G1 Flight Jacket Thread

[4444Design]

Since there was an "A-2 Flight Jacket Thread" opened recently and i personally preffer the USN variants of flight jackets like G1 and their ancestors why not also starting a "G1 Flight Jacket Thread"

In my opinion cut and shape of the G1 (and earlier variants) are more practical than A2 jackets. The back gives more room for moving around (especially in a cramped cockpit) and the silk-lining gives a certain degree of warmth.

I have a few US Navy flight jackets in my collection from various makers and era's (Ed Church from 1943 to BRILL BRO 1974).

As with A2 jackets and their makers there a differences in the dimensions. I can wear jackets in 44 up to 48 without looking like stuffed in or too much oversized.

Genuine G1 are still relatively affordable (without selling your kidneys) and originals are cheaper than repops in some cases.

Anyone else into G1?

A BRILL BROTHERS sold under the label "Golden Thread" for the civilian market with identical measurements and features like the mil-versions

 

[Peacoat]

Since there was an "A-2 Flight Jacket Thread" opened recently and i personally preffer the USN variants of flight jackets like G1 and their ancestors why not also starting a "G1 Flight Jacket Thread"

In my opinion cut and shape of the G1 (and earlier variants) are more practical than A2 jackets. The back gives more room for moving around (especially in a cramped cockpit) and the silk-lining gives a certain degree of warmth.

I have a few US Navy flight jackets in my collection from various makers and era's (Ed Church from 1943 to BRILL BRO 1974).

As with A2 jackets and their makers there a differences in the dimensions. I can wear jackets in 44 up to 48 without looking like stuffed in or too much oversized.

Genuine G1 are still relatively affordable (without selling your kidneys) and originals are cheaper than repops in some cases.

Anyone else into G1?

A BRILL BROTHERS sold under the label "Golden Thread" for the civilian market with identical measurements and features like the mil-versions

I agree. I prefer the G-1 over the A-2. I have one A-2 jacket (Goodwear) and several G-1 jackets, including a couple of originals.

 

[BarryMcCockiner_PhD]

I like a G1 as well just never found the right maker to pull the trigger.

 

[El Marro]

I’m a big fan of the G-1 as well. At on time I owned seven but I have given a couple away to friends and family. I agree that it is a very practical jacket to wear and generally a more flattering one as well. Jere is my LW G-1 that I picked up for a steal on eBay. I was an experimental phase back then so I had both the mouton and the knits replaced.

 

[Tom71]

Yes, I do like the G-1 (M 422a), although I don’t rate it higher than the A-2. Of course I do agree that the pattern is MUCH more refined and the traditional goatskin arguably more versatile than the horse, but for me that’s comparing apples to oranges. In terms of “iconic appeal”, I’d say it’s a draw between the models.

Funny, that the thread starts today. I am on a business trip with a very mixed weather forecast (everything from sunny 20 degrees centigrade to rainy 10), and guess what I grabbed as my casual jacket when I left very early today… ?!?

 

[thor]

I’m a big fan of the M-422/G-1 and I’ve accumulated 20-25 of these jackets over many years of collecting. Every time I watch “The Bridges at Toko-ri” and see William Holden in his G-1, I start yet another search for that “ultimate” G-1.

 

[Peacoat]

View attachment 708439
I’m a big fan of the M-422/G-1 and I’ve accumulated 20-25 of these jackets over many years of collecting. Every time I watch “The Bridges at Toko-ri” and see William Holden in his G-1, I start yet another search for that “ultimate” G-1.

You are the number one collector here at TFL. And you wear them as a NYC ferry boat Captain. A great use of a great jacket.

 

[thor]

You are the number one collector here at TFL. And you wear them as a NYC ferry boat Captain. A great use of a great jacket.

Thank you my friend. Wishing you and all the good people here on TFL smooth sailing today and always!

 

[Camel24hrs]

First G1 1959 Foster. I love the iconic look of the A2. Got two Eastman RWs. But over all I like the fit and weight of the G1 better.

 

[BassandB3]

Never had a G1 but very interested. Any key differences in sizing / fit among the repro brands to know about? Particularly interested in rainbow country due to the overall quality of their jackets

 

[El Marro]

I don’t know about Rainbow Country but in general I have found sizing is pretty consistent between Repros and originals in all of the brands I have tried. remarkably consistent actually, much different than the A2.

 

[Drewdog2323]

I just received this basically NOS Schott Bros G-1 for a decent price off eBay. I have only owned goatskin Cockpit G-1s but wanted to have an actual issued one in my collection. I realize it’s cowhide, but it seems to be a well made jacket.

My brief research led me to find out Schott was actually awarded this 1998 contract. It seems like they only were a contracted supplier for that one year as an official G-1 supplier. I believe Excelled Leather took over in 1999.

Will post fit pictures later. Does anyone have any experience with this particular contract number and any opinions about this specific jacket?

 

[ontz]

For a long time I've been considering doing a custom order with Aero for a wool-lined G1 with handwarmer pockets so I could wear it into the winter months. It's not a traditional G1 in that case and I'm not meaning to troll by asking this but does anyone have any practical counterarguments to this? Any opinions appreciated!

 

[El Marro]

For a long time I've been considering doing a custom order with Aero for a wool-lined G1 with handwarmer pockets so I could wear it into the winter months. It's not a traditional G1 in that case and I'm not meaning to troll by asking this but does anyone have any practical counterarguments to this? Any opinions appreciated!

I think that’s a great idea. The G-1 is a great pattern that allows good mobility despite the trim fit. With the mouton collar and the wool lining I think it will make a nice winter jacket.

 

[tamoko]

For me G-1 was less successful design. Best all contracts between M-422/a AN-J-3 AN6552.
G-1 have less quality material (perhaps one early contract is ok)
To short body huge shoulder boring pocket flap.
But early contract special Monarch and HLB are probably best.

 

[tamoko]

One of Elon Jacket are definitely early contract

 

[Camel24hrs]

Original 55J14 Pritzker G1. Korean War vintage. This jacket is in fantastic shape for its age. It’s about 1.25” longer in the body than my original LW Foster 7823.

 

[Kunja]

Beautiful Pritzker G1!

 

[Drewdog2323]

I just received this basically NOS Schott Bros G-1 for a decent price off eBay. I have only owned goatskin Cockpit G-1s but wanted to have an actual issued one in my collection. I realize it’s cowhide, but it seems to be a well made jacket.

My brief research led me to find out Schott was actually awarded this 1998 contract. It seems like they only were a contracted supplier for that one year as an official G-1 supplier. I believe Excelled Leather took over in 1999.

Will post fit pictures later. Does anyone have any experience with this particular contract number and any opinions about this specific jacket?

Schott Bros G-1
Cowhide Leather
Contract No: SP0100-98-C-5105
Size 44

For reference: 6’1”, 190 lbs, 42” chest

Recently acquired this. Now would I prefer goatskin? Yes. Everytime. But I’m pleasantly surprised at how much I like this issued jacket despite the synthetic collar and cowhide leather. I have a couple goatskins from Cockpit USA and they are great too. The G-1 is by far my favorite flight jacket, and my G-1 collection just feels more complete with an issued one.

44 seems to fit ok. Sometimes I wonder if I should have looked for a 46 instead to better fit my shoulders. For some reason it feels just ever so slightly fitted up there but the seams sit just off of my shoulders so maybe it’s where it should be. Any opinions?

Do you all size yours to fit over a mid weight sweater or just a shirt?

 

[TLW '90]

I don't own a G1 yet but I have been looking, I'm not sure if I prefer them over the A2 but think they're equally as cool and won't know how I really feel until I can get one.