December 7th Militaria and Aviation Auction
Lot 317:
Description
This is a fascinating and historically specific example of a World War II United States Army Air Forces Type B-15A Intermediate Flight Jacket that underwent official postwar modification. Originally manufactured as a standard B-15A with a mouton fur collar, this jacket was updated in the 1950s to meet new United States Air Force specifications. The most distinct feature of this garment is the -Modified- white over-label sewn directly over the original specification tag, which reads: -The B15-A on this Jacket has been changed to Type B15-A Modified / Size 34 / S/N 8415-633-9611.-
Per a 1954 USAF directive, earlier stocks of B-15 series jackets were recalled to have their fur collars removed and replaced with wool knit collars. This was done because the heavy fur interfered with the straps of newer hard-shell flight helmets and parachute harnesses, and was considered a fire hazard in the jet age cockpit. This jacket retains the classic B-15A features, including the triangular leather oxygen mask tabs on the chest one of which shows significant wear and the slash pockets with snap closures. The olive drab cotton twill shell shows honest service wear, and the replacement wool collar and original waist knits exhibit fraying consistent with age. A true relic of the transition from the propeller era to the jet age.
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