Did I make a mistake buying this Avirex A-2?

[nick123]

Assuming they measured everything correctly. The pit to pit is only 21” (yikes) and the arm length seems pretty long at 23” while the shoulders seem narrow at 18”. This is all dependent on their accurate measurements however.

23" are short arms! Median is approx 25". But knowing that the A-2 was not made in the 30s, it is probably the seller measuring along the interior down the arm or ommitting knits rather than down or around. It'll probably be 25" ish. Lol. You will learn all this in time. Keep reading all of the threads here and VLJ and each jacket you get will land you one step closer to zen. But once you've found zen you'll sell it!

 

[JulianK13]

23" are short arms! Median is approx 25". But knowing that the A-2 was not made in the 30s, it is probably the seller measuring along the interior down the arm or ommitting knits rather than down or around. It'll probably be 25" ish. Lol. You will learn all this in time. Keep reading all of the threads here and VLJ and each jacket you get will land you one step closer to zen. But once you've found zen you'll sell it!

I’m already looking (oops). My main hobby is vintage watches so prices for these seem pretty reasonable lol. Although an original wearable A-2 would be very cool. How much would one of these go for?

 

[nick123]

They are priced differently dependent on size, condition, artwork, or provenance. Anywhere from under a grand to several thousand!

Did you see that size 44 LW A-2 repro in the classifieds? It looks more like a 40-42. That's where I'd be looking!

 

[El Marro]

Julian,
Before you do anything, especially before you buy another A2, wait until the Avirex arrives and you get a good sense for how it fits. As others have said this will give you a framework to work with when looking for your next jacket. The A2 can be particularly tough to get the size right and many of us buy two or three before finding one that fits how we like.

 

[JulianK13]

Julian,
Before you do anything, especially before you buy another A2, wait until the Avirex arrives and you get a good sense for how it fits. As others have said this will give you a framework to work with when looking for your next jacket. The A2 can be particularly tough to get the size right and many of us buy two or three before finding one that fits how we like.

Good advice. I’ll take some photos of the fit to get some more insight from more experienced members. I have an Alpha G-1 that has similar measurements that fits pretty well except that it feel like the jacket pulls my neck forward (not sure how else to describe it?). Also it’s not great quality.

 

[dinomartino1]

I collect vintage watches as well.
The orchard / branded A2's are hard to identify as issue or not because they kept using the exact same labels as the issued ones in later jackets. I am not that familiar with the modern A2 labels that one looks to have a govt. stamp on it?
$50 was very cheap.

"Branded should not be selling jackets, to the public, with NSN numbers and DLA contract numbers, these number are what identifies the item as being US property, NOT for resale (unless declared surplus by the US government]"

"Been buying and wearing current issue A-2s for a long, long time now. Many folks here wouldn't even admit that they were real A-2s. They just weren't Lost Worlds or Real McCoys or whatever. Actually, of the original re-issues, Branded Leather was clearly the best of the lot. Nice thick goat. High arm holes. Decco pocket flaps. Classic cut."

"I'm not sure if Orchard had any other than the '92 contract. If they did, I've never handled a jacket from one. But all the issued '92s I've ever seen were excellent jackets. Here's the bad news, though. Branded Leather continues to this day to put 1992 vintage spec tags in their civilian A-2s. The tags are even complete with a '92 DLA number. Sadly, their civilian jackets are nowhere as good as the old issued ones. You sorta have to know what to look for to get a real, issued Orchard A-2. Most of what's on ebay are recent repros."

How can I tell the difference between the two ?

"The leather of the originals is more seal colored and is clearly goatskin...and is typically quite grainy. I'm not sure what the civi ones are made of...it may be embossed cowhide. The linings of the originals are made of some kind of oxford cloth and are rich, brownish tan. Newer jackets have a slicker, rayon looking lining and the color is paler looking. The pocket flaps of the originals are large and nicely scallopped. The flaps on the newer jackets are VERY large and not as nicely cut.
In spite of government specs, the originals had an inside wallet pocket on the left side. Not sure if the civi jackets do or not."

Lots of people like to put down avirex but there was a time way back when I was a lot younger when if you wanted an A2 they pretty much the only game in town and they made some ok jackets.

Eastman, kelso, aero, buzz ricksons, good wear [ I have A2s from all of them except for good wear] all make expensive and high quality war time contract A2 replicas but for all that they are still copies and what they never be will be unlike the modern A2's is genuine USAF issue.

Not a comprehensive list now as it's from a while back but the earlier jackets are there.

