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Looking to buy my 1st Jacket

Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 5:22 am
by Indiana.J
hey guys im looking to buy my very 1st jacket. all my gear is LC. im looking to get the best LC jacket from wested i can get. could you fill this in to make the best LC jacket it can make thanks so much .

Indiana.J

Leather-
Lining-
Side Fastener-
X Box Stitch-
Zip Type-
Gussets-
Inside Pocket-

Re: Looking to buy my 1st Jacket

Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 5:41 am
by Castor Dioscuri
Leather- The actual jacket had a vegetable tanned lambskin leather. Of the choices though, Authentic Lamb is the closest leather match to what was actually used for filming. However, if you want something that *looks* like what was on screen, then I'd recommend something a little thicker, like Novapelle or goatskin.

Lining- An all cotton lining is what was used for filming, but for my own personal recommendation, I'd go with an all satin body. Some folks complain that it slips around alot with satin, but I personally have not experienced this. People also claim that satin is the less durable choice, but my jackets have held up for over a year with little to no issues. Alternatively, some folks recommend a cotton body and satin sleeves to get the best of both worlds.

Side Fastener- D-Rings are what was used on the LC jacket.

X Box Stitch- Completely up to you, but the actual jackets didn't have any. However, many people feel they reinforce the sidestraps so they won't tear away as easily.

Zip Type- The original jacket had a silver zipper that was painted to appear older. So the choice is completely up to you, if you want a silver zipper and let it age, or if you want a jacket that already has the look, by getting a bronze zipper. Just to let you know though, bronze zippers tend to blend in more with the rest of the jacket, while silver zippers stick out like a sore thumb. I would go with a lower gauge if you don't intend on abusing the jacket, but if you are the adventurous type, go with 8.

Gussets- The only jackets with gussets were the stunt jackets. However, some folks feel that they help your jacket with mobility, by letting you raise your arms without the whole jacket rising up with the sleeves. Peter Botwright, owner of Wested, was quoted as claiming that a well-made jacket does not need gussets. Your call.

Inside Pocket- Two inside pockets are VERY convenient, especially if one (or both) of them have zippers as well. However, the production jackets only had a single inside pocket on the left breast with minimal leather facings.

Re: Looking to buy my 1st Jacket

Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 5:45 am
by Kt Templar
Castor Dioscuri wrote:
Zip Type- The original jacket had a silver zipper that was painted to appear older. So the choice is completely up to you, if you want a silver zipper and let it age, or if you want a jacket that already has the look, by getting a bronze zipper. Just to let you know though, bronze zippers tend to blend in more with the rest of the jacket, while silver zippers stick out like a sore thumb. I would go with a lower gauge if you don't intend on abusing the jacket, but if you are the adventurous type, go with 8.
Hate to jump down your throat on this one. The hi res shots that have surfaced recently really do seem to support a antique brass zipper. Yes, for TOD and raiders a silver/aluminium colour is the correct choice. But for LC I believe brass is correct.

Re: Looking to buy my 1st Jacket

Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 5:52 am
by Castor Dioscuri
Kt Templar wrote: Hate to jump down your throat on this one. The hi res shots that have surfaced recently really do seem to support a antique brass zipper. Yes, for TOD and raiders a silver/aluminium colour is the correct choice. But for LC I believe brass is correct.
You learn something new everyday! :)

Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 8:50 am
by crismans
By no means am I claiming to be an expert, but I believe that the LC jacket was cowhide. In that instance and imo, I don't think you could go wrong in novapelle. There's a thread (search around and I'm sure you'll find it) that shows a member's LC jacket in novapelle. It's absolutely beautiful.

Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 9:39 am
by Cassidy
_ wrote:...
:shock:

You learn something every day, whether you want to or not! :lol:

Now where in God's name are those jacket re-writes, man?

Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 11:40 am
by PLATON
The detective work? NewZealand lambskin is noted for it's fuller appearance as compared to middle east and lamb obtained from the balkin regions of south eastern europe. This is traditionally due to the higher fat content of these lambs. As it turns out, though, the lambskin coming out of Greece in 1987-1988 were comparable in weight to the New Zealand skins. Greek Agricultural Ministers attributed the boom in both this and many other agricultural-based exports as being the first signs of the turnaround from Greece's entrance into the EU in 1981. Then Reagan and Thatcher together screwed-up the rest of the world's economies for the next 6 years...
I really don't know where you find this info.
So, the LC jacket was Greek skin or New Zealand skin?
I know that Peter visits Greece at least once per year....

Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 12:07 pm
by crismans
Thank you, _! I'd read somewhere that the LC jacket was cowhide and the different appearance (i.e., bulk, look of blemishes, etc.) seemed to bear this out.

Another perfect example of why I should remain silent instead of acting like I know something. :D

At any rate, I still think the Novapelle makes a nice LC style jacket. :)