| Our
first step was to find a jacket worn during filming
of Raiders of the Lost Ark™. Three "Indy"
fans helped us find one actually worn in the film.
It even had Lucasfilm and Paramount property tags
and the name of Harrison Ford's stunt double written
in the lining. We believe the studios gave it to a
charity auction in the early 1980's and that it was
part of a Hollywood memorabilia collection until recently.
When the jacket was
examined, we learned that it was different from the
"Indy" jackets available from other manufacturers.
The location of the front pockets and side straps,
the metal loops that secured the straps, and the type
of inside wallet pocket were all different.
The jacket was measured
carefully and a record made of the leather, lining,
and other materials used in its manufacture. It was
clear that the movie studio costumer had modified
the jacket before it was used in the film (Costumers
often modify, break in, and distress costume items
so they look natural and fit the style of the film).
In this case, the costumer had coated the aluminum
zipper with brass paint and applied black paint to
the nickel loops that held the jacket's side straps.
Now that we had the
measurements, photographs, and list of materials from
the original jacket, we used them to design accurate
patterns and source the right materials. In a few
cases we used components that replicated the materials
the studio costumer had changed for the film rather
than those used by the manufacturer. For example,
we used a solid brass zipper rather than the brass-painted
aluminum zipper, and we used black-oxide adjustment
loops rather than the black-painted nickel loops.
Then we made several
prototypes and compared them to the details we had
recorded and to the film. Several "Indy"
experts critiqued our efforts and our designer incorporated
their suggestions into the patterns. Today we are
sure our Expedition Jacket is the most accurate and
highest quality "Indy" replica available
anywhere.
The Expedition is a fitted,
below-the-waist length jacket with leather collar,
waist and cuffs. The four-piece action back,
including an action back in the lining, allows you
to move freely. The sides are vented and
can be snugly cinched up with leather adjustment straps. A
storm flap covers the zipper to keep the rain out.
The sleeves have open barrel cuffs. Two
front pockets hold your gear. The collar has
a collar stand and leather hangar.
You can choose your
Expedition made from two top grade leathers: soft,
elegant Italian-tanned lambskin or supple, strong
Baluchistan goatskin. Both leathers are made from
large, high-quality, grade-A hides that are chrome-tanned,
drum-dyed, and lightly pigmented with a semi-aniline
finish. Semi-aniline finishes allow you to see the
natural beauty of the leather. If we used lower quality
hides, we would need more pigment to cover up flaws
in the leather and that would hide its natural look.
The Expedition's textured
polyester twill lining will give years of wear and
remain comfortable even in humid weather. The zipper
is solid brass with a brass bell pull. The side straps
adjust with black-oxide double rectangular loops.
The pocket flaps are held closed with black-oxide
S-spring snaps.
Indiana
Jones™ and Raiders of the Lost Ark™
are registered trademarks of Lucasfilm Ltd. Flight
Suits is not affiliated with
Lucasfilm Ltd. The Expedition Jacket
has not been licensed or authorized by Lucasfilm Ltd.
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