December 7th Militaria and Aviation Auction
Lot 302:
Description
World War II US Army Air Forces A-2 Leather Flight Jacket, an iconic and highly desirable piece of American military aviation history. The A-2 jacket was the essential uniform jacket for all USAAF pilots and aircrew throughout World War II.
The jacket is constructed of high-quality horsehide or goatskin leather in a rich, dark brown color. The leather exhibits a desirable, authentic patina, showing distinct graining, creasing, and wear that attests to its genuine period use. The design features the classic A-2 specifications: a point collar with snap fasteners, two large snap-flapped patch pockets, shoulder epaulets, and knitted wool cuffs and waistband. The jacket retains its original heavy-duty TALON zipper, confirming its period authenticity. The knitted cuffs and waistband are present in a matching brown color and appear to be in good condition, showing appropriate stretch and wear for the age.
Crucially, the jacket retains its original US Government specification tag securely sewn into the collar lining. The tag is clearly legible, identifying the garment as TYPE A-2, DRAWING NO. 30-1415, manufactured under contract W535 AC-27752 by the highly respected and sought-after supplier ROUGH WEAR CLOTHING CO. of MIDDLETOWN, PA. The original reddish-brown lining is present and intact, consistent with Rough Wear production. The jacket is a definitive, unadulterated example of an operational WWII A-2 flight jacket.
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