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 RUclips 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
@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.
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
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.
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....👍👍
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!
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.
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.
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!
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
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.🇨🇦
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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
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)!!!
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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! 🍻👍😊
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.
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 🎩⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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.
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 !
This is awesome! This type of artistic work is literally priceless if you ask me. Great job and entertaining video Steve! I look forward to your next video!
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.
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.
"Zackley!!!" The right tool for the job. You sharpen to repair a damaged edge, you then HONE to maintain that edge. So... now, once you begin to HONE that edge on your disposable blade(s), they'll last even LONGER than before. LOL That'll trigger those who believe you throw it away, just because they've always seen it done that way. BTW... if you're ever out and about and don't have a hone with you, the top edge of the roll-up window on your car will hone like a ceramic does (in a pinch). But? We didn't get to see the whole process of bringing that poor old jacket back to life again! Good ol' Bick4 to the rescue once again. Another fine finish to a repair. I believe the original snaps are called "Line 24" and the ones you used for the pockets/collar are called "Line 20". Don't know why those terms are used, but the one who taught me how to work leather used them to ID the two types. I like a fine tipped oiling pen to place a tiny drop of fine oil to the female half of the snaps to help them function more smoothly. Bought a new holster/mag pouch. Edges of the leather needed finishing, needed dye, and need to be burnished smooth. Now that the dye is dried, I need to burnish them smooth. They also got a nice slathering of Bick4 to aid in the breaking in. My second pint of it is almost used up, almost time to crack open the gallon jug. Love that stuff. Needed to condition the belt too, and found I'm missing a Chicago Screw, time to go digging through my stash. Kydex is nice, but NOTHING wears like good leather.
Хобби
B17 tail gunners had some of the highest casualty rates. That this guy survived that many missions is a miracle.
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 RUclips 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
@JC-kv1vn nice job ruining someone's comment.
@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.
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
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.
Bravo! It's a pleasure to see a real artisan at work. Thanks.
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....👍👍
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!
I’m a sax player and have played that song hundreds of times. Great video.
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.
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.
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!
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
OLD Leather Smith here, Great job Steve. Way back when I got started those snaps were called glove snaps. GOD'S BLESSINGS ✝️⚾🙃
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!
I ❤❤❤ your job!! I watch all your videos for studying English. Your explain so good. I'm from South Korea 🇰🇷 God bless you 🙏
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.
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.
I LOVE a great save of an item with sentimental and, indeed, historic value. This one ticks all the boxes for me.
Beautiful work, and inspiring to show how very worn leather can be salvaged.
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!
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!
A great restoration Steve and a great story behind this jacket it was worn by a true hero in the midst of battle ❤
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.
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.
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.🇨🇦
This one was especially good. Love you. Steven
Great job! Your work honored Wilbers service! 👍
I love your eye for detail... I'm a plumber I love making my work look great too..
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.
You never Seize to Amaze me Steve O . Outstanding work .
The phrase is *cease not seize...
Thank you professor 🤣
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.
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 👍
Good to see you Aper. I enjoy watching you work, you the best. Paul from California 🇦🇲
How lucky and awesome it is for you to have worked on that piece of history. Outstanding job as always
There’s no end to this gentleman‘s talent, very impressive.
Excellent! Loved the history.
Outstanding work on preserving that piece of history.
This video is awesome in many levels. Thanks! 😊
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!
Masterful work. Thanks for sharing
Wow what a wonderful job on the jacket. I mean it looks exactly like it did in 1942. You’re an absolute craftsman Steve!!
Hi Steve, amazing job on that jacket. Surly a family treasure brought back to life.
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.
Should be good for another 80 years... good job Steve!
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!
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.
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.
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!
Wow! Amazing as always!
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
Very nice touch. Reading the story while showing the disassembly. Liked it a lot.
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)!!!
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!
Beautiful work. Semper Fi, Lieutenant Colonel, USMC (Retired)
It's great to see this old warhorse get some much needed attention so the original owners family can continue to enjoy it.
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
The original owner along with the Men and women of that generation that fought for freedom were truly unsung heroes.
✊🏼
Amazing story on this jacket and rebuild , thanks Steve.
It's in your hands now better days are to come. Another amazing job. Thanks for taking us along 👍.
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.
Great project!
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.
Awesome story behind the jacket and great results Steve. Thanks.
Great video. The jacket looks awesome. Thanks Steve.
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.
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.
Fabulous work from a true craftsman. Thank you for sharing Steve.
The restoration of the jacket turned out great Steve, as usual, thanks for sharing!
Brilliant work on a great piece of history.
Hi Steve! Thank you for sharing this project. Very inspiring in many ways. Looking forward to seeing more of your great work.
Nice restoration of the jacket. My mom was a secretary in the Mighty 8th stationed in England during WWII.
Wow Steve!! Another masterpiece. I wish Wilber were still alive so he could see it.
Outstanding. Great job of blending.
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! 🍻👍😊
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.
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 🎩⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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.
Thanks Steve! Amazing as always! Shad merci
Awesome work! Fantastic!
thank you for sharing this patriotic tribute .
we love your channel
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 !
Tail end gunners had real ball of steel. Sat alone at the back. Knowing they were a target zone for fighters. What a life story.
Fantastic work as always!
This is awesome! This type of artistic work is literally priceless if you ask me. Great job and entertaining video Steve! I look forward to your next video!
When I saw this I thought, oh my goodness, he's going to ruin that (original) A-2, but I commend your excellent work.
Awesome job Steve.
Great work you are a great craftsman
Outstanding as usual! Great attention to detail! Love the videos. Howdy from Houston,Texas.
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.
You know some of the comments you leave are so idiotic, but this one I got to say is pretty funny. 🤦♂️🤦♂️🤣🤣🤣
🙂👍 Very nice to see good work!🤩👍
Great job Steve! Mr. Bowers would be pleased!
Great job on this special jacket! Outstanding. Hugz, Tree
This is a miracle! Better than new!👍👏
I think that Steve has a time travel machine ;) an amazing job!
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.
As usual a great job done!
Hi Steve what a great restoration of that historic Jacket very well done Regards from Liverpool England
Well done Steve look’s fantastic 👍.
"Zackley!!!" The right tool for the job. You sharpen to repair a damaged edge, you then HONE to maintain that edge. So... now, once you begin to HONE that edge on your disposable blade(s), they'll last even LONGER than before. LOL That'll trigger those who believe you throw it away, just because they've always seen it done that way. BTW... if you're ever out and about and don't have a hone with you, the top edge of the roll-up window on your car will hone like a ceramic does (in a pinch).
But? We didn't get to see the whole process of bringing that poor old jacket back to life again! Good ol' Bick4 to the rescue once again. Another fine finish to a repair. I believe the original snaps are called "Line 24" and the ones you used for the pockets/collar are called "Line 20". Don't know why those terms are used, but the one who taught me how to work leather used them to ID the two types. I like a fine tipped oiling pen to place a tiny drop of fine oil to the female half of the snaps to help them function more smoothly.
Bought a new holster/mag pouch. Edges of the leather needed finishing, needed dye, and need to be burnished smooth. Now that the dye is dried, I need to burnish them smooth. They also got a nice slathering of Bick4 to aid in the breaking in. My second pint of it is almost used up, almost time to crack open the gallon jug. Love that stuff. Needed to condition the belt too, and found I'm missing a Chicago Screw, time to go digging through my stash. Kydex is nice, but NOTHING wears like good leather.
That's museum quality work.