HELP - B3 Bomber Jacket Real or Fake B-3

[Thedailyb]

Hello,

I am hoping you can help me authenticate this B-3 bomber jacket. I believe it to be real but someone mentioned that since there was no manufacturer named on the label that it was fake. I read elsewhere online that the tags sometimes did not have manufacturer names. Pictures are attached. Please advise. Thanks!

 

[Carlos840]

Hi,
It's really hard to say anything considering the size of the pictures, they are tiny!

 

[RapidReaper]

Looks legit except for the one buckle visible. It's an early style redskin so it appears but a detailed shot of the label would be definitive in any case.

 

[rocketeer]

Not so much 'Fake' as maybe a reproduction. How well a reproduction is uncertain.
Look for bald spots at the rubbing areas such as cuffs, even if turned back. Grubbiness of the fleece. The vast majority were not well cared for garments kept as collectors items for the last 70 years but did daily dog walking, lumbering, wrangling, biking and anything else a cold weather jacket could be used for. Smell it, does it smell of oil or animals, sometimes originals just smell natural but usually slightly different from even a 20 year old reproduction.
As said you could do with better pics as the only real decent one is the photo of the zip puller.
Seeya, J

 

[Thedailyb]

I didnt realize how small those pictures were. I have attached some more here. Thanks!

The jacket definitely looks old. The leather is quite stiff and there is quite a bit of wear.

 

[Cooper A-2]

Looks good IMHO, maybe straps replaced at sometime. Rest looks OK to me...but let the experts decide.

 

[mr_lits]

I have a redskin that is almost identical in construction and color but a different AC Order Number. Everything on yours looks to be an original. In fact, the order number of this B3 is one of the more commonly found redskins and usually seen in good shape as the early redskin tanning process was much better than the later seal brown (which they were literally pumping out for war time).

Here are a few photos of others from the same Order Number as the example you are looking at. Note the dark brown leather straps and identical construction method. These are from my B3 photograph archive (have over 200 examples).

 

[Atticus Finch]

I can't see the tag because the photo appears tiny on my monitor. But I can see the original Talon zipper and I'm pretty sure the jacket is an original.

AF

 

[Thedailyb]

I can't see the tag because the photo appears tiny on my monitor. But I can see the original Talon zipper and I'm pretty sure the jacket is an original.

AF

I think the photo of the tag in my second post might be better. Thanks!

 

[rocketeer]

Pic number 4 shows some cracking to the surface seen on lots of original jackets,maybe even on the point of tearing. Probably an original jacket, just be careful if you put it on, this could be a sign of the fleece degrading from being damp at some time in it's life.
The other pic of corrosion on the side strap buckles would probably not be so conspicuous on a repro jacket.

 

[hpalapdog]

Looks excellent. Obviously original and worth a fair amount of money.

 

[Thedailyb]

Thanks everyone for the input! Very helpful!

 

[HPA Rep]

Unquestionably genuine, and it's an earlier example from 1941, produced before the reinforcing leather triangles were added where the lower collar corners meet the jacket body. If I recall correctly, HLB was the first manufacturer to add the reinforcing leather triangles in the late summer of 1941. The condition is above average and this should not be worn; this is a collectible.

 

[strokes1251]

Just saw it on ebay good luck

 

[Dumpster Diver]

OH SNAP!!!

 

[Dumpster Diver]

I cant find a link to the Jacket, was it a buy it now...did it sell...

 

[Thedailyb]

It is on eBay and the auction closes tomorrow (Sunday) evening. I didn't know if it is OK to advertise here so I didn't say anything about it. I have a bunch of WWII stuff up for auction including a bunch of clothing items, some rare posters with the original mailing envelopes, some medals, etc. If it is OK to link, I will provide one. If not, I am cool with that too!

Thanks for all the help! You guys were great! My wife and I plan on placing her grandpa's WWII uniform in a shadow box in our dining room soemtime soon. We are thinking about using Michael's (big box store) and waiting for one of their 50% off coupons. Any suggestions on getting this job done?

 

[wild_balls]

Amazing how well preserved the fleece is on that jacket!!!

Cheers Joakim

 

[aswatland]

This is most definitely an original redskin B-3 from the Spring of 1941. This maker was one of several who did not put their name on the label. I have owned several B-3s from this contract and they usually stand up to occasional wear. BTW. The straps are original to the jacket. Good luck with the sale.

 

[Thedailyb]

This is most definitely an original redskin B-3 from the Spring of 1941. This maker was one of several who did not put their name on the label. I have owned several B-3s from this contract and they usually stand up to occasional wear. BTW. The straps are original to the jacket. Good luck with the sale.

Thank you! It has a lot of watchers so I am hopeful! I have a bunch of original WWII homefront / propaganda posters that I am a little worried might go for considerably less than their true value. They close tonight. I have the original envelopes that some of them were mailed in (I have not seen any other on eBay with the envelopes before.)

Do you if the forum allows one to link to their eBay item?