Fall 2026 Militaria and Aviation Auction
Lot 304:
Description
Full catalog title: RARE WWII Tanker Jacket with Bullion Paratrooper Wings. Original World War II U.S. Army Jacket, Winter, Combat, Second Pattern, commonly known to collectors as the Tanker Jacket. This example displays the characteristic features associated with the later wartime pattern, including a waist-length cotton-twill shell, full-length metal zipper closure, knitted stand collar, knitted cuffs and waistband, and the distinctive vertical slash hand pockets associated with the second-pattern configuration. The interior is fitted with a quilted insulated lining and retains period stencil markings. The jacket shows substantial age and service wear, including staining, abrasion, and deterioration to portions of the knitted collar and cuffs, consistent with a heavily used wartime garment.
Mounted to the left chest is a particularly desirable Italian-made bullion U.S. Parachutist Badge, executed in dark metallic bullion on a black rectangular backing. Italian-made bullion jump wings are closely associated with U.S. airborne personnel serving in the Mediterranean and European theaters and are highly sought after as theater-made insignia. Faint stenciled identification numbers remain visible beneath the badge and elsewhere on the garment and may assist in establishing the identity of the original wearer.
The jacket is reported to have belonged to a U.S. airborne serviceman who was a Prisoner of War, although that portion of the history has not yet been independently documented. The consignor has advised that additional identification and provenance information concerning the original serviceman will be provided and will be made available to the successful bidder as received. If the surviving stencil markings and forthcoming information can be conclusively tied to an identified POW or airborne veteran, the historical significance of the jacket would be substantially enhanced.
A strong and visually compelling example of the classic WWII U.S. Army tanker jacket, made especially desirable by its period wear, surviving identification markings, and uncommon Italian-made bullion parachutist insignia. Buyer should review all photographs carefully for condition, construction details, markings, and insignia.
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