A-2 (or bomber-style) jackets with chest pockets?

[rolando_ol]

I know this is heresy for many of you who like real repros, but I'm wondering if there are nice A-2 style - or similar bomber, slim military fit - leather jackets out there with chest snap pockets? I know some older schotts had them, but don't know the model or name to accurately search. Thanks!

 

[robrinay]

Schott USA did a multipanel cafe racer in the 50's and 60's and Schott Europe reproduced it in the 90's. Lesco also produced a similar model. Not sure if this is what you mean but they come up occasionally on eBay - here is a link to one at Himmel Bros

http://www.himelbros.com/vintage-le...tipanel-1970s-cafe-racer-super-thick-leather/

 

[Edward]

Not currently in their catalogue, but a civlianised A2 with a chest pocket sounds like the sort of thing that would be right up Aeriel Star's street:

http://aerialstar.com/catalogpage1.htm

IMO, the one with the slash pockets would look great with a chest zip pocket (might be a bit much, too busy of a look, for one with the more regular patch pockets?). Could be worth dropping them a line.

Otherwise, of the established A2 makers, Aero might be open to such a mod on one of their regular A2s. Worth asking. It's something I always wondered whether somebody somewhere did as a field mod back in WW2.

 

[handymike]

I saw one on eBay. a Civvy from the 50's. Yes Edward, it had slash pockets....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121298248689

 

[Vespizzare]

In a few days I'll be getting not an A2 but definitely a "bomber jacket." I went for inside pockets on each side (wallet and cell phone). If Alan from Johnson Leather thought it was a bad idea, he'd have said so (and I'd have moved to Plan B).

 

[thor]

I have a LW A-2 with 2 inside wallet/map pockets (custom order direct from Stu at Lost Worlds; great work and quick delivery!). BEST A-2 I've ever owned.

 

[Stearmen]

If you go down the page, you will see the Navy version of the classic A1 leather jacket. http://www.lostworldsinc.com/A-1_Flight_Jacket_Horsehide.htm

 

[thor]

If you go down the page, you will see the Navy version of the classic A1 leather jacket. http://www.lostworldsinc.com/A-1_Flight_Jacket_Horsehide.htm

Now that is a truly unique flight jacket! Imagine the look on the faces of all the sage-green Nomex clad aviators if someone showed up at briefing in an olive-green horsehide A-1! Priceless!

 

[Stearmen]

Now that is a truly unique flight jacket! Imagine the look on the faces of all the sage-green Nomex clad aviators if someone showed up at briefing in an olive-green horsehide A-1! Priceless!

Did you read this at the bottom of the page? "This A-1, with early version chest pockets, was built for a Naval aviator on his way to the Persian Gulf war zone, Summer 2004. Good luck, Commander, and good hunting!"

 

[thor]

Yes, very intriguing! I'm sure the Navy gives it's aviators some leeway when it comes to uniforms (especially when they're deployed) but would they allow a green horsehide A-1 in the cockpit?!?

 

[rolando_ol]

If you go down the page, you will see the Navy version of the classic A1 leather jacket. http://www.lostworldsinc.com/A-1_Flight_Jacket_Horsehide.htm

Wow, thats a beaut! What I'd really like is an A-1 style - with a zipper!

 

[thor]

This one is from Bill Kelso; I bet any of the custom jacket makers can add a zipper front to their A-1.