Club Obi Wan

Well I got my "The Bridges at Toko-Ri" G-1 from Flight Suits today. It's smashing if I do say so myself. It came complete with a "Lt. Harry Brubaker" nametag. You can of course get it with your own. The only deviance from the movie jacket is that I got a russet collar instead of dark brown. The dark brown is standard. If Raiders were shot in the 50's or 60's, I always fancied that William Holden would have made a great Indy. Cheers

Now THAT jacket is bound to attract attention wherever you go. ...hmm, I wonder if William Holden ever wore a fedora in any of his films.

Beautiful jacket, btw.

Congrats, there Mr. Rundquist. My wishes for a cold to cool spring for you and a cooler summer. )

-S

No doubt about it, I love the G-1. It's way more comfortable than an A-2 will ever be. It's much warmer than an Indy jacket will ever be. It's a great jacket. The funny thing is that it's never acknowledged that the Indy jacket shares some of it's characteristics. The pleated back and gussets don't come off of an A-2, gents. Obviously, Peter and the others involved have never mentioned the G-1 when talking about the birth of the Indy jacket, but I know that flight jackets were looked at first. The knit trim looked terrible with regards to the whip. Peter and crew worked off of his "James Dean" pattern as a base. What I want to know is, Did the James Dean jacket have pleats in it's original design? If not, where did the pleats come from? Cheers

VERY nice jacket.

Congratulations, Rundquist, on your new aquisition! That is a beautiful jacket. I just love the russet collar. So, which of your Optimos best compliments your new G-1?

-Kyle

I think Mr. Rundquist needs to change to a different style hat. I think the only hat that looks good on a G1 is the WWII Crusher Hat:



-Sergei

Sergei! I'm surprised at you! An ARMY cap with a NAVY jacket? Sacrilege! You should be thrown in the Brig.

No self respecting Naval Aviator would do that.

A G1 should properly be worn with a khaki garrison cap or a Navy baseball cap. Khaki cover visor cap, if you're grounded.

Nice jacket Rundquist!:shock:

GO NAVY! Beat Army!

Thanks for the compliments guys. Even though I think a plain G-1 goes very well with a fedora, this is the one jacket that I would choose not to wear a hat with. When you wear this jacket, it swallows up the room if you know what I mean. It really draws attention, and I mean that in a good way . Cheers

Talk about gussets. Those are indeed GUSSETS. I love that jacket. I am envious. Fedora

That jacket has made a tough decision for me alot less tough.

Awesome looking jacket!
High Regards,
Indydawg

If this sort of thing is your bag, then credit should go to Dave Marshall over at FS. He went to the ends of the earth to have this made. These patches didn't exist before him. As I mentioned before, I ordered the russet collar special. Cheers

So I take it that this is a good flick.

MK wrote:So I take it that this is a good flick.

Yes. It's a very accurate portrayal of what it was like to be a Navy pilot in Korea. It even has an unhappy ending which was rare for a movie in the 50's (but not for real life). Cheers

Rundquist wrote:If this sort of thing is your bag, then credit should go to Dave Marshall over at FS. He went to the ends of the earth to have this made. These patches didn't exist before him. As I mentioned before, I ordered the russet collar special. Cheers

...Thanks for the compliments guys. Even though I think a plain G-1 goes very well with a fedora, this is the one jacket that I would choose not to wear a hat with. When you wear this jacket, it swallows up the room if you know what I mean. It really draws attention, and I mean that in a good way . Cheers

Yes, I was wondering about the patches and where they came from, since I didn’t see them on the FS site, but thought it better not to ask in my earlier post. And like I said earlier, it's bound to attract attention, but in a "good way" as you said.

I agree a plain khaki cap might be better to wear with your G-1 than a fedora, or maybe something like the helicopter pilot, Mike Torney wore on his missions.

And yes, MK, it was a good film woth the viewing.

Rixter wrote: Yes, I was wondering about the patches and where they came from, since I didn’t see them on the FS site, but thought it better not to ask in my earlier post. And like I said earlier, it's bound to attract attention, but in a "good way" as you said.

The jacket (with patches) and the patches (by themselves) will be in the new catalogue. I had the honor and luck of getting the first one produced. Dave told me about it last May at the Queen Mary. He told me that when the patches on the jacket get a little dirty, the jacket will really start to look swell. Cheers

Rundquist,

I've been looking at the FS G-1 in their old catalog. Can you describe what the map pocket is like on the G-1? I have an Expedition, and was wondering what the difference was in interior pockets. Thanks...pwd

The map pocket is the coolest thing on the jacket......maybe the coolest pocket on any jacket. It is on the left side just inside the jacket and is at an angle.....perhaps 45 degrees. You can hide a box of Wheaties in that puppy.

All kidding aside, it is a great feature.

The G-1 posses the greatest inside pocket of any jacket in my opinion. The Expedition and the Wested have a pocket that lays horizontally. It lays flat across the chest. The G-1 has a vertical pocket. Instead of angling your hand to access the pocket, like on the Expedition's pocket, your hand can slip straight into the pocket to access it. It's very convenient. It's also more secure since it has a snapped entry. Cheers

A Colt 1911 works very well in the G-1's inside pocket also. Just remember to add a few spare magazines to the right cargo pocket for a counter weight.

