Spring Military Aviation and Militaria Auction
Lot 330:
Description
Offered here is an original WWII-era U.S. Army Air Forces Type A-2 leather flight jacket, a classic and highly collectible piece of American military history, evocative of the courage and sacrifice portrayed in HBO’s Masters of the Air. This well-worn example features a hand-painted back design reading Once in a While, accompanied by rows of bomb mission markings, representing a B-17 Flying Fortress from the 349th Bomb Squadron, 100th Bomb Group one of the most storied units of the Eighth Air Force. The front retains its original Army Air Forces wing insignia, and the interior label identifies Rough Wear Clothing Co., a sought-after wartime contractor. The jacket exhibits honest period wear throughout, including a beautifully aged leather patina, distressed knit waistband and cuffs, and a Talon zipper, all consistent with active service use. The artwork shows age but remains clearly legible, adding to its authenticity and visual impact. Included documentation connects the jacket to the Once in a While aircraft, further enhancing its historical significance. A tangible relic of the air war over Europe, this jacket embodies the same grit and legacy brought to life in Masters of the Air, making it a standout centerpiece for any advanced collection.Type A-2 leather flight jacket manufactured by the Rough Wear Clothing Co. of Middletown, Pennsylvania. The interior collar retains the original manufacturer label specifying Drawing No. 30-1415 and Contract No. W535 AC-27752. The jacket is constructed of seal brown leather and features a shirt-style collar with snap-down points, two front patch pockets with snap-down flaps, and a silver-tone Talon brand metal zipper. The left chest is adorned with a sewn-on embroidered USAAF Aircrew wing patch consisting of embroidered wings on a circular blue field. The reverse of the jacket features hand-painted nose art with the text Once in a While in stylized script above 14 yellow bomb mission marks arranged in three rows. This garment is identified to the 349th Bomb Squadron, 100th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force. Accompanying documentation includes research materials for the B-17G Flying Fortress Once in a While (Serial No. 42-31986) and a 349th Bomb Squadron crew list. The interior is lined with cotton poplin. Size 42
Share this lot:
