A big thanks to two forum members!

As you know, Daren did me a favour by selling me his Black Monster, which I just love. Thanks mate!

But today in the mail, I received a butterfly deployment clasp gratis from my good buddy Bruce. I told him I'd pay him for it, but he said 'no way.' So a big thanks to Bruce for being a great guy and a great friend.

I'm really humbled being among such an elite group of guys.

Pix of the deployment on my ExpII strap will be coming soon. It really completes the elegance of the strap look.

[Kromax]

FWIW, the camaraderie on this forum is amazing.

[Rockrolex]

Isn't that what friends do for each other. Now if I could just get Pandrew to come back and give me that meteorite Daytona he doesn't want anymore. That would be true friendship.

[BruceS]

You're very welcome John. Enjoy it!

[Goodwatch]

Originally Posted by Atomic

As you know, Daren did me a favour by selling me his Black Monster, which I just love. Thanks mate!

But today in the mail, I received a butterfly deployment clasp gratis from my good buddy Bruce. I told him I'd pay him for it, but he said 'no way.' So a big thanks to Bruce for being a great guy and a great friend.

I'm really humbled being among such an elite group of guys.

Pix of the deployment on my ExpII strap will be coming soon. It really completes the elegance of the strap look.

That's great John. I've learned that groups like these can bring up the best in people and that's why I like it so much here. In my Flight Jacket collectors group you can find the same. Last year I received 3 USMC air crew wings from a Marine buddy of mine. It came as a complete surprise. It would be great if we could have a beer and a talk together but alas, we are scattered around the globe

Originally Posted by Goodwatch

That's great John. I've learned that groups like these can bring up the best in people and that's why I like it so much here. In my Flight Jacket collectors group you can find the same. Last year I received 3 USMC air crew wings from a Marine buddy of mine. It came as a complete surprise. It would be great if we could have a beer and a talk together but alas, we are scattered around the globe

Frans, so you collect 'wings'?

[Goodwatch]

Originally Posted by Atomic

Frans, so you collect 'wings'?

No, I collect (replica) US flight jackets from the period 1938-1956. But I also collect (or try to) all the stuff from that era that pilots carried with them. And thus one of the wings (from the mid fourties) belongs to the collection. I also have an early fifties life preserver, a helmet bag and some other small stuff plus a Nomex flight suit (modern but it was a gift). I have 6 jackets now, all replica's from either Japan or the UK. Replica's because originals are very, very rare and expensive. But a good A-2 replica is at least US$800. The Japanse are masters in this game. Very early Nylon flight jackets like the L-2 fetch $3000 over there and have cult status. So their replica's are the best in the world.

Very cool. I have a pair of WWII RAF wings, RCAF wings and RCAF Observer wings stashed away somplace, among a bunch of other stuff.

[Goodwatch]

Originally Posted by Atomic

Very cool. I have a pair of WWII RAF wings, RCAF wings and RCAF Observer wings stashed away somplace, among a bunch of other stuff.

Thanks buddy. Top, left to right: Roughwear 1401P A-2 (horse hide), Gordon & Ferguson M-422a (goat leather), Aero Leather B-10 (impregnated cotton, alpaca lining, mouton colar). Bottom, left to right: American Pad and Textile L-2 (first nylon flight jacket, 1945), Turner B-15c Mod. (these jackets had a mouton collar but these were removed because of the jet helmets, hence the Mod(ified). Not in the picture: Lion Uniforms MA-1 First Edition (1957). This is the type of nylon jacket skinheads wear, sigh. The M-422a is a USN jacket and much better then the USAF jackets. The Navy wanted their aviators to look sharp!

[dman]

John, you know that deal was all my pleasure. I am just sorry your customs people tax fleas on the backs of dogs.

Good show Bruce, you are the man. It was great chatting again today.

You are all correct, I really enjoy this place and all my friends here. Even my new adoptive father Ed. Big hug to you.

[dman]

Originally Posted by Goodwatch

No, I collect (replica) US flight jackets from the period 1938-1956. But I also collect (or try to) all the stuff from that era that pilots carried with them. And thus one of the wings (from the mid fourties) belongs to the collection. I also have an early fifties life preserver, a helmet bag and some other small stuff plus a Nomex flight suit (modern but it was a gift). I have 6 jackets now, all replica's from either Japan or the UK. Replica's because originals are very, very rare and expensive. But a good A-2 replica is at least US$800. The Japanse are masters in this game. Very early Nylon flight jackets like the L-2 fetch $3000 over there and have cult status. So their replica's are the best in the world.

Awesome collection Frans, that is really cool stuff mate.

[JIM-]

[JJ Irani]

Good show, Daren and Bruce!!