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This is the place where the majority of the warbird (aircraft that have survived military service) discussions will take place. Specialized forums may be added in the new future
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WW.2 Flight jackets

Sun May 20, 2007 12:10 pm

I am looking for a leather flight jacket and got a reasonable offer for a brown leather A-2 replica.

Does any of you know if both USAAF and USN used it during WW.2 ?

I was thinking of adding VF-3 patch from 1943 but wanted to be sure if this matches.

If anyone knows a good patch seller for WW.2 replica's I'd love to hear that as well.

André

Sun May 20, 2007 12:52 pm

Navy uses the G-1

Sun May 20, 2007 12:56 pm

Okay, I check that one out as well. Thanks.

Sun May 20, 2007 2:23 pm

The A-2 was Air Corps/Air Forces, but if you're interested in the Flying Tigers at all, most of the AVG pilots worn Navy G-1's.
With the VF-3 patch, you also want to make sure the collar of the G-1 is real Sheep mouton, not synthetic wool. Also, if you want to be authentic, no slash hand warmer pockets should be on the jacket. They're more useful than the two regular patch pockets, but they're not authentic to the Military.
Jerry

Sun May 20, 2007 3:51 pm

try www.airborne-leathers.com, they give NATA members a discount from the normal price.

Sun May 20, 2007 4:23 pm

You could also try:
www.flightjacket.com

Mudge the helpful :D

Sun May 20, 2007 7:40 pm

Be sure to Join the Vintage Leather Jacket forum too:

http://cornellsurgery.com/phpBB3/index.php

Digger

Sun May 20, 2007 7:41 pm

I want the one from Top Gun! $700. !! I think my A-2 that came from Cooper was like $400.

Sun May 20, 2007 9:03 pm

I've gotten some good jackets from this outfit and they are reasonably priced:

http://www.leather.com/aviation/aviation.htm

Sun May 20, 2007 9:10 pm

The most authentic is by Eastman Leather / Historic Preservation Associates. Well worth looking into. Spend the $10 for ther catalog, it's worth it.

Sun May 20, 2007 9:14 pm

The Vintage Leather Jacket Forum"? Now I've heard everything. :? :shock:

Mudge the dumbfounded :roll:

Sun May 20, 2007 10:40 pm

As a vintage a/c pilot and Flight jacket fan, I second what others have said on this post.
The best quality repro jackets are made by Eastman Leather Co. in England.
Their agent in the US is History Preservation Associates.
I own a Roughwear contract #1401 Russet Horsehide A2 and have Flown about 300 hrs in it.
This jacket is THE BEST flight jacket I have ever worn period,
Jackets of this calibre and authenticity are not cheap but believe me they are well worth the quality.

As for Mudge's comments. The members of the Jacket forunm are all Flight jacket fans , many of which are experts in this area. They are from all corners of the globe.
Leather flight clothing has always been popular and has always been a part of aviation for as long as it has existed.
Good luck in your search for a jacket , but if you want the best authentic and accurate repro then Eastman is the way to go

Fleet16b
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