WW2 Flight Jacket Restoration

No video

WW2 Flight Jacket Restoration

Рет қаралды 24,730

Күн бұрын

This was a touching project. Such history behind this garment. Just the thought of all the missions and daily life this was worn to, unbelievable.

Пікірлер: 189

@jjj1951 7 ай бұрын

B17 tail gunners had some of the highest casualty rates. That this guy survived that many missions is a miracle.

@MrBobby781 7 ай бұрын

Hi Steve, love the channel. I enjoy seeing how people make a living. I’m retired now soon to be 70. I don’t watch regular TV anymore so you guys on KZfaq are my new TV shows. So that being said I look at your show as the Bob Ross of cobblers. It’s nice to hear a calming voice explaining everything as you go. I wrote this before seeing the new Show. God Bless

@monomarino5349 7 ай бұрын

@JC-kv1vn nice job ruining someone's comment.

@mordeys 7 ай бұрын

@MrBobby781. I love to watch artists do their work as well. I'm in my mid 50s and haven't watch 'tv' in a decade. It is so relaxing watching him and iwatch guys that clean and restore toy cars. Not the ones who fake them...those suck. I like ones like paul restorer.

@kevinbarrett9615 7 ай бұрын

I paint and do minor restoration on flight jackets, l have to say I would never repaint someone’s original art work unless they really wanted it done. The wear on this jacket is amazing ant retaining the original art to me is very important. Each to his own, the work you did is first rate.

@KyleSzklenski 3 ай бұрын

I showed this to my brother who was in the army for a long time in Iraq and Afghanistan, and he absolutely loved it and we had a moment. Thank you for posting it.

@porkorosso7885 7 ай бұрын

Steve what a wonderful project! Well done again. I’m a pilot and have an A2 jacket which I cherish. So much respect to the original owner and his great service to us all. Thanks for looking after an important piece of history!

@eddunn3427 4 ай бұрын

I recently started working at a local shoe repair shop in Pennsylvania as a second job. I'm 62 years old and the owner is giving me guidance and training. I only wish I started earlier as i find shoe repair and leather working challenging and enjoyable. Your videos are inspirational. Thank you

@garrettmeadows2273 24 күн бұрын

Man, I wish we had my late father’s flight jacket. What a treasure.

@russupholster8221 7 ай бұрын

Mr. Bowers photo at the end really added the finishing touch to your outstanding repair work! Always look forward to your videos keep up the great work!

@peterhallock9486 7 ай бұрын

Love the jacket repair and the history behind it. I have two with pins on them from my service in Vietnam. Always proud to wear them. Also have pins from my father during world war 11. Memories. Thanks!

@glenburgess477 7 ай бұрын

Love this , I have done similar restorations. I can relate as I was an RCAF mechanic / aircrew as well for 25 years. Beautiful skill and wonderful back story. Well done

@Truth1561 7 ай бұрын

Once again I’m amazed at your skill and attention to detail, Steve. What a wonderful piece of history for this family- the result was stunning!

@tonygloster3483 7 ай бұрын

A great restoration Steve and a great story behind this jacket it was worn by a true hero in the midst of battle ❤

@jeffanon1772 6 ай бұрын

I met an old gentleman at Church who was also a tail gunner like Bowers and he said his legs shook from fear so badly before every single mission that he could barely climb into the plane....but he kept going....👍👍

@saxman7131 5 ай бұрын

I’m a sax player and have played that song hundreds of times. Great video.

@zachglickmann8525 7 ай бұрын

Your craftsmanship restoring this piece of history is a perfect match. This video inspires a lot of thought, we’re pretty darn lucky to live like we do….but I’m preaching to the choir. Thank you for providing meaningful content for us to enjoy!

@davidreid8835 7 ай бұрын

Fantastic project and video. I enjoyed the back story about the WW2 airman a lot, one of many very brave servicemen from that era. The story added a lot to your craftsmanship and I’m glad his jacket will live on. Thanks.

@oldandstillhere 4 ай бұрын

My dad was a waist and tail gunner, stationed in England, and flew 31 missions over Germany. This really touched me. Wish he were still here so I could show him this video.

@FatManLeather 7 ай бұрын

I love watching you restore these items, I know how difficult it can be to keep it looking as original as possible. I restore military holsters and such, mostly German from WW1 and WW2 where authenticity is very important. Very nice job on the jacket.

