Authenticity
There isn’t any standard for determining the authenticity of an A-2 flight jacket, but there are some things that you can check for. It is important to inspect the quality of the leather. While horsehide was originally the specification, a significant number of A-2s were constructed from steer or goatskin. Additionally, the shoulder seams should not be pushed back off the shoulder and the epaulets need to be placed at the top of the shoulder. Lastly the pockets should have top entry and be placed a decent distance from the zipper.
One method to confirm the authenticity of an A-2 jacket is by looking at its style. It is crucial to remember that the original A-2 jacket was a slim and fitted piece. Although it appears loose on most modern males however, it appears more streamlined in films from the past and photographs. This is because the jacket was designed for thin men of the time.
The manufacturer of the jacket is another method to confirm the authenticity of your A-2. Find a reputable business that makes authentic military flight jackets, if you’re seeking to purchase one. The US Air Force’s prime contract for flight jackets is Cockpit USA. Avirex LTD was previously known as Cockpit USA. All A-2 jackets produced by this company utilize high-quality goatskin. HQ USAF has also required all A-2 flight jackets to comply with the “Berry Amendment,” which requires that the materials used in production process be of American origin. Cooper Sportswear used goatskin from Pakistan.
Construction
The A-2 jacket is a two-piece jacket that has one piece for each front panel, and two pieces for each sleeve. It was developed for mass production and has a more slim neck profile and better soiling resistance. There were many variations in the jackets’ construction. They can range from a light tan to a rich chocolate brown. These jackets are distinguished from the modern versions by their uniqueness.
A2 jackets were designed by a variety of manufacturers in the 1930s and 1940s. This led to a wide variety of high-quality. Manufacturers included leather goods companies that produced baseball mitts to civilian clothing producers like the well-known MacGregor brand. Rough Wear Clothing Co. was the largest producer of A-2 jackets during WWII. It was awarded multiple contracts to manufacture the jackets.
Depending on the maker, the shoulder straps can be stitched into the shoulders and blouson a2 sometimes are adorned with rank insignias that are pinned to them. The quality of a jacket’s construction can be determined by its shoulder straps. The shoulder straps are usually composed of two pieces of leather with twin rows of stitching. To ensure that the jacket is secure, they are also stitched in a box at both ends.
The A-2 jacket was the standard military clothing for pilots during WWII. It was designed to shield pilots from frigid and windy conditions while Ladies Flying Jacket in open cockpit aircraft. The modern version from US Wings retains the same classic design features, while incorporating the latest technology. It’s a sealed brown color and is slightly looser than the original. It has two cargo pockets as well as an inside chest pocket. The jacket features a snap-down collar.
Color
Many unique features make the A-2 jacket special. These details can be compared with other A-2 jackets from various manufacturers. The jacket’s label, for instance is unusually oblong and without a maker’s name , blouson a2 or other identification information. It does come with a size-related tab which is not typical for other manufacturers.
The jacket was initially designed to be worn by officers commissioned into the United States Army Air Forces. It was presented to them after they completed basic training in flight. Prior to their advanced training, airmen would sit in front of boxes that contained jackets of different sizes. Once the airmen had chosen the right size the quartermaster at the base would distribute it. In the beginning the A-2 was only issued to commissioned officers, but at the close of World War II, they were issued to enlisted aircrews. The jacket was a symbol of the military and was worn with pride.
The A-2 jacket was created by the Aero Leather Clothing Company, which was a major ladies flying Jacket producer of aviation clothes for the U.S. Air Force. The A-2 jackets were composed primarily of medium brown knits, with angular pockets flaps. They were made under contract numbers 42-15142 , 42-18775.
The A-2 jacket is a classic. As one of the most iconic pieces of military apparel it represents the courage and devotion of World War II pilots. It was first issued on May 9th, 1931 by Army Air Corps.
Value
Value A-2 jackets can be purchased at a reasonable price. A majority of jackets are priced below $500 and have oversized sleeves and shoulders. They may also have pockets for pen and hand that are not spec and come in softer materials such as lambskin. Beware of imitations as the best ones can have artificial ageing or even period-specific insignia.
A2 jackets were made by a variety of manufacturers in the 1930s and 1940s, and the quality ranged widely. The most well-known manufacturers were civilian clothing manufacturers like MacGregor and leather goods producers like Cooper Sportswear. However the most prolific wartime maker of the A-2 was Rough Wear Clothing Co., which produced them under various contracts.
A-2 jackets were a common choice for Allied pilots following WWII. A lot of these jackets were in the possession of the upcoming generations. Certain companies began producing replicas of the jacket and selling them for higher prices than the government had originally intended. In 1987, the jacket was revived to a new generation of pilots in celebration of the Air Force’s 40th anniversary. The jacket was also used to revive the spirit of the pilots.
The A-2 jacket isn’t just popular in the military, but also with presidents. Both George W. Bush and Barack Obama have worn them for photo opportunities at military installations. The A-2 jacket even though it has been worn by both Presidents, is considered to be a classic piece of military clothing.
Reproductions
A-2 jackets became popular in WWII and small-scale industries emerged to meet the demand. Many companies began producing the jacket and are still operating today. Although the design has changed from the original, the jacket has remained popular throughout the decades. For example, you can still see the A2 jacket in popular movies and television shows in the 1950s and 1960s.
Reproductions of the A2 jacket can run anywhere between $500 and $1700, and they come with a wide variation in the quality and authenticity. The Flight Jacket Brand Catalog is an Japanese publication that includes photos and information about many manufacturers. It’s a great source of information for this jacket. Despite the fact that the catalog is written in Japanese for the Japanese market, it offers numerous details on the jacket.
The original A-2 jackets were issued only to pilots and aircrewmen. Officers who did not fly also received the jackets however, not until mid-1943. In the meantime the time, a small business had emerged in England that was specialized in the manufacture of A-2-style jackets. The Army stopped buying new leather jackets after the war. Airmen who were sent to war in cloth jackets were unable to buy replacements for their A-2s.
The original A-2 jacket featured knitted cuffs with snap flap pockets, and an interior map pocket. The back was constructed from one piece of leather. The interior of the jacket was lined in cotton. The jacket featured an adjustable hanger strap made of leather that had an official military-spec tag.
Originals are worth more
Many pilots were wearing the A-2 jacket during World War II. After the war the jacket wasn’t issued to pilots however, many owned them. A few jackets were sold at a higher price than the original ones and some companies even made replicas and sold them for more than the government could pay. The A-2 jacket was released in 1987 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Air Force and to rekindle the spirit of the corps.
The A-2 jacket was made by several manufacturers, with different qualities. Some jackets were made from cowhide, whereas others were made of goatskin. It is essential to be aware that cowhide may be difficult to differentiate from goat skin, but a high-quality goatskin jacket will be easy to identify.
A-2 jackets were also constructed with a zip. The zippers were made of steel, brass, or nickel-plated. Most of the zippers on A-2 jackets came from Talon, a company that supplied the US military with the zippers throughout the war. Talon’s zippers had metal bottoms and riveted or gommeted metal tops. The A-2 jacket is fitted or loose, based on the wearer’s style preference.
The A-2 jacket may not be the most popular jacket however, it does have a an interesting story and great value. The A-2 jacket was worn by both George W. Bush and Joe Biden, and became popular with the Presidents. The A-2 jacket has been worn by every President since then on bases for the military.