December 7th Militaria and Aviation Auction
Lot 308:
Description
Army Air Forces AAF Type B-15A Intermediate Flight Jacket. The B-15A was an immediate successor to the B-15, representing an evolution of the cold-weather flight jacket just prior to the end of WWII.
The jacket is constructed from sage green or olive drab OD cotton-blend fabric, characteristic of AAF intermediate flying gear. It is lined throughout with a heavy, natural shearling or synthetic fur lining and features a distinctive synthetic fur collar in a contrasting orange-brown hue. The jacket follows the transitional B-15A design, featuring a large left sleeve utility/pencil pocket and two angled front slash pockets with snap closures. A key feature is the two triangular brown leather patches sewn onto the chest, originally intended as oxygen mask retention tabs, a hallmark of the B-15 and B-15A models. The jacket retains its original heavy-duty zipper closure with a leather pull tab. The waist and cuffs feature heavy-duty knit wool ribbing in a dark green color.
Crucially, the jacket retains its original US Government specification tag clearly sewn into the lining. The tag identifies the garment as TYPE B-15A with Specification No. 3226-A and is manufactured by the HUDSON GARMENT CO. The contract number Order No. W-33 038 AC-8964 AF places its production late in the war or immediately thereafter. The size is marked SIZE 38. The overall condition shows authentic wear, fading to the fabric, and discoloration to the lining, confirming its genuine period status.
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