@B747-4OO 6 ай бұрын

Great job! Your work honored Wilbers service! 👍

@james2592OldLeatherSmith 6 ай бұрын

OLD Leather Smith here, Great job Steve. Way back when I got started those snaps were called glove snaps. GOD'S BLESSINGS ✝️⚾🙃

@oceanhome039 7 ай бұрын

The story, the history and the restoration of this young man’s flight jacket gave me goose bumps. A fine looking as well as courageous young man he was. I so appreciate your excellent craftsmanship. Thank you for sharing.🇨🇦

@stevenschwagel8029 7 ай бұрын

This one was especially good. Love you. Steven

@2ChukBuk 7 ай бұрын

I LOVE a great save of an item with sentimental and, indeed, historic value. This one ticks all the boxes for me.

@charger8020 7 ай бұрын

I love your eye for detail... I'm a plumber I love making my work look great too..

@pherble 6 ай бұрын

Beautiful work, and inspiring to show how very worn leather can be salvaged.

@johnthreefifteen 7 ай бұрын

Outstanding work on preserving that piece of history.

@joereedsmith1531 6 ай бұрын

You have answered my question without me asking. No I cant restore a WW1 Leather Motor Riders full length coat. Its dry beyond salvage. Thanks for putting me out of my misery.

@ulrichbohmer6534 Ай бұрын

Dear Sir!I do know that there are methods and Products to revive old Leather! Some I utilized myself!Please take your Time!Perseverence does the Trick!Good Luck!If you really want to,you will succeed! Best wishes for such a beautifull Task from Germany!

@THE-Ayala5090 5 ай бұрын

How lucky and awesome it is for you to have worked on that piece of history. Outstanding job as always

@user-qc6dx6iu3f 7 ай бұрын

Getting pissed about Steve sharpening disposable razor blades. That's real? Really? I thought that was just a joke. Like rinsing out rubbers. If someone is really upset over reusing a disposable blade: get off the Internet, get a life.

@jameslowry4299 7 ай бұрын

The story and the work are equal stars of this video, IMO. Very cool old jacket. I'm sure the family really appreciates having it be presentable again, as it was pretty darn rough when you started.

@Nafregamisrocanob 7 ай бұрын

Enjoyed watching your skill and care restoring a piece of history. One note: The owner should consider donating it to the WWII Museum in New Orleans where they will catalog and archive its history for prosperity. I’ve personally donated family artifacts to the USHMM and have researched several 91st bomber group veterans for families.

@terrystewart2034 6 ай бұрын

Masterful work. Thanks for sharing

@lucky_horse 7 ай бұрын

Hi Steve, it is amazing to see how your craftsman skills allow you to be part of such an amazing story, which this jacket will carry through the ages. I am watching this in awe!

@jamesoganyan4025 7 ай бұрын

Good to see you Aper. I enjoy watching you work, you the best. Paul from California 🇦🇲

@frankbiz 7 ай бұрын

Hi Steve, amazing job on that jacket. Surly a family treasure brought back to life.

@christopherk3641 2 ай бұрын

Excellent! Loved the history.

@cogboy302 7 ай бұрын

If he was stationed in Bedford/Bedfordshire, it's likely he was at Podington Airfield, near Northampton. It was station 109 on the USAAF 8th Air Force and flew B17s. The site is now Santa Pod drag strip. There is a memorial near the start line of the strip and another memorial garden a couple of miles away from the track. I usually stop and pay my respects at the garden when I'm down to watch racing at the strip.

@danasixty5402 7 ай бұрын

You never Seize to Amaze me Steve O . Outstanding work .

@kentdaigle 7 ай бұрын

The phrase is *cease not seize...

@BedosLeatherworksLLC 7 ай бұрын

Thank you professor 🤣

@holymoly6829 7 ай бұрын

Great job for a true hero RIP Wilber Bowers 30 flights most of them as a tail gunner 😱😱😱 Respect ✊ to the both of you It looked fabulous btw 👍

@edgolembe956 3 ай бұрын

Bravo! It's a pleasure to see a real artisan at work. Thanks.

@rcdogmanduh4440 6 ай бұрын

Wow! Amazing as always!