 

[JulianK13]

I collect vintage watches as well.
The orchard / branded A2's are hard to identify as issue or not because they kept using the exact same labels as the issued ones in later jackets. I am not that familiar with the modern A2 labels that one looks to have a govt. stamp on it?
$50 was very cheap.

"Branded should not be selling jackets, to the public, with NSN numbers and DLA contract numbers, these number are what identifies the item as being US property, NOT for resale (unless declared surplus by the US government]"

"Been buying and wearing current issue A-2s for a long, long time now. Many folks here wouldn't even admit that they were real A-2s. They just weren't Lost Worlds or Real McCoys or whatever. Actually, of the original re-issues, Branded Leather was clearly the best of the lot. Nice thick goat. High arm holes. Decco pocket flaps. Classic cut."

"I'm not sure if Orchard had any other than the '92 contract. If they did, I've never handled a jacket from one. But all the issued '92s I've ever seen were excellent jackets. Here's the bad news, though. Branded Leather continues to this day to put 1992 vintage spec tags in their civilian A-2s. The tags are even complete with a '92 DLA number. Sadly, their civilian jackets are nowhere as good as the old issued ones. You sorta have to know what to look for to get a real, issued Orchard A-2. Most of what's on ebay are recent repros."

How can I tell the difference between the two ?

"The leather of the originals is more seal colored and is clearly goatskin...and is typically quite grainy. I'm not sure what the civi ones are made of...it may be embossed cowhide. The linings of the originals are made of some kind of oxford cloth and are rich, brownish tan. Newer jackets have a slicker, rayon looking lining and the color is paler looking. The pocket flaps of the originals are large and nicely scallopped. The flaps on the newer jackets are VERY large and not as nicely cut.
In spite of government specs, the originals had an inside wallet pocket on the left side. Not sure if the civi jackets do or not."

Lots of people like to put down avirex but there was time way back when I was a lot younger when if you wanted an A2 they pretty much the only game in town and they made some ok jackets.

Eastman, kelso, aero, buzz ricksons, good wear [ I have A2s from all of them except for good wear] all make expensive and high quality war time contract A2 replicas but for all that are still copies and what they never be will be unlike the modern A2's is genuine USAF issue.

Not a comprehensive list now as it's from a while back but the earlier jackets are there.

View attachment 172763

Wow. Thank you very much for all of that information. Based on what you’ve shown me, I believe my jacket is an original 92’ issue. That redeems it significantly considering it could actually be military issue.

 

[dinomartino1]

Glad it helped you and the jacket was really cheap you got a good deal.
Your post sparked my memory, the debate was raging here and on the VLJ about the labels, many years ago though.
If you have an interest in military flight jackets have a look this forum, this a great place too but the VLJ focuses mainly on leather, nylon and cloth flight jackets and patches.

http://www.vintageleatherjackets.org

 

[JulianK13]

Jacket came in. It’s in way better condition than the listing showed. I’ll take proper pictures and everything when I get home. I’m praying it fits.

 

[JulianK13]

Ok so I tried the jacket on. I have never owned or tried on an A-2 before but I know they are typically shorter. However, I think this might be slightly short for me but not unwearable. Any advice on the fit would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Edward Reed]

looks great on you! I'm surprised that you have good shoulder fit with what looks like even a touch room to spare! A-2 are notorious for short arm length and high waist. you have good arm length if not a touch short. might creep up on you as you reach out but that is typical. the waist line is good too, I think you have a winner! does it feel comfortable on you in your opinion? if so wear the hell out of it! these types are like fine wine, they get better with age.

 

[JulianK13]

Ok I’ve received it. This is my first A-2 some I’m unsure of the fit. Seems a tad short for me (maybe 1-2 inches too short). Advice would be greatly appreciated.

looks great on you! I'm surprised that you have good shoulder fit with what looks like even a touch room to spare! A-2 are notorious for short arm length and high waist. you have good arm length. might creep up on you as you reach out but that is typical. the waist line is good too, I think you have a winner! does it feel comfortable on you in your opinion? if so wear the hell out of it! these types are like fine wine, they get better with age.

Thanks! It doesn’t feel stiff (the leather is great) but I think it needs to be worked in a bit. I’m surprised at how thick and heavy it is. Makes my Alpha G1 feel like a paper piece of crap. I think after a week of wearing it, I’ll be fine with the length it just takes some getting used to.

 

[lucky23]

Length is perfect.

 

[Seb Lucas]

I think you can get away with that. Not bad for a quick, cheap ebay buy.

Hard to tell form the photos but it could probably be an inch longer in the sleeves and body but it's wearable and some people might even prefer it just like this.