I am just now getting around to posting a G&B "historic" A-2 (Model 43) that is listed in their catalog as Mahogany 3-ounce horsehide (Russet horsehide also offered), tightly woven, plain-weave cotton lining, and the collar is attached directly to the body of the jacket without a collar stand. The knits are worsted wool, and the zipper is nickel rather than brass. The catalog says "This A-2 looks, wears, and feels just like an original jacket made during the war." Obviously the G&B "historic" A-2's are not based on any specific WW II contract.
G&B also makes a similar horsehide A-2 (Type A-2 Mark 41) that is the same as the Mark 43 except the Mark 41 comes with a collar stand. Their Type A-2 Mark 31 also comes with a collar stand but is made of veg tanned goatskin rather than horsehide and has a silk lining rather than cotton.
Originally, I owned a Type A-2 Mark 31 but found the collar stand to be uncomfortable. Of the three "historic" G&B A-2's, only the Type A-2 Mark 43 comes without a collar stand; so that is reason I settled on the Mark 43. Fortunately G&B graciously allowed me to return my Type A-2 Mark 31.
My Type A-2 Mark 43 is a size 40 Tall. As a frame of reference, I am 6'2" and wear a 44 long sports coat. My Aero Bronco A-2 is a size 44 (long) and seems to fit a size smaller than my G&B size 40T A-2. Aero 1930's slim fit jackets with 1" added to sleeves and body length seem to fit me perfectly. As you might surmise, the "historic" G&B run big.
When I visited the G&B factory awhile back, I was able to compare the mahogany and russet horsehides and found that I preferred the mahogany, which is dark brown in color but not quite as dark brown as Aero's seal brown MWHH. The G&B horsehide has a smooth texture and is completely different from the texture of the russet jerky horsehide on my Aero Bronco A-2. Anyhow, I hope this rambling discourse might help someone else on the FL determine how to proceed.
G&B also makes a similar horsehide A-2 (Type A-2 Mark 41) that is the same as the Mark 43 except the Mark 41 comes with a collar stand. Their Type A-2 Mark 31 also comes with a collar stand but is made of veg tanned goatskin rather than horsehide and has a silk lining rather than cotton.
Originally, I owned a Type A-2 Mark 31 but found the collar stand to be uncomfortable. Of the three "historic" G&B A-2's, only the Type A-2 Mark 43 comes without a collar stand; so that is reason I settled on the Mark 43. Fortunately G&B graciously allowed me to return my Type A-2 Mark 31.
My Type A-2 Mark 43 is a size 40 Tall. As a frame of reference, I am 6'2" and wear a 44 long sports coat. My Aero Bronco A-2 is a size 44 (long) and seems to fit a size smaller than my G&B size 40T A-2. Aero 1930's slim fit jackets with 1" added to sleeves and body length seem to fit me perfectly. As you might surmise, the "historic" G&B run big.
When I visited the G&B factory awhile back, I was able to compare the mahogany and russet horsehides and found that I preferred the mahogany, which is dark brown in color but not quite as dark brown as Aero's seal brown MWHH. The G&B horsehide has a smooth texture and is completely different from the texture of the russet jerky horsehide on my Aero Bronco A-2. Anyhow, I hope this rambling discourse might help someone else on the FL determine how to proceed.
Last edited:
HOWEVER, we are limited in use with water rationing. With the Texas heat, drought conditions, and limited water supply for over six million people in the DFW metroplex, we are in trouble. :eeek: I have been on a five-year plan since 1969 to leave this place and return to the mountains of E Tennessee, although my plan has not materialized as yet. [huh]
