Club Obi Wan

On the drive in this morning, I was thinking about my Wested lambskin Raiders that is currently on order (and possibly being made as I type). Today, like most other days, I am wearing my Raiders pre-distressed cow, and thanks to my aging, and expanding mid-section, the bottom of the storm flap tends to stick out a bit.

On my previous 'close-enuff' lambskin bomber jacket, I had a press stud at the bottom of the storm flap, and used it often, to the point where if I wanted the jacket partially closed, I would only snap the button closed, rather than partially zip it up. Although I would like to do this with my Westeds, I don't want the 'male' popper part to be seen on the body of the jacket. (too LC)

So I got to thinking...would it be possible to have two magnetic strips sewn into the leather? that way, the magnets could 'snap' together to keep the storm flap closed, but would not have any press studs to see, while still doing the same job.

I wouldn't ask for this on my current order, but I appreciate any thoughts on the idea. Perhaps on my next Wested order, I would supply the magnets, and just ask for the additional alteration.

Thoughts?

Theoretically, industrial-strength magnets could work... weaker magnets might not be able to hold the heavy leather.

Don't stand close to anyone with a pacemaker, though.

A level of caution would need to be excercised, such as keeping debit/credit cards away, and don't stand too close to the VHS rack at best Buy, but I have seen cell-phone holders, and other practical uses of magnets as snap-closure alternatives, and the mind wanders on the boring drive to work...

Press studs, or snaps (most people in the US freak when you use the term - press studs...not used to it) can be placed on a jacket where they are concealed within the fabric ie: between the two layers of the windflap. Think of the snaps/press studs on the collar of an A2 or for that matter on your front flap pockets of your Wested(s) -- those are concealed. This seams like a much better option, to me anyway, than magnetic strips. You could even consider velcro (though, this doesn't appeal to me). On the other hand, magnetic strips might help with that slight limp, or with one's arthritis.....the possibilities are endless. You might discover a cure for the comon cold or age blots. Who knows? All regards! W>

Conly,

My only dislike about the 'hidden' press stud is that when the jacket is open, the 'male' popper is evident, as opposed to the 'female', which is hidden behind the flap itself.

Yeah...that's true...what about your magnetic strip idea...are you thinking of placing the 'respondent' one (or female) on the inside of the jacket, so that there is no exposure? Maybe, I am overthinking this, but just curious. W>

well, the idea was to have each magnet under the leather, between the seems. One strip (only an inch or 2 long) in the flap, and one under the leather where the flap touches the main body, next to the zipper.

now that I have had my caffein and reviewed the thought, perhaps the idea lacks any practicality.

Ok! I understand. You know that is really not that bad of an idea...other than one other thing I just thought about -- would the magnets want to attach themselves to your belt buckle? We all run around with these webbed belts and brass buckles -- something else to consider. W>

Gater -

I think you have a good idea, and it would work, but like pointed out, it would have to be industrial strength mags to hold through that much leather - two layers, since the mags wouldn't be able to come together if they are going to stay hidden, right?

I'd send the question to Wested, and see if Peter's ever had to try this for a movie or anything before. If so, you can get a definitive yes/no right there.

If he hasn't done it, your best bet is to find mags strong enough (not easy) that would hold through a couple layers of leather and send them to Wested w/ a jacket order if they are game and have them incorporate them.

If you've got a leather you don't care about experimenting with, it might be easier to try it locally rather than mail it, to see if it will even work, IF you can find such magnets.

Yeah, I guess I'm making it sound doubtful myself, but I think it's a cool idea and I'd be real interested if it worked. My pda/cell phone case also has mag discs to hold it shut, and you're right, they don't affect the device at all. Hunh.

J

My ID tag at work has a magnet on it with a piece that goes under my blouse. I'm not sure if it's industrial strength, but it's pretty heavy duty stuff. There has been one time I couldn't wear the name tag...when I was wearing a denim vest lined with cotton. With this in mind, y'all would be hardpressed for it to stick under leather.

I do find the idea of the magnet attaching itself to the belt buckle quite funny. I'm sure that the magnet would have a hard time deciding if it wanted to attach itself to the web belt's buckle or the gun belt's buckle.

Solid brass belt buckles are non-magnetic but if you have a brass PLATED buckle, then you will have problems with the magnets....

