December 7th Militaria and Aviation Auction
Lot 319:
Description
A fine example of the U.S. Air Force B-15D flight jacket, manufactured by Rolen Sportswear Co. under contract AF-33 602 -4079, in accordance with Specification MIL-J-6251B, dated 1953. This jacket represents one of the earliest standardized nylon flight garments of the Cold War, designed for intermediate flying conditions and issued to jet aircrewmen during the Korean War period.
Constructed in sage green nylon twill with a gray wool lining, the jacket features a genuine sheepskin mouton collar, leather oxygen mask tab, two snap-flap hand pockets, and the classic pencil/utility pocket on the left sleeve. The rib-knit wool cuffs and waistband remain tight and complete, while the front zipper operates smoothly. The original black specification label is intact and clearly marked with contract and size information.
The B-15D was the first of the nylon-collared B-series jackets to be produced entirely to new specification rather than through modification of earlier stocks, making it a key step in the evolution from WWII-era flight gear to the later MA-1. This example remains clean, complete, and exceptionally well-preserved, displaying only light age toning and minor surface wear consistent with gentle service use.
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