@rickharris4579 7 ай бұрын

Wow what a wonderful job on the jacket. I mean it looks exactly like it did in 1942. You’re an absolute craftsman Steve!!

@irenemeno3585 7 ай бұрын

Loved this episode! Everytime you add the historcal facts about a project it makes it very interesting. You are so good at what you do and it shows how much of you you put into your work.

@walterwaller9784 7 ай бұрын

Steve you have an amazing way of explaining things so people can grasp the overall meaning/concept. I can and do appreciate David and his views of sharpening blades. Some people just get triggered easily and we can’t stop that. This bomber jacket and the story behind it are amazing. The repairs you made to it will definitely help keep it around for several more generations to learn of such history. Great stuff and I can’t wait until the next one! All the best, Walter

@DrMJJr 7 ай бұрын

Absolutely beautiful job Steve!! The color matching was VERY close and I think the inside cloth and elastic waist & cuff fringe looks stunning. Impressed as usual with your work and hope you’re staying warm down in VA (here in Philly is snowing up a storm)!!!

@CaptainWillard830 6 ай бұрын

Beautiful work. Semper Fi, Lieutenant Colonel, USMC (Retired)

@bbrachman 7 ай бұрын

Very nice touch. Reading the story while showing the disassembly. Liked it a lot.

@KarlosEPM 7 ай бұрын

This video is awesome in many levels. Thanks! 😊

@MaineMan2023 6 ай бұрын

Great project!

@danjoe22 7 ай бұрын

It is amazing what can be done with leather. This jacket has to be 80 years old and you were able to make repairs and bring the existing leather back to life. Your skill is remarkable and inspiring.

@aurorasalinas1215 7 ай бұрын

Awesome story behind the jacket and great results Steve. Thanks.

@thomasalfredgeorglundqvist5264 7 ай бұрын

Hi Steve! Thank you for sharing this project. Very inspiring in many ways. Looking forward to seeing more of your great work.

@randybourdon2791 7 ай бұрын

The restoration of the jacket turned out great Steve, as usual, thanks for sharing!

@telemarktumalo6978 7 ай бұрын

Beautiful restoration that will surely give the owner years of pleasure. What a story with that jacket. I can only imagine the places and experiences in that jacket!

@signjoey 7 ай бұрын

Should be good for another 80 years... good job Steve!

@garetkonigsfeld2 7 ай бұрын

It's in your hands now better days are to come. Another amazing job. Thanks for taking us along 👍.

@sharonh988 7 ай бұрын

Great video. The jacket looks awesome. Thanks Steve.

@teresadejong3011 7 ай бұрын

Thank you for another great video. I have learned so much from you. I have been sewing for almost 60 years and currently concentrate basically on making purses and wallets out of anything from cotton to lightweight leather. That and of course, mending clothes, replacing zippers etc. Keep up the great work!

@iainmceachran321 7 ай бұрын

Another fantastic restoration - this time a very special WWll flying jacket. My dad had a leather bomber type jacket that had a fleece. The jacket got so old it was falling apart. Probably due the sea water rotting it! I wish I knew the stuff you showed us way back then. Back when I myself was at sea…..I’d have the conditioning cream the cleansing cream you name it I’d have it with me to slowly bring some life back into the jacket. A great video again Steve. Shine On

@jerrygeorgopolis8015 7 ай бұрын

Amazing story on this jacket and rebuild , thanks Steve.

@StreetSoldierUK 6 ай бұрын

There’s no end to this gentleman‘s talent, very impressive.

@andyb5339 7 ай бұрын

Fabulous work from a true craftsman. Thank you for sharing Steve.

@zevgoldman6769 7 ай бұрын

A project of the heart that thrilled you to do, and thrilled me to watch you do it. You were like a kid in a candy store while you worked your magic.

@SIBSKYHAWK 7 ай бұрын

You are a craftsman for sure Steve. I love my flight jackets I use for general aviation flying. I get them from the Cockpit company. But restoring a original. Is Amazing.

@nigelwylie01 7 ай бұрын

Steve, the final shot of the jacket from 25:15 shows what a genius you are at ageing and colour matching leather. That jacket looks like the bee's knees! Please excuse the British expression. Another great video. Thanks again for your humour and joy.

@bmc5108 7 ай бұрын

Loved the picture at the end! I always hope that on these types of restorations, the customer reaction will be at the end of the video. Please do what you can. Keep doing these fine projects.

@95SLE 7 ай бұрын

Nice restoration of the jacket. My mom was a secretary in the Mighty 8th stationed in England during WWII.

@John-km9ju 7 ай бұрын

🫡 Salute to the original owner, the "greatest generation" servicemen/servicewomen, veterans and active duty and their families. Thanks Steve for another great repair/recraft honoring one of this country's true heroes! 🙏🏾

@Traderjoe 7 ай бұрын

Wow, it’s so intricate what’s involved with this and I’m sure the guys family appreciates your effort to rebuild this jacket as best as possible. It’ll last another hundred years!

@bradleyleben7785 6 ай бұрын

The jacket looks fantastic!!! My father was in WWII, AS was mom’s two brothers. It’s great that you saved a great piece of history.👍👍

@fronniebealer7808 7 ай бұрын

I am happy that all your outstanding craftsmanship put you in line to become part of this man's history. I think I heard the satisfaction in the explanations of the video. May all go well with you in the coming days.

@harrytruax5195 7 ай бұрын

Great job Steve! Mr. Bowers would be pleased!

@ratroddiesels1981 7 ай бұрын

thank you for sharing this patriotic tribute .

@ratroddiesels1981 7 ай бұрын

we love your channel

@davegower123 7 ай бұрын

Wow!! Beautiful work! You are part craftsman, part artist and part magician. I’m sure Wilber is smiling down on you. Keep up the amazing work. Cheers! 🍻👍😊

@kevinwilliams563 7 ай бұрын

Wow Steve!! Another masterpiece. I wish Wilber were still alive so he could see it.

@TylerSnyder305 7 ай бұрын

It's great to see this old warhorse get some much needed attention so the original owners family can continue to enjoy it.

@crisholmurb007 6 ай бұрын

lovely episode! thanks! There can never be too many thanks said for what US soldiers, seamen and airmen did to restore democracy in Europe. This episode reminds us all of that. A guesstimate from me is the jacket was made from horse hide - but I remain open and humble about that. They used horse and goat leather a lot, but the goat leather jackets often had a fur collar.

@sharyndj7404 7 ай бұрын

Steve..I so enjoy your channel. It is both inspiring and interesting to watch you work your artistry with leather. Particularly interesting to get the history and human story behind something like the bomber jacket here. Most of all, your channel is fun! Your sense of humor combined with your craft makes for a great channel. Thanks for the integrity you put into your work…it shows up in the always-beautiful finished pieces you share with us.

@nickbruni8041 7 ай бұрын

The original owner along with the Men and women of that generation that fought for freedom were truly unsung heroes. ✊🏼

@krenwregget7667 7 ай бұрын

another great project, Steve. In regards to "Sharpen-gate", as a woodworker, I use chisels, hand planes, spoke shaves, etc, which all have blades that need to be kept sharp. There is definitely a correct way to do it but I've never once been "triggered" by your blade touch ups. The blades you use are very thin, disposable style blades and not intended to be resharpened though as you know, you can touch them up to get extended life out of them.

@denis9450 7 ай бұрын

Hi Steve what a great restoration of that historic Jacket very well done Regards from Liverpool England

@jbuckley2546 6 ай бұрын

I would have been tempted to include B17 in the title with the popularity of Masters of the Air at the mo.

@williamsnelling3544 7 ай бұрын

Brilliant work on a great piece of history.

@mattWallJsy 7 ай бұрын

Fantastic work as always!

@marissia4391 7 ай бұрын

🙂👍 Very nice to see good work!🤩👍

@alanjenkinson7812 3 ай бұрын

Great job Steve & a good thing to save a piece of history

@sophia0675 5 ай бұрын

I ❤❤❤ your job!! I watch all your videos for studying English. Your explain so good. I'm from South Korea 🇰🇷 God bless you 🙏

@paulstanley7655 7 ай бұрын

I think that Steve has a time travel machine ;) an amazing job!

@BB12659 3 ай бұрын

When I saw this I thought, oh my goodness, he's going to ruin that (original) A-2, but I commend your excellent work.