It's an interesting idea indeed.

You might have problems with wear and tear on the leather though? I have strong industrial magnets at home that I once used to make an electric motor. When you get the magnets close, it was almost impossible to get them apart again- they'd snap shut very quickly and would hurt your fingers if they got too close. Obviously, you're not talking about such strong magnets here, but I'd imagine that it could wear down a leather like lambskin...?

It'd be very interesting to hear what Peter would have to say on this, it's a good, original idea.

What about a button on the storm flap? You could put the button hole
on the side that shows, and the actual button where the female side
of the press stud would be.

Then, all you would have is a small hole that might show instead of
a press stud.

Or, if you wanted, you could probably put a small piece of velcro on
there instead.

You can get brown velcro, and it probably would not show at all.

Or, if you want it to look really nice, you could use the type of hook
that WWII A-2 jackets use up on the collar. They are brass, or
antique brass, and they are very flat, but hold very strong, and look
nice too.

But to be honest, if you get the right color press stud, unless you are
looking for it, its hard to spot when they are installed right, and I think
they look nice too. Especially if you got one put on the top and bottom
of the storm flap, so it looks like it was meant to be like that.

Flathead

The magnets sound like an interesting idea. In fact, I have a leather money clip that uses magnets to keep it closed, and it works quite well. The material covering the magnets is quite thin, and I am not sure if it is leather or something else. Another issue might be that the magnets will show. On the money-clip the magnets are very visible as the material covering them is stretched tightly over them. You can see the rectangular shape of the magnets very easily. I can post pics if anyone's interested.

Um, hellOOOOooo!!!!




bink

Dang it Bink! Why didn't I think of that? I guess I'm going to have to work harder if I ever want to be a scoundrel.

Just send me $199.95 and I'll send you my secrets on how to be a scoundrel.

bink

Do you except personal checks?

Nope. Just cash.

Drats! Foiled again!

If you carry a pocket watch, don't DARE consider the industrial magnet ! Regards. Michaelson

Why is the time constantly stuck at around 11:45?

Well, it's right at least twice a day. Regards. Michaelson

Michaelson wrote:Well, it's right at least twice a day. Regards. Michaelson

yeah..but which two???

The first time and then the second time.

bink

Michaelson wrote:Well, it's right at least twice a day. Regards. Michaelson

So it could be right more than that? I may have to get me one of those clocks.

Yep, Jess. They actually existed, and were made for use in two different time zones. (seriously!) Regards. Michaelson

Yeah, this time zone and that time zone!

bink

Technically...yes. Used by railroad men who travelled between time zones in the last Century. Rather than trying to figure out time zone differences, they had an extra hour hand installed in either red or blue in addition to the standard hand for quick recognition by their railroad watch inspector. Regards. Michaelson

You bring up an interesting topic. I wonder if anyone on COW wears a pocket watch with "the gear"?

I wear one with my Wyatt Earp outfit since there is a vest with pockets for the watch. I guess with the Indy pants, you could clip it to a belt loop and stuff into your front pocket...

Absolutely zeus36. I think it adds to the utilitarian and solid craftsmanship aspects of the gear.

I usually have a watch pocket installed in any trousers I own when they come without one already in place. Unfortunately, the MBA version of the Indy pants do not have a waistband area that allows for such an installation. Peter did tell me once that if I wanted one, he'd install one, so maybe this is 'doable' on the Wested version. Speaking for myself, it's a rare thing when I'm NOT carrying a pocketwatch.

As a point of conversation, I've always considered press studs and snaps to be different items myself. The studs were the concealed versions, and the snaps being the type you can see mounted through holes on the outside of the leather. I've had standard snaps installed on the bottom of the stormflaps on more than one Indy jacket in my time, and they've worked just fine for what you're suggesting. I've just gone with the dark brown outer snap, and it blends in nicely with the rest of the jacket. I've also had antique brass installed with complete success, as it tends to compliment the antique zip and other hardware.

Regards. Michaelson

I used to carry a pocketwatch all the time. Found it was a great way to beat stress - I no longer had time strapped to my arm staring at me all the time.

Re: snaps/press-studs, I couldn't find 'snaps' in any stores here in the US...but when I said 'press-studs', the UNCOMMON name, they took me right to their snaps. Hunh.

