December 7th Militaria and Aviation Auction
Lot 314:
Description
This is an exceptional and historically significant World War II U.S. Army Air Forces USAAF Type A-2 Leather Flight Jacket, directly tied to strategic bombing operations in the China-Burma-India CBI Theater. The jacket s high value stems from its multiple, identifiable patches, the rare leather blood chit, and its documented provenance to a named aviator. The jacket is a classic A-2 flight model, constructed from rich brown leather showing significant, authentic patina and wear. A stitched leather name strip confirms the original wearer as -L. J. SLOAN,- providing traceable provenance. This jacket is heavily personalized with key insignia: on the right shoulder is the rare leather patch of the Twentieth Air Force 20th AF , the B-29 strategic bombing command. The most crucial identifying patch is the locally-made leather insignia stitched to the chest, which represents the 468th Bombardment Group Very Heavy , famously known as -The General Billy Mitchell Group-Ña fact reinforced by the surrounding stenciling -MITCHELL ROAD.- The 468th BG was a pioneering B-29 unit operating out of India and China. Completing the historical context, a large leather Blood Chit is sewn to the interior lining, displaying the Flag of the Republic of China and a plea for aid in Chinese characters, an artifact essential for airmen flying over Japanese-occupied territory. This A-2 jacket is a complete, museum-quality piece documenting a B-29 crewman from one of the most remote and challenging theaters of the war.
Share this lot:
