December 7th Militaria and Aviation Auction
Lot 324:
Description
This is a historically significant World War II United States Navy Type M-421A Summer Flight Jacket attributed to a pioneer of naval rotary-wing aviation. Manufactured by Popular Mfg. Co. N.Y.C. under the Bureau of Aeronautics specification M-421A this khaki cotton twill jacket features the classic mid-war configuration with two lower button-flap patch pockets and a bi-swing back for range of motion in the cockpit. The garment is distinguished by a vintage leather name strip sewn to the left chest which is embossed with gold Naval Aviator wings and the inscription ROBERT PAYNE LIEUTENANT U.S.N.R. identifying the owner as a commissioned officer in the United States Naval Reserve. The jacket exhibits a heavy combat-flown look with honest staining throughout and fraying to the collar and cuffs consistent with extensive operational use in warm climate theaters. Of particular note for aviation historians it is believed that Lieutenant Robert Payne was one of the first United States Navy helicopter pilots making this not merely a piece of survival gear but a rare artifact from the dawn of military vertical flight.
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