Warbird Information Exchange

G'day folks,

I'm just wondering about the pockets in the USAAF B-3 shearling flight jackets. The first pic is of a jacket I've just picked up. The jacket, as seen, has two external pockets, with diagonal slits. The second pic is pretty much what I thought B-3 jackets were meant to look like, with one angular pocket on the right hand side (as worn) of the jacket.

I understand that the B-6 jackets had a pocket layout like the one in the first picture, but did late B-3 jackets have the two pockets as shown?

The various current repro B-3 jackets can be seen in both varieties. If both are correct, what is the time-line for the changeover? Also, any general information about the B-3 jackets would be appreciated. My jacket (which I know is a replica) appears like other replicas, somewhat longer than the original pattern.

My other question pertains to the AAF shoulder decal. I think I've read that they were only used from late 1943, but clarification would be appreciated. My new jacket doesn't have any patches, but I intend adding the AAF and 8th AF patches to the shoulders, a BG patch on the front and artwork to the back.

Any thoughts from those in the know would be appreciated.

Cheers,
Matt

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Matt Austin - playing with warbirds since the early 80s.

See my Lee-Enfield videos at - http://www.youtube.com/user/Jollygreenslugg

Don't know much about B-3s in particular, but I've had a great deal of success researching various uniform combinations and A-2 decorations (patches, paintings, etc) by trawling through the USAAF Photo Collection over at www.footnote.com. If you browse into the various categories and look through the "Personnel" or "Miscellaneous" subgroups, especially under Europe/England and Europe/Italy, you're likely to find all kinds of helpful photos of bomber crewmen in their B-3s.

Good luck,

Lynn

It was my understanding that they all had only one pocket. I've seen a lot of photos over the years and have never seen a 2 pocket version.

I read somewhere that the powers that be didn't want air gunners standing around with their hands in their pockets! Makes sense I suppose.

I know there was a jacket made for the ground crew that had a smaller collar and 2 pockets. Looks more like that to me.

Historic Preservation Associates has a huge selection of leather, shearling, and satin flight jackets on thier website. The folks there should be able to answer some questions.


Chappie

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Brrring. Dispersal? TWO SECTIONS SCRAMBLE!!

Historic Preservation Associates (Eastman Leather) has a book/catalog available that explains most of the leather flying equipment. It is well worth the 10-15$. B-3s did not have two pockets. The second photo is a correct version. Note the sleeve reinforcement that isn't in the first photo (a poor knock-off).

Here is a good website for A2 jackets. http://www.acmedepot.com/a2jacket/index.shtml

G'day folks,

Thanks for your responses. It is indeed a copy, and the label and details inside make this immediately apparent. I picked it up for fifty bucks, and am planning to use it as a daily winter jacket, so I'm not too concerned about the fact that it doesn't correctly replicate the original. Indeed, I plan to use it in a way that I'd never use an original. Several of my A-2s are copies, and I have no qualms about wearing them out and letting them be abused. So, as to this jacket, I'm aiming for it to have a general B-3 look than trying to be an accurate replica. Having said that, it'll be done to the correct standards. That means that I'll never add wear to an original, but I get the benefit of a warm winter jacket. Not only that, but I'm not damaging a valuable original jacket, as that would be most irresponsible. The markings inside the jacket mean that it'll never be mistaken for an original.

So, it's not particularly accurate, but it should be warm and it might look half-decent with nose-art on the back. As an aside, I always add a date to my nose-art to show it to be modern. See the MSA '07 on the attached pic. It's in small letters, an inch or so above the last bomb.

Cheers,
Matt

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Matt Austin - playing with warbirds since the early 80s.

See my Lee-Enfield videos at - http://www.youtube.com/user/Jollygreenslugg

For what its worth, the B-3 jackets only had one pocket as is pictured in your second picture. As for the decal, often these colorful decals were added at what was known as a reconditioning depot, where the jackets were repaired and re-issued. A simple way to judge the age of a B-3 is to look at the number of panels that the jacket is made from. The very early,mostly pre-war B-3's were what was known as a Redskin. These had a much redder dye to them and are highly sought after by collectors. The next generation of B-3 jackets had only two rear panels making up the back of the jacket, separated by a seam running down the middle. The sides were different as well, having a triangle sewn into the lower portion of the side seam. The most common B-3 jackets are made up of 3 or even 4 panels on the back, sometimes even with patch like pieces sewn into the jacket in various locations, simply due to the shortage of large enough pieces of hide to make the jacket towards the latter part of the war. sometimes there was also variations in the horsehide on the sleeves, some being less rusty red and more of a brown than others. I am fortunate enough to own 3 original examples of these jackets, one from each of the eras of the war. I do not own a Redskin. My personal favorite is the D-1 mechanics jacket, and i may purchase a reproduction from Eastman leathers, UK. for some cold winter wearing. Only one of my B-3 jackets is solid enough for me to not worry about wearing it without damaging it, and i sometimes throw it on with some goggles and go for a cruise on my Harley. It really is the warmest jacket you will ever wear !

G'day Groundpounder (and everyone),

Thanks very much for your replies, they're much appreciated.

Cheers,
Matt

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Matt Austin - playing with warbirds since the early 80s.

See my Lee-Enfield videos at - http://www.youtube.com/user/Jollygreenslugg

i sold my b-3 some years back, but it was like the 2nd pic w/ the darker leather diamond shape on the sleeves. it was thoroughly dry rotted when i sold it. wore for halloween 1 year. i not only got toasted at the party, the jacket toasted me as well!! you'd survive an ice age in that thing!!!

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tom d. friedman - hey!!! those fokkers were messerschmitts!! * without ammunition, the usaf would be just another flying club!!! * better to have piece of mind than piece of tail!!