Authenticity
While there is no way to verify the authenticity of an A-2 flight jacket or jacket, there are a few things you can look out for. For example, it is essential to verify the quality of the Leather Flight Jacket A2 B3 – Foenixapparel. Although horsehide was the initial specification, a large portion of A-2s were made from steer or goatskin. The shoulder seams should not be pulled back from the shoulder and the epaulets should be placed in a centered position on top of the shoulder. The zipper should not be visible from pockets.
The style of the jacket is one way to determine if the jacket is authentic. It is essential to keep in mind that the original A-2 jacket was a slim well-fitting garment. Although it appears loose on most modern men, it looks a little more streamlined in films from the past and photographs. This is because the jacket was created to fit thin males at the time.
The jacket’s maker is another way to confirm the authenticity of your A-2. Look for a reputable firm that produces authentic military flight jackets when you’re in the market for one. The Air Force of the United States has its main contract for flight jackets is Cockpit USA. This company, which was previously known as Avirex LTD, uses high quality goatskin in all of its A-2 jackets. All A-2 flight jackets must be in compliance with the “Berry Amendment” which requires that all materials used in their manufacture be American. Cooper Sportswear used goatskin from Pakistan.
Construction
The A-2 jacket is a jacket made of two pieces with one piece for each front panel, and two pieces for each sleeves. It was developed for mass production and has a slimmer neck profile and better soiling resistance. There were many variations in the jacket’s design. They can vary from light to dark chocolate brown. These distinct features make these jackets distinctive from modern imitations.
Many manufacturers made A2 jackets in the 1930s and 1940s. This meant that the quality of the jackets varied widely. Manufacturers included leather goods companies that made baseball mitts to civilian clothing manufacturers like the popular MacGregor brand. Rough Wear Clothing Co. was the largest producer of A-2 jackets in WWII. It was awarded several contracts to produce the clothes.
Depending on the maker, Leather Flight Jacket A2 B3 – foenixapparel the shoulder straps are sewn to the shoulders and may feature rank insignias pinned onto the straps. The straps on the shoulders can be a sign of the quality of the jacket’s construction. The shoulder straps are generally two leather strips that have twin rows of stitching. They’re also stitched at each end to ensure that the jacket is secure.
During WWII The A-2 jacket was the standard military clothing for pilots. It was designed to shield pilots from the cold and wind when flying in open cockpit aircraft. The US Wings modern version retains the classic styling elements while incorporating the most recent technology. It is slightly looser than the original model and has a seal-brown color. It features two front cargo pockets, as well as an inside chest pocket. The jacket comes with a snap-down collar.
Color
A number of unique characteristics make the A-2 jacket distinctive. These features can be compared to other A-2 jackets from different manufacturers. For example, the jacket’s label is particularly long and doesn’t include the maker’s name, or any other information that could be used to identify the jacket. However, the size tab is still there that is not typical for other makers.
The jacket was initially designed to be worn by officers commissioned of the United States Army Air Forces. It was awarded to them after they had completed their basic flight training. Prior to their advanced training, airmen lined up in front of boxes that contained jackets of various sizes. Once the airmen had chosen the proper size the quartermaster at the base would distribute it. The A-2 was initially only available to commissioned officers for the first few years. However at the conclusion of World War II they were accessible to aircrews who were enlisted. The jacket was an emblem of military service and was wore with pride.
The A-2 flight jacket was designed by the Aero Leather Clothing Company, which was a major manufacturer of aviation-related clothing for the U.S. Air Force. The A-2 jackets were constructed primarily of medium brown knits that had an angular flap for pockets. They were produced under the contract numbers 42-15142, 42-18775 and 42-18775-P.
The A-2 jacket is a timeless classic. It’s a symbol for the dedication and courage of World War II pilots. It was first issued on May 9, 1931 , by the Army Air Corps.
Value
Value A-2 jackets can be purchased at a very reasonable price. A majority are priced below $500 and have oversized shoulders and sleeves. They can also have non-spec pen and hand pockets and come in softer materials like lambskin. Beware of fakes, , as some of the top-quality reproductions could have artificial aging and period insignia.
A2 jackets were manufactured in various factories in the 1930s and 40s. The quality of the jackets varied widely. The most well-known manufacturers were civilian clothing companies such as MacGregor and leather goods manufacturers like Cooper Sportswear. However the most prolific wartime manufacturer of the A-2 was Rough Wear Clothing Co. They produced them under multiple contracts.
A-2 jackets were an extremely popular choice for Allied pilots after WWII. Many of these jackets remained in possession of the upcoming generations. Certain companies began producing replicas of the jacket and selling them for higher prices than what the government had originally intended. In 1987, the jacket was revived for a new generation pilots to commemorate the Air Force’s 40th anniversary, and to reignite the esprit de crew among pilots.
The A-2 jacket is not only popular in the military, but also among presidents. They’ve been worn by both Barack Obama and George W. Bush during photo-ops at military installations. The A-2 jacket is a classic piece of clothing, and despite the fact that it was worn by both Presidents, is still considered to be a classic piece of military attire.
Reproductions
A-2 jackets were very popular during WWII, and an industry of cottages was created to meet the demand. The jacket was copied by many companies and is still being produced to this day. Although the style has changed from the original jacket, it has remained popular throughout the decades. For example, you can still see the A2 jacket in popular movies and TV shows in the 1950s and 1960s.
The cost range for replicas of the A2 jacket is $500 to $1700. There are a variety of high-quality options and authenticity. An excellent source for this jacket is the Flight Jacket Brand Catalog, a Japanese publication that features images and information on many different manufacturers. Despite the fact that the catalog is written in Japanese to appeal to the Japanese market, it has an abundance of information on the jacket.
The initial A-2 jackets were only distributed to pilots and aircrewmen. The jackets were also accessible to officers who did not fly only until mid-1943. In England, a cottage industry was established to manufacture A-2-style jackets. The Army stopped buying new leather jackets following the war. Airmen sent to war in cloth jackets were unable to replace their A-2s.
The original A-2 jacket came with knitted cuffs, snap flap pockets, and an inner map pocket. Its back was constructed of one piece of leather. The jacket’s interior was lined with cotton. The jacket featured an adjustable leather strap that was adorned with an official military-spec tag.
Originality of the originals
Many pilots used to wear the A-2 jacket during World War II. The jacket was no longer issued to pilots after the war, but many people still had it. Some jackets were purchased for more than the original ones and even companies produced replicas and sold them for more than the government was willing to pay. The A-2 jacket was released in 1987 to mark the 40th anniversary of the Air Force and to rekindle the spirit of the Corps.
The A-2 jacket was made by several companies, and had different qualities. Certain jackets were made of cowhide while others were made from goatskin. It is essential to know that cowhide can be difficult to distinguish from goat skin, however the best goatskin jackets will be easy to identify.
A-2 jackets were also constructed with a zipper. The zippers were made from brass, steel, or nickel-plated. Most of the zippers on A-2 jackets were made by Talon which was a company that supplied the US military with the zippers throughout the war. Talon’s zippers were constructed of metal bottoms that had grommeted or riveted tops. The A-2 jacket can be fitted or airline pilot leather jacket baggy based on the individual’s preferences.
Although the A-2 jacket isn’t the most iconic jacket, it has an extremely distinctive historical and valuable. 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 military.
