3 piece back on A2 in period photo

[deanglen]

I ran across this picture a few months back. It is not from a re-enactor site, as far as I could tell, and sadly I don't remember the exact website. If this has already been posted here, or elsewhere, so be it. I just thought it was interesting to see an A2 without a single piece back in a period photo. Especially so, since I recently received an A2 repro that looks great from the front...but in the back, there's a seam running down the center. I'd like to believe that it was possible that some wearers had other than single piece backs on their jackets, mindful that they would be rare if not unheard of, and that spec called for a single piece back. The jacket in the photo also has no knits, in addition to the 3 piece back, so calling it an A2 is at best a misnomer. Maybe someone has some evidence of an actual A2 with 2 or 3 piece backs on them, besides the jackets in Twelve O'Clock High(1949), or post-war jackets.

dean

 

[rgraham]

It doesn't look like an A-2 at all. I don't see any knits near the bottom edge, and the bottom of the sleeves look like they might not have them either.

 

[Mike K.]

I agree. Looks like a private purchase jacket. If you search through the book "Gear Up: Flight Clothing..." by Jon Maguire you will see a number of period photos of airmen wearing privately purchased leather flight jackets instead of the A-2.

 

[deanglen]

Thanks for the responses! Indeed it's not an A2. Could any of the private purchases have had knits and most features of a spec jacket, albeit without single piece back?


dean

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Sure...private purchase jackets were made for the civilian market...and didn't need to meet military specs. Many looked similar to military spec A2s..and some even more like utility jackets of the period. Many had a seam across the shoulders and different style sleeves as well.
HD

 

[deanglen]

Thanks for the input. Appears it's possible some private purchase jackets would have been close but not spec, and I know I should have been able to figure that out, I was hoping for an image of such, but I will check out the reference work cited above! Thanks again!






dean

 

[jeep44]

My Dad's A2 has a two-piece back-there is a seam from shoulder to shoulder. He maintains this is the jacket that was issued to him, and he has wartime photos wearing it (I don't have any on this computer-I will have to get them scanned in some time. Here's the coat:

 

[deanglen]

Love to see more details of that jacket! Thanks, (from a fellow Michigander)!










dean

 

[kampkatz]

Dean,
Is your A2 repro a Mossi by any chance? If so, it is probably like the one I got for a reasonable price from a Bargain website..
Paul

 

[deanglen]

Dean,
Is your A2 repro a Mossi by any chance? If so, it is probably like the one I got for a reasonable price from a Bargain website..
Paul

Paul,

You must be psychic! Yes it was a Mossi. I say "was" because there have been some developments with the jacket that I will be posting about as soon as events wend their way to a conclusion. It's really a pretty good jacket for the price. The seam down the middle of the back was a bit disheartening, and I'm sure the knits were not kosher, nor was the zipper, but for the price the leather was very nice goatskin, and the fit was terrific.


dean

 

[kampkatz]

Dean,
I bought my Mossi at a clearance price since there were only XL's left. Being a size 40, I hesitated on purchassing the "Major Goodson A2" but I read a review from someone who said the fit was way too small for XL. For $73 including shipping I took a chance. Initially I was disappointed with the seam down the back, and the neck being about 2 inches too big. I soaked it in the washer and threw it in the dryer. It fits better now. The back seam is not terribly visible, so for the low cost it makes a good "knock-about" jacket. I do hope to obtain a more accurate repro in the near future. The inside breast pocket is a convenience that I like having.
Paul

 

[deanglen]

Dean,
I bought my Mossi at a clearance price since there were only XL's left. Being a size 40, I hesitated on purchassing the "Major Goodson A2" but I read a review from someone who said the fit was way too small for XL. For $73 including shipping I took a chance. Initially I was disappointed with the seam down the back, and the neck being about 2 inches too big. I soaked it in the washer and threw it in the dryer. It fits better now. The back seam is not terribly visible, so for the low cost it makes a good "knock-about" jacket. I do hope to obtain a more accurate repro in the near future. The inside breast pocket is a convenience that I like having.
Paul

I have to admit, being a guy who painted a cheap A-2 style jacket, that I tossed around the idea of getting a vinyl repair kit to fill-in that seam, figuring that careful application would do the trick...but alas, I have returned the Mossi and will be receiving an budget repro that has a one piece back. I intend to review the jeacket and post it after it arrives. You're right, the seam was somewhat subdued. But...it's history now. Thanks for your post!



dean

 

[jeep44]

My Dad's A2 has a two-piece back-there is a seam from shoulder to shoulder. He maintains this is the jacket that was issued to him, and he has wartime photos wearing it (I don't have any on this computer-I will have to get them scanned in some time. Here's the coat:

It took a while,but I rounded up a wartime photo of my Dad wearing this jacket

 

[deanglen]

Great photo! Thanks! A father to be proud of. His jacket has an interesting point where the left sleeve meets the shoulder. I'm not sure what to make of it. A gusset? And you say it has a two piece back. Interesting. Love that patch.






dean

 

[jeep44]

I think in the 1944 (or '43) photo, the jacket is so new and stiff that the shoulder area looks odd-the real coat has no gussets in that area.