I’ve never really noticed before, but compared to the A-2 or Expedition, do the G-1’s give the appearance of a more streamlined or narrower look to the shoulders because of how the sleeves are stitched to the jacket. I particularly noticed this while looking at the screen captures above of William Holden’s jacket. The G-1 seems to have a more tailored fit to the shoulder area and a more linear look to the body of the jacket than say the A-2 or Expedition. Maybe it’s just an illusion having something to do with the mouton collar. Anyone else ever notice this?

Just in case nobody noticed it, IndyDawg has a Wings version of the G2 jacket on sale in the classified section. It comes with the standard leather collar. Just thought I'd mention it. Regards. Michaelson

Rixter wrote:I’ve never really noticed before, but compared to the A-2 or Expedition, do the G-1’s give the appearance of a more streamlined or narrower look to the shoulders because of how the sleeves are stitched to the jacket. I particularly noticed this while looking at the screen captures above of William Holden’s jacket. The G-1 seems to have a more tailored fit to the shoulder area and a more linear look to the body of the jacket than say the A-2 or Expedition. Maybe it’s just an illusion having something to do with the mouton collar. Anyone else ever notice this?

That's a good eye. The G-1 is a more streamlined jacket. The reason is because it's so well designed. The bi-swing back works so well that the sleeves, the shoulders, and the body can all be narrower. An A-2 for instance, needs to be bigger in the shoulders and body because there is no give. Don't get me wrong, I love the A-2, but the G-1 has it beat, at least utility-wise. On top of all that Dave tells me that William Holden probably had his tailored, him being the star of the movie. Cheers

I do, indeed, have a practically unworn and brand new US Wings G-2 (like the G-1 but with a leather collar standard) for sale. It's a BIG size medium. I wear a 42R and it fits with plenty of room to spare, would fit a 44R with a little room to spare, and a 46R with the correct "neat" military fit like the G-1 being worn by William Holden in the movie we're talking about here. Check it out in the classifieds section....I'm askin 300.00 for it, and it's worth every penny...it's just an awesome jacket!

Later!
Indydawg

Rundquist,

You said the G-1 is warmer than an Indy jacket ever will be. Why is that? Does it come standard with insulation? I assumed it would, weightwise, be comparable to an Expedition, but with knit cuffs and waistband. I'm thinking of ordering a G-1, but if it is truly only a cold weather jacket, then I wouldn't get as much use from it. Thanks for any additional info...pwd

pwd wrote:Rundquist,

You said the G-1 is warmer than an Indy jacket ever will be. Why is that? Does it come standard with insulation? I assumed it would, weightwise, be comparable to an Expedition, but with knit cuffs and waistband. I'm thinking of ordering a G-1, but if it is truly only a cold weather jacket, then I wouldn't get as much use from it. Thanks for any additional info...pwd

The G-1 is warmer, but not by a great amount. It's definetely not a B-3 . The G-1 is warmer than an Indy primarily because of the knit trim, which helps keep in warmth. The mouton collar might not make you any warmer technically, but it sure feels nice on a windy day. The G-1 has no insulation. If you're worrying about cooking in the thing, put your mind at ease. I live in LA, and the G-1 is not too warm to wear. Cheers

Rundquist,

That is one sweet jacket, man! Congratulations.

Gorgeous jacket. Man, your making this jacket buying thing hard. BTW, I couldn't find it on their website, how much was it?

Also, wonder if they could do up a version with the appropriate insignia for Torpedo Squadron 8 from the Hornet? I'd wear it as a rememberence of brave men...

Trebor

Trebor wrote:Gorgeous jacket. Man, your making this jacket buying thing hard. BTW, I couldn't find it on their website, how much was it?

Also, wonder if they could do up a version with the appropriate insignia for Torpedo Squadron 8 from the Hornet? I'd wear it as a rememberence of brave men...

Trebor

Yeah the jacket's not on the site yet. I had the luck of getting the first one. Dave Marshall told me about the jacket last year at the Queen Mary. I bought the jacket first and then months later sent it back to have the patches put on it after they were ready. I paid for the thing in two different payments, so I'm not really sure what one of these costs. I also had to pay extra for the russet collar, which isn't standard on their G-1. Call Dave and he'll give you a quote and talk to you about other patches. Cheers

Hey where's that picture that MK took of you wearing the jacket outside of Miceli's? I've been looking forward to seeing it online.

I’ve also noticed that the FS G-1 has more scalloped pockets compared to the USWings G-1, and it’s pockets appear to have a somewhat more forward placement to the zipper and also seem a bit larger/taller, whereas the USWings pockets seem placed slightly farther back and have the box flap type pockets, and appear shorter. It's hard to tell from the few pictures I've seen.

