or back adjustments - do they work out the same ?
Harold Steele
Dig Worker
Dig Worker
Posts: 14
Joined: Wed Jun 29, 2016 6:11 pm

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by Harold Steele »

Could someone who has the Holy Grail jacket describe the Lambskin Venice leather (look, feel, durability, quality)? How does it compare to the Relic Hunter’s vegetable-tanned lambskin, which is quite distinctive? Based on the pictures, the Lambskin Venice reminds me a bit of Wested’s authentic brown lambskin. Thank you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
User avatar
Tibor
Museum Curator
Museum Curator
Posts: 1222
Joined: Tue Aug 05, 2008 6:47 pm
Location: Chicago

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by Tibor »

A general question for anybody who received a new Bk Indy, are they still stamping the production number in the inside chest pocket? If so, what are they up to? :TOH:
User avatar
Mulceber
Legendary Adventurer
Legendary Adventurer
Posts: 2963
Joined: Sat Aug 02, 2003 11:08 pm

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by Mulceber »

As of mine, which arrived in September of '17, they still were - mine was 111 out of 1981. At least they're nowhere near stopping. :TOH:
User avatar
CRB
Archaeologist
Archaeologist
Posts: 332
Joined: Fri Oct 22, 2010 12:26 pm
Location: London, UK
Contact:

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by CRB »

My Relic is number 22, but I've ordered a Grail today so will most likely be letting the Relic go when the Grail arrives
User avatar
Dr._J
Professor of Archaeology
Professor of Archaeology
Posts: 953
Joined: Sun Jul 07, 2002 2:02 pm
Location: Arlington, VA

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by Dr._J »

Does anyone here own a Kelso in grainy lamb? If so, what do you think of it and do you have a photo?

Regards, Dr. J
Glenville86
Dig Leader
Dig Leader
Posts: 673
Joined: Sun Oct 26, 2014 9:41 am
Location: Reston, VA

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by Glenville86 »

No grainy lamb but have 3 others. One in goat, cow and their in house HH. All are nice leathers. The grainy lamb looked good in the pictures I have seen. Compared to other Indy jackets I have, the Kelso ones are a more form fitted look and can only comfortably wear a long sleeve shirt underneath due to the armholes being on the smaller side.
User avatar
Dr._J
Professor of Archaeology
Professor of Archaeology
Posts: 953
Joined: Sun Jul 07, 2002 2:02 pm
Location: Arlington, VA

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by Dr._J »

Mulceber wrote:I trust Andy's judgment a long way. I think you'll find your jacket fits you perfectly. I'll look forward to seeing pics!

M
What's the best way to get in touch with Andy? Just email customer service? Thanks in advance.
xmasters
Dig Leader
Dig Leader
Posts: 553
Joined: Mon Mar 27, 2017 3:50 am
Location: UK

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by xmasters »

Harold Steele wrote:Could someone who has the Holy Grail jacket describe the Lambskin Venice leather (look, feel, durability, quality)? How does it compare to the Relic Hunter’s vegetable-tanned lambskin, which is quite distinctive? Based on the pictures, the Lambskin Venice reminds me a bit of Wested’s authentic brown lambskin. Thank you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
The venice grail leather is very smooth, and has a stiffness to it that is needed for the LC jacket. I haven't distressed mine yet, but it will distress just like the movie jacket with orange/red undertones.
User avatar
Mulceber
Legendary Adventurer
Legendary Adventurer
Posts: 2963
Joined: Sat Aug 02, 2003 11:08 pm

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by Mulceber »

xmasters wrote:
Harold Steele wrote:Could someone who has the Holy Grail jacket describe the Lambskin Venice leather (look, feel, durability, quality)? How does it compare to the Relic Hunter’s vegetable-tanned lambskin, which is quite distinctive? Based on the pictures, the Lambskin Venice reminds me a bit of Wested’s authentic brown lambskin. Thank you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
The venice grail leather is very smooth, and has a stiffness to it that is needed for the LC jacket. I haven't distressed mine yet, but it will distress just like the movie jacket with orange/red undertones.
:WLWOP:
Dr._J wrote:What's the best way to get in touch with Andy? Just email customer service? Thanks in advance.
Yep - sales@billkelsomfg.com
User avatar
Dr._J
Professor of Archaeology
Professor of Archaeology
Posts: 953
Joined: Sun Jul 07, 2002 2:02 pm
Location: Arlington, VA

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by Dr._J »

Gents,

I'm very close to pulling the trigger on a Kelso Relic Hunter. Is there a discount for COW members?

Regards, Dr. J
User avatar
Dr._J
Professor of Archaeology
Professor of Archaeology
Posts: 953
Joined: Sun Jul 07, 2002 2:02 pm
Location: Arlington, VA

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by Dr._J »

I think I murdered this thread. :Forrestal:
User avatar
Mulceber
Legendary Adventurer
Legendary Adventurer
Posts: 2963
Joined: Sat Aug 02, 2003 11:08 pm

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by Mulceber »

Nah, these threads always go in fits and starts. There’s no discount that I know of, unfortunately. I sort of get the impression that they’re already selling the RH at a lower profit point than their other jackets, since whenever BK does have sales, they specifically exclude Indy jackets from the sale.
User avatar
Dr._J
Professor of Archaeology
Professor of Archaeology
Posts: 953
Joined: Sun Jul 07, 2002 2:02 pm
Location: Arlington, VA

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by Dr._J »

Last question and hopefully I'll get an answer. How did y'all pay for your jacket from Kelso? I saved JUST enough money to cover the jacket and shipping and then got hit with Paypal conversion rates adding an extra $25. Not stoked and losing faith in this process. Thanks.
User avatar
Mulceber
Legendary Adventurer
Legendary Adventurer
Posts: 2963
Joined: Sat Aug 02, 2003 11:08 pm

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Post by Mulceber »

I guess I’d just say I save for it. Sometimes I’m able to get relatives to contribute money toward it as a Christmas gift. I realize it’s a bit disheartening but you will be pleased with the finished result. I’ve had my RH for a year now and I can say that the hunt for the Raiders jacket is done for me. It’s simply perfect.
Post Reply