Todd's Custom & Standard Review...
Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2009 2:31 pm
Possibly, one of the most overlooked and little known of all the Indy reproduction jackets is the Todd’s Custom. Since there is apparently such slight information concerning same, I thought it necessary to post a review with some comparison photos, in order for members to get a better understanding of each, side by side....
To preface, I had envisioned the character of Indiana Jones going into a small, leather works shop in New England, and getting measured for what would become his hero jacket. Personally, I've always had the desire to in essence, cut my own jacket from strips of leather, a do it yourselfer, to some degree, and to take pride in knowing that I had a hand in helping to make the jacket that I would eventually be wearing. Todd’s Standard jacket prompted me to explore the possibility of just how accurate his hand made, custom jacket could be in terms of quality, fit and appearance.
I happened to be on Todd's website around the 2nd week of October, and noticed he was offering a 10% sale, amounting to a potential $50 discount off the custom jacket. I contacted him as per my specs., and after some details, back and forth, the work began. In 4 weeks or so, the jacket arrived. His seamstress did a great job, and I have to give her special thanks! Very nice work! To say that this lambskin jacket is soft is an understatement. Even by lamb standards, it is very soft! Some desired features that were ordered were nickel hardware- YKK zipper and the "Original*PRYM*64B" 'press studs' or snaps on the pockets, and a hidden snap was added to the bottom of the storm flap. I had originally requested the rectangular loops, but I was informed that the Raiders film jacket used rectangular slide adjusters. Todd said, “This has been corroborated by examination of three original jackets and the recollection of Kelley Kimball, assistant costumer for Raiders.”
Here are the comparison photos with a Todd’s XXL-A, Standard-old style:
Custom-cotton body/satin sleeves, Standard-rayon lining
Collars & Storm Flaps
Pockets
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp13 ... dds010.jpg
Buckles and Straps
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp13 ... dds008.jpg
Thick Wooden Hanger is enclosed
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp13 ... dds015.jpg
Once this jacket was received, I used the shower head to soak the leather, then I patted it with a towel, and placed it in the dryer until it was almost dry. The supple lambskin had apparently been treated with a light coat of dye, possibly attesting to the quality of the leather, since there was no visible blemishes nor defects on the leather to hide. Once dry, the jacket began to distress, and discolor, as any leather garment would when exposed to abnormal conditions for organic material. The edges and storm flap look worn, as though it has been used for a few years, already. About THE only shortfall I can find with the jacket is the storm flap (at 1 5/8") was slightly wider than expected, thickness of the yoke, and the straps were quite long. I am partially at fault for not specifying otherwise.
Conclusion: There is much to be said for old style, hand-made clothing, all but vanished by today's standards. If you are looking for a custom made jacket to your exacting specs., made by an expert on the Indy jacket, then you should seriously consider the Todd's Custom jacket as a viable option. This jacket is not for the rough and tumble. If you desire a jacket for extreme wear & conditions, then a G&B or TN might be a better option for your many adventuring missions off the beaten paths.
To preface, I had envisioned the character of Indiana Jones going into a small, leather works shop in New England, and getting measured for what would become his hero jacket. Personally, I've always had the desire to in essence, cut my own jacket from strips of leather, a do it yourselfer, to some degree, and to take pride in knowing that I had a hand in helping to make the jacket that I would eventually be wearing. Todd’s Standard jacket prompted me to explore the possibility of just how accurate his hand made, custom jacket could be in terms of quality, fit and appearance.
I happened to be on Todd's website around the 2nd week of October, and noticed he was offering a 10% sale, amounting to a potential $50 discount off the custom jacket. I contacted him as per my specs., and after some details, back and forth, the work began. In 4 weeks or so, the jacket arrived. His seamstress did a great job, and I have to give her special thanks! Very nice work! To say that this lambskin jacket is soft is an understatement. Even by lamb standards, it is very soft! Some desired features that were ordered were nickel hardware- YKK zipper and the "Original*PRYM*64B" 'press studs' or snaps on the pockets, and a hidden snap was added to the bottom of the storm flap. I had originally requested the rectangular loops, but I was informed that the Raiders film jacket used rectangular slide adjusters. Todd said, “This has been corroborated by examination of three original jackets and the recollection of Kelley Kimball, assistant costumer for Raiders.”
Here are the comparison photos with a Todd’s XXL-A, Standard-old style:
Custom-cotton body/satin sleeves, Standard-rayon lining
Collars & Storm Flaps
Pockets
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp13 ... dds010.jpg
Buckles and Straps
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp13 ... dds008.jpg
Thick Wooden Hanger is enclosed
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp13 ... dds015.jpg
Once this jacket was received, I used the shower head to soak the leather, then I patted it with a towel, and placed it in the dryer until it was almost dry. The supple lambskin had apparently been treated with a light coat of dye, possibly attesting to the quality of the leather, since there was no visible blemishes nor defects on the leather to hide. Once dry, the jacket began to distress, and discolor, as any leather garment would when exposed to abnormal conditions for organic material. The edges and storm flap look worn, as though it has been used for a few years, already. About THE only shortfall I can find with the jacket is the storm flap (at 1 5/8") was slightly wider than expected, thickness of the yoke, and the straps were quite long. I am partially at fault for not specifying otherwise.
Conclusion: There is much to be said for old style, hand-made clothing, all but vanished by today's standards. If you are looking for a custom made jacket to your exacting specs., made by an expert on the Indy jacket, then you should seriously consider the Todd's Custom jacket as a viable option. This jacket is not for the rough and tumble. If you desire a jacket for extreme wear & conditions, then a G&B or TN might be a better option for your many adventuring missions off the beaten paths.
Your custom config. was/is the same as mine, it appears.