From what I gather the FS is more indicative of the World War II/early Korean War G-1 Flight Jacket, but I’m not sure when the modifications took place, and whether it is appropriate to use the FS patches on a USWings style G-1?

Rixter wrote:I’ve also noticed that the FS G-1 has more scalloped pockets compared to the USWings G-1, and it’s pockets appear to have a somewhat more forward placement to the zipper and also seem a bit larger/taller, whereas the USWings pockets seem placed slightly farther back and have the box flap type pockets, and appear shorter. It's hard to tell from the few pictures I've seen.

From what I gather the FS is more indicative of the World War II/early Korean War G-1 Flight Jacket, but I’m not sure when the modifications took place, and whether it is appropriate to use the FS patches on a USWings style G-1?

I don't believe that FS cares what you do with patches after you buy them. Their pattern is from the 50's. The reason for that is that the scalloped pockets were prevalent back then and people like them. When you ask about, "whether it is appropriate to use the FS patches on a US Wings style G-1?", are you referring to "Bridges at Toko-Ri" patches on a modern style G-1? I think that you'd be splitting hairs at that point personally. It might be important to some though, to get period patches on the right period jacket. Do you already posses the U.S. Wings jacket or do you just prefer the modern style (cut)? If that's the case you could ask Dave Marshall about attaching the patches to another vendor's jacket. If you don't have a G-1 and don't really care, I'd just get it from FS if you're going to get their patches put on it anyway. Cheers

I've noticed that, too...in fact, one of the reasons I thought I'd like the Wings G-2 over their G-1 is because of the pocket flaps....the G-2s are more scalloped like the FS G-1.

As to the patches....well, I wouldn't let it bother me. If you've got the patches, use 'em on whatever jacket you've got!

Later!
Indydawg

Thanks fellas! I agree that the scalloped pockets on the FS G-1 looks very nice, and when Dave Marshall returns next week I’ll have to talk to him. I would like to “get period patches on the right period jacket” if possible.

Just a comment from the peanut gallery:

I have tried this jacket on. I am not big on jackets without hand warmer pockets......which true WWII military jackets don't have.......but if I were going to wear one, this would be it. I would take it over an A2. It fits many body types and sizes really well. The inside pocket is the best. I should say I don't care for the button on the cargo pockets though. Never the less a great, ....very wearable jacket.

Enough said.

Well ...

I am keeping up with the Joneses ...

OR should I say, Rundquistses ...

I just ordered one. Should be on my back in 2 1/2 weeks.

Oh, man, I feel sorry for you. Keeping up with the Rundquist. And I hear you are into Montecristi's. You better get to a rehab center fast. Just don't look back in the far corner, you might recognize the guy in the fedora. )

-S

Word is spreading on this jacket. I told a co-worker and collector of military jackets and gave him all the information I gathered about the jacket from this board and I understand he will also be getting one, or at least the patches for another G-1, I'm not sure which.

And I'm considering the jacket myself once it becomes available on the site.

I wonder if the only difference between the military & civilian jackets I see on FS has to do with the side entry pockets, or the whole pattern it's cut from, with the military jacket being a snugger.

From what I've been told by the source, the only difference is the pockets.

Chamorro wrote:Hey where's that picture that MK took of you wearing the jacket outside of Miceli's? I've been looking forward to seeing it online.

Now that is sharp!

Priceless ...

Looks even better on you! It’s always nice to see pictures of people actually in their jackets whenever possible. Now all you need is that 50 mission haggard William Holden ‘look’ starring off toward the ocean possibly on the bow of the QM for you next shot.

Rixter wrote:Looks even better on you! It’s always nice to see pictures of people actually in their jackets whenever possible. Now all you need is that 50 mission haggard William Holden ‘look’ starring off toward the ocean possibly on the bow of the QM for you next shot.

I agree that jackets on hangers, back of chairs or laying on carpet don't cut it.

Rundquist,

I just got my FS Civil G-1 (with leather collar) seal brown goatskin yesterday--a grand piece of work. I notice under the left pocket flap on the outside of the pocket there is a small piece of square leather stitched in. It looks like a pencil holder, but appears non-functional, as the square of leather seems glued to the material backing. Does yours have this?

Rixter wrote: Now all you need is that 50 mission haggard William Holden ‘look’ starring off toward the ocean possibly on the bow of the QM for you next shot.

Oh man, that is a keeper! Especially on a day like today.

I work in a Prepress Graphics shop and pictures like this are the reason that the cardinal rule is:
NEVER leave a picture of yourself laying around unattended or allow your picture to be taken at the office.
It is inevitable that someone will scan it and composite it into another context and monkey around with it!
I had a boss once who got REALLY drunk @ the company Christmas party years before I started working there and was photographed with his adhesive nametag stuck to his forehead. This picture popped-up in different backgrounds for years just to embaress him, and I'm sure it is still coming back to haunt him!
PBG

Well I am going to print a bunch of color pictures of Rundquist and get one autographed for my wall in my office. In fact, I should print a bunch for the Queen Mary Summit and have Rundquist autograph them.

-Sergei

Guess what my wallpaper is now?