@mickosullivan2962 7 ай бұрын

Steve , as ALWAYS a great presentation with some awesome content . I’m not entirely sure why I personally enjoy watching your work but I do and I like the your style of describing what you are presenting . Hoping to see you again at this years PATP . Keep on rocking these videos !

@mattmason7554 7 ай бұрын

Outstanding. Great job of blending.

@BabakPA 7 ай бұрын

Thanks Steve! Amazing as always! Shad merci

@Danny-sd5vm 7 ай бұрын

Awesome job Steve.

@chinatownboy7482 7 ай бұрын

I'm disappointed that Uncle Steve didn't try on the jacket. He did that with a jacket in a previous video. I have some leather shorts that I want to send in, just to see him trying them on.

@BedosLeatherworksLLC 7 ай бұрын

You know some of the comments you leave are so idiotic, but this one I got to say is pretty funny. 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤣🤣🤣

@flightschoolcustomfootwear 7 ай бұрын

Wow, what an amazing back story and incredible transformation! You are phenomenal at this craft Steve! I strive to be like you when I am your age. I am 33 right now and I have been leather crafting for 4 years. Mostly building handmade Air Jordans from scratch using exotic skins. But I plan to get more involved like you in the future and I am truly enjoying the journey to get there! Thank you for always sharing your work with us! You are truly appreciated!

@lilolmecj 6 ай бұрын

Do you work out of your home, or have a shop? I have noticed in my area that the two shoe repair shops that were here twenty years ago are gone. After watching Steve I got to thinking it was too bad, those shops and their equipment likely were just sold for next to nothing. When I started to look for a leather repair shop/shoe shop a few years back I couldn’t find anyone local (Seattle/Tacoma), but a couple of dry cleaners do at least replace heels. I believe they send them out, but I didn’t ask. I believe a person could build a solid business as some consumers are beginning to seek out the old ways of repairing instead of replacing.

@flightschoolcustomfootwear 6 ай бұрын

@@lilolmecj I work out of my home at the moment but I plan to get a shop in the future. I'm am in Florida and we have 1 shop in the neighboring city and he has offered to sell me his shop for a great deal but i don't have the funds just yet.

@lilolmecj 6 ай бұрын

@@flightschoolcustomfootwear well, I wish you the best possible fortune to be able to have your own shop in time. Will the other shop owner be willing to offer you opportunities to learn from him in the meantime? I guess there are levels , like all businesses. The heels I had replaced by dropping them off at the dry cleaners were not expensive at all, but also not the nicest job possible. I would have been willing to pay more for better work. But sometimes you must accept what is available. Now I am not rich, not poor either, but my shoes cost under $100. However I really like them and will have new heels, and later soles if possible because women’s oxfords are not as commonly available as men’s oxfords. I do think more people would buy hand made shoes if they were more available, and at a price point they could afford. Honestly I don’t know what would be the balance point, the cobbler has the right to make a good living. I’m 62, so a little late to start a new career, but these leather and shoe restoration videos are very inspiring!

@flightschoolcustomfootwear 6 ай бұрын

@@lilolmecj thank you so much! I truly appreciate you! Right now he says he's too busy to train anyone but he would have to walk me through all of the work he has already taken in that hasn't been completed yet. My experience is in leather crafting. I make sneakers from scratch as well as bags, belts, wallets, watch straps etc. I also have experience in jacket and pants repair and will soon be learning alterations. My 9-5 is repairing firefighter gear and I leathercraft on the side until I build up a big enough audience to go full time. I hope I can get my shop up and running to be able to do those full soles and heels for you!! I would truly enjoy that!

@manuelgonzalezgonzalez2848 7 ай бұрын

Buenos dias Steve ,excelente trabajando artesanal en una chaqueta iconica ,una vez más nos muestra tu saber hacer ,tu maravillosa artesanía y todos tus conocimientos .Aprovecho también para desearte un feliz ańo 2024 ,saludos desde Espańa 🎩⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

@GodzHarleyGirlStudio 7 ай бұрын

Great job on this special jacket! Outstanding. Hugz, Tree

@donaldroberts6452 7 ай бұрын

Wow Steve, the jacket turned out fantastic. I sharpen my utility blades too 🤣 I started using an exacto knife to cut seams this year and it works very well