Seems like the hidden ones you are referring to, Michaelson, are the same kinds, just w/ the cap piece affixed BEHIND the outer layer of material. Not as strong, and I'd guess more likely to rip the fabric, but a professional could probably do it right. (i.e., the snap doesn't go all the way through, like on the Westeds.)

I love pocket watches. I'm sure I have nowhere near the collection that Michaelson has, but I have been known to wear them, especially with waistcoats and vintage attire.

Do they make press studs for pocket watches?:?

bink

Not sure I understand your question, bink. What do you mean 'press studs for pocketwatches'? Oh, my collection is more 'quality' than 'quantity' anymore, but it does take a while to wind 'em up every morning. Regards. Michaelson

I'm not sure I understand the question, either, Michaelson. Well, I own two working pocket watches, and the best of the bunch is a Hamilton that belonged to my great grandfather. I wear that one on special ocasions. The other is a cheap thing from a couple of decades ago that's a fun watch, but it is by no means a huge collectable.

bink

Got my great-grandfather's old Cleveland Ball watch - they were trainmen, so it's one of the super-accurate ones - or WAS, anyway. Beautiful, if for the history alone.

Bink, you don't want to put a press stud on the back of your pocket watch, you'd ruin it! Much safer to use the big magnet instead...

After you do that, bink, just send it to me. Believe me, there's NO fixing it after that. 8-[ Yeah, sure, it's the truth!

Jerry, Webb C. Ball was the name of the man who was the main railroad watch inspector for several railroads in the Northeastern part of the U.S. in the late 19th and early 20th century, and his store (he was a jeweler as well) was located in Cleveland, Ohio. He never made a single watch....he only provided specs to railroad watch makers to meet, and once spec was met and agreed with, they were sold through his store. Most were Hamilton's, but there were Illinois and the like as well, and all marked 'Ball'. He also sold several non-railroad grade watches with Ball on them too, as a lot of his customers were NOT railroad men. You can find regulator wall clocks that are also marked 'Ball' and were sold from his store. Just prepare to pay a kings ransom to get hold of them.

Just a bit of 'useless' info for ya there. Regards. Michaelson

HEY! I never knew all that stuff! You really are an oracle, Michaelson!

So now I'm wondering...what kind of watch DO I have??? That's it, I better go dig it out again...I may send you a pic for advice.

Absolutely. I'll PM you. Regards. Michaelson

Well, as far as the magnets idea goes,...
Think of it this way, if you are ever lost in the woods with your Wested, your storm flap would always point towards true North.

'Blues

Michaelson -

Emailed you some pics of the workings of my watch, including reference pics...I think it's a Ball Waltham, but I can't deduce the year from the SN. Any and all help GREATLY appreciated! I never even would have known it was a Waltham w/o your help - thanks!

I'm wearing one of my other (i.e., cheaper, recent, and expendable) pocket watches today - just a colibri, but w/ a beautiful cutout face so you see the workings THROUGH the front of the watch once you open the hunting case. LOVE that!

Oh, point is, the pants I'm wearing today have an interesting solution to the watch pocket problem - I have double front pockets - lined up like gills, one in front of the other, so they kind of look like pleats. So the change is in the inner pocket, and the watch is safely separated in the outer pocket! If you don't mind cargo pants - full length, but w/ velcro stays on the leg pockets - checkout Eddie Bauer's 'ultimate cargo pants'. The colors change MONTHLY, so if you don't like the colors or don't see it on their main page, look at their Eddie Bauer Outlet page (different site, same company). I got the 'desert', and it's nowhere near as red as the pic online. I don't know if any of their other pants have these pockets...I haven't seen them on anything else.

Thanks again -
J

So, should Indy have worn a pocket watch? Maybe not with his field gear but during the times he had on his suits. ( University classroom, air travel, Lao Che's)...

zeus36 wrote:So, should Indy have worn a pocket watch? Maybe not with his field gear but during the times he had on his suits. ( University classroom, air travel, Lao Che's)...

Be interesting if someone picked up a bit of chain or a clip in a screen grab...but I've never heard of anything like that. Henry Sr., sure, but not Indy.

Seems like it fits his dad more than him.