Advertised on eBay, with a current bid of $323. I don't know much about traditional safari clothing, nor am I inclined to spend this amount on a jacket (I'm at least an XL anyway!), but I take it this is something special? Any of you more cultured guys know what a "Willis & Geiger" is?

"This is one rare find. This coat has been copied by everyone from Banana Republic to Lands end. This is a gently worn Willis and Geiger 3/4 lenght safari/hunting jacket. Many clothiers have tried to duplicate the rugged style and durability of this Willis and Geiger coat but none came close. There are so many features,gusseted shoulders to allow for proper swing when firing,bellowed front pockets, buttoned belt guides,heavy brass belt buckle. The jacket is 100% durable cotton and of course it is khaki. This particular jacket is a one owner. It was purchase in Africa prior to safari in Kenya. What a great treasure and collectable. You can't buy these anymore. Any Willis and Geiger coat is a life long friend. Like a fine leather coat or your favorite jeans. Each button whole and pocket casing is double stitched for lasting durability. This coat is a large and has many many years of wear left. No flaws just solid traditional Willis and Geiger."




Website: Safari Jacket on eBay

Bill,

They used to sell higher end stuff via catalog, but they went out of business probably 3 years ago. I still wear a couple of things I bought from them in the final close-out sale.

The jacket is nice, but I would not pay that for one. I still have my Cabelas from 10 years ago.

jim

I think W&G was actually purchased by Lands End several years ago and they prompty adopted some of the W&G styles and discontinued a great many more. I think the same quality can probably be had in the Filson model pictured below for a LOT less money. Filson has always been very good to me with their products and service.



Best,

JohnTheGreek

SHIT! I've got a bunch of those jackets, plus shirts, pants, shorts, the safari vest, even a W&G safari hat (with zebra hatband).

I may just sell it and buy myself a safari with the proceeds!

George

Bill,



JTG is correct, several years ago Lands End bought W&G. The W&G catalouge business didn't go well, Lands End tried to sell them off with no luck and finally liquidated W&G in 1999 and sold off the inventory.



I bought this jacket and wore it in Tanzania.











Regards,



Terry



P.S.

Hard to see in the picture, but over the left chest pocket, there are ammo pockets (4 pockets that carry two rounds each).

In case anyone is interested:

I still have one like in Terry's picture that is still in the plastic bag. Size Large, but they run big, a good one size larger. $200.

Also have some that are "used" but like new, sizes L and XL. $100 each.

I have some without sleeves too. Okay, I better keep them!

A sleeveless Willis & Geiger Safari shirt worn by Bill Stewart - come on Will, name your price!



Thanks guys for the info, I was just curious. The cumulative knowledge on this forum never ceases to amaze me. Bill

From http://www.indygear.com/gear/shirt.shtml:

"W&G [Willis & Geiger] was the oldest outfitting company in the United States. They outfitted Teddy Roosevelt, Amelia Earhart, Ernest Hemingway, Humphrey Bogart, Clark Gable, the Flying Tigers and other legends of the 20th Century. Unfortunately they were sold to Land's End who fumbled the ball and discontinued the line."

-Bob F.

My old buddy George Hoffman had one, but he hated it, cut the right pocket off because it grabbed his gun when he mounted it...I agree, all these jackets were designed by some light in the shorts cloths designer that never saw Africa ...

I have one of those travel coats (Rhino Hide) damn near 10 pockets I believe that don't fit ANYTHING I've tried to put in them... ( I'd sell it size XL)

I also have one of those Texas Safari vests in Extra Large, that has the slanted cartridge loops on each side that will hold any big bore cartridge..I will sell it cheap, if anyone is interrested, give me a call or email...Its a nice hunting vest.

The best one I have seen is the cheapest one Cabelas makes and cut the right shoulder pocket off or sew the flap down..I have a couple of them but I never wear them.

I bought a Filson Safari Jacket because it was on clearance very cheap and I thought it would look good around the deer lease campfire when hunting pigs with my doubles. I actually took it to Zim in June and wore it several of the cool mornings when hunting, and a few of the cool evenings when in camp.
I would prefer if it was a light green, as where I was it was just too light a color. Such a jacket does make you look "spiffy", especially if you are carrying a double rifle while wearing it.

Guys,

I have found that the best "safari jacket" are the heavy "barn coats" made by Carhart. They shed the heavy thorns, are warm enough on those early frosty mornings, will last a very long time and are reasonably priced. Get the felt lined one as oppossed to the quilted nylon and you will be in good shape.

BigBullet

I like it when the PH is wearing blue jeans and checkered shirt and the aspiring Karamoja Bell is sweating away in safari clothes from last century...

Bog,
Actually it was just the opposite on my trip in June. The PH and the cameraman wore a coat every morning for a large part of the day. They thought it was cold. By 9 or so I was in just a shirt while they were still in their coats. I wish it had stayed that "cool" all day.