A-2 jackets in my collection

[aswatland]

Pictures of most of the A-2s in my collection are in various threads in this section. Like most collectors I have up-graded jackets, sold some and bought others over the years. The photos below are of my current collection.

Aero W535ac21996 (1941) size 44 from the 528th Bomb Squadron, 5th AF

Russet undertones are wearing through the seal top coat.

Poughkeespie W535ac28560 (1942)size 44
The horse hide used by Poughkeepsie tended to be on the thin side, but varies considerably on each of the three jackets here.

Poughkeepsie size 44
This example has has more russet tints to the leather.

 

[aswatland]

Poughkeepsie size 44 from the 570th Bomb Group, 8th AF
Not a re-spray job, just made from a darker batch of horse hide.

Star Sportswear W535ac28557 (1942) size 44
This delightful jacket is in mint condition and has not been attacked by moths!

Perry Sportswear 42-16175-P (1942) size 44
Another mint example. Sadly the original spec label was removed by the vet and had it replaced with a GW copy.

 

[aswatland]

Spiewak 42-18776-P size 42
This is a near mint example. The goatskin is is supple and strong.

Rough Wear W535ac16159 size 44
This near mint example belonged to a captain in the CBI. I love the original patch, which is in superb condition.

Rough Wear 42-1401-P size 44

 

[aswatland]

Rough Wear W535ac27752 (1942) size 44

United Sheeplined 42-18777-P size 42 (1942)
This one has a Conmar zipper whilst the other has a Talon. The patch is from the 367th Fighter Squadron from the 8th/9th USAAF. This jacket is spray finished.

United Sheeplined 42-18777-P size 42
The leather on this Sheeplined A-2 is thicker and shinier than the one above and is aniline dyed.

 

[aswatland]

David D. Doniger 42-21539-P size 42 (1942)
The goatskin is in great shape, showing no rot or damage.

No-name-David D Doniger W535ac29971 size 42 (1942)
This jacket is in excellent shape and the contract is one of the rarest of all A-2 contracts awarded in the war.

Dubow W535ac27798 size 44 (1942)

 

[aswatland]

Monarch W535ac23378 size 44 (1941)

Cable W535ac23382 size 44 (1941)

 

[767fo]

What a great collection. Thanks for sharing

 

[cuthbert]

Impressive...:O

 

[EmergencyIan]

Incredible collection, Andrew! It's a pleasure to look at it.

- Ian

 

[bentusian]

Speechless..

 

[Deleted member 16736]

The CBI jacket is my favorite. Thanks, Andrew.

 

[aswatland]

I assume you mean the Rough Wear rather than the no-name Doniger? If so it's one of my favorites too.

 

[PADDY]

I'm out of adjectives Andrew to describe this!! Thankyou so much for sharing your collection here!

 

[Aether]

Wow! Thanks for sharing. Loving the Aero.

 

[ButteMT61]

You know, I'd be jealous if I weren't in awe.
Incredible.

 

[CBI]

As I posted on VLJ, congrats on such an awesome collection. Must be loads of fun. Hey, I am a size 44 as well so leave a few out there for me to purchase!

 

[pjstrass]

you stopped ID ing what kind of leather ?

 

[Corky]

Andrew:

Your collection is utterly amazing.

You are definitely The Leader of the Pack on these forums.

Best of luck...

 

[aswatland]

you stopped ID ing what kind of leather ?

All are horse hide apart from the two Donigers and the Spiewak which are goatskin.

 

[Spoonbelly]

Beautiful collection. I have just one Cockpit A-2. I'm more into pea coats. I live right near Poughkeepsie, Beacon, and Newburgh. I didn't even know that back then they had those leather coat companies around here. I don't have to tell you that they are long gone.