Actually, word has it they were nickel-plated...

Posted by Patterson from adsl-63-198-64-194.dsl.lsan03.pacbell.net on May 08, 2000 at 21:09:52:

In Reply to: Re: Zippers....Wested;what else would we ask about? posted by The now,not so worried shopper on May 08, 2000 at 20:57:59:

: Thanks for the speedy response. What is your profession that you know so much about zipper metals? Which zipper did the original Raider jacket have, do you know?
: Sincerely,
: Not-so-worried-about-my-Wested-order-b/c-I-chose-brass (whew)

: : : What IS sturdier the nickelplated or brass hardware (zippers, buckles)? Can someone provide the definitive answer on this---the vault has mixed answers, anything new out there? Yoo-hoo Michaelson this question beckons you and Patterson. THanks!

: : Well, from experience I expect brass to be more reliable [although no metal zipper will be as indestructible as a nylon zipper]. Brass is fairly soft and therefore selflubricating. However, it corrodes, but at the same time is protected by this layer of patina. Nickel is a hard reflective metal and resistant to corrosion, but has more of a tendency to get stuck. Also, the nickel zipper is just plated, and remember many people have a contact allergy towarrds nickel. I would go with brass. And God forbid someone using a totally unauthentic nylon zipper!! Fall Guy

Unclear whether they were nickel-plated aluminum or tin. Either way the metal was much to soft. Any abuse, and the zipper was toast!

Cheers!

Patterson

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