December 7th Militaria and Aviation Auction
Lot 318:
Description
A superb and fully original example of the U.S. Air Force B-15B Modified flight jacket, manufactured by Aviators Clothing Co., Inc. under contract AF 33607-18587, in accordance with Specification MIL-J-6251A, size Small. This transitional post-WWII pattern was adapted from existing stocks of B-15B jackets when the Air Force began phasing out mouton-collared garments in favor of versions compatible with the emerging hard-shell flight helmets of the early jet era.
Constructed in early sage-green nylon with a full olive-drab wool lining, this example retains all correct features, including the leather oxygen-mask tab, snap-flap hand pockets, sleeve utility pocket, and rib-knit wool cuffs, collar, and waistband. The jacketÕs nylon shell remains bright and smooth, showing only light service wear, while the interior label is crisp and legible. The zipper functions smoothly, the knits remain tight, and the overall structure presents as exceptionally well-preservedÑone of the finest surviving examples of this transitional specification.
Produced during the 1951Ð1954 period, the B-15B Modified represents the earliest true nylon Air Force flight jacket, bridging the lineage between the WWII B-series and the later MA-1 design that would define Cold War aviation attire.
Share this lot:
