Help Identifying this Jacket (Korean War?)

[kbpotter]

Hi,

My boyfriend lost his late uncle's seal brown leather bomber/flyers jacket with dark brown shearling lining. His uncle was USN and fought in the Korean War, but we don't if he traded jackets or even replaced his original. The tag had long been torn out or damaged.
I've attached pictures of the one he lost. If you can identify or have one like it for sale in a size 46, please reply.

 

[Edward]

Welcome to TFL! From these images alone, I can't determine any brand - though it's not impossible that someone on here might be able to give you a steer, stranger things have happened!

I can say it's a civilian jacket, rather than military issue. That straight yoke across the back doesn't match any issued military jacket, nor the studs on the windflap. judging from the second photo, it looks like there are side-entry hand-warmer pockets combined with the top-entry patch-pockets. These were a common detail on military-inspired, civilian jackets from the post-war period onwards. The lining you describe also wasn't on issue jackets. It was, and is, common for civilian jackets of this type to have a shearling lining - on some it was also removable, to allow the jacket to be worn in warmer weather.

In terms of replacement, there are a lot of options. Of course you could try the used market, which will be cheaper... There are generally any number of jackets in this sort of vein on eBay, many of them '80s does 50s' copies of the Schott 184SM. https://www.schott-store.com/uk_en/184sm.html As a known quantity, the Schott is a nice option to look out for. The collar and the floof liner on that model are both removable (the oft-advertised 'four in one' jacket) allowing for a range of options in how to wear it. If you're buying used, best to make sure both of these elements are present as they aren't easy to replace, and it's very common to see used Schotts selling with them missing. Taken out to wear without the jacket, mislaid over time... That's also a drawback of buying an 'off-brand' of this style if it's not complete - chances of finding the missing bits are very slim.

Another option, on the pricier end of the scale, would be to go for one of these from Aero:
https://www.aeroleatherclothing.com/mens/1950s-flight-jacket/mto003 Standard lining is not furry, but that could be customised if you wanted to go for this sort of thing.

I'm sure other members can recommend some other brand options as well. I hope you find something nice for him; it's always gutting to lose a favourite piece, particularly one with sentimental value.

 

[kbpotter]

Thank you so much for the detailed information. That was the conclusion I had come to in search of a replacement for him. Also because my grandfather was also in Korea and I have his USN jacket (a size 36 so not even I can wear it) and it's very different.

I really appreciate the information you shared and the options to replace. He was so heartbroken to have lost it but is excited to get a new one!

The level of detail you provided on why it is a civilian jacket left us with no doubts!

Thank you again!

 

[Edward]

Thank you so much for the detailed information. That was the conclusion I had come to in search of a replacement for him. Also because my grandfather was also in Korea and I have his USN jacket (a size 36 so not even I can wear it) and it's very different.

I really appreciate the information you shared and the options to replace. He was so heartbroken to have lost it but is excited to get a new one!

The level of detail you provided on why it is a civilian jacket left us with no doubts!

Thank you again!

You're very welcome! Enjoy the process of finding the new jacket - do post on here about what you buy if you're happy to share!