Identify This Private Purchase A-2

[Deleted member 16736]

I just realized it has no windflap.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/WWII-US-AAF...861?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c6814b255

 

[Fanch]

I just realized it has no windflap.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/WWII-US-AAF...861?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c6814b255

I am in no way an expert regarding WWII A-2's but wonder how an expert might authenticate such a jacket as separate and apart from someone's old worn out leather jacket, particularly with the missing wind flap. Among the numerous contracts, were any made without the wind flap?

 

[rocketeer]

The zip looks like a post war Talon and from the stitching viewable does not appear to have been replaced.
In my collecting days I looked at many jackets including similar to this with no windflap, a yolk across the shoulders and also with a factory fitted collar similar to a G1. The most common difference was a two piece underarm. I would imagine there were many jackets made similar to the original design in that era. This could be one.
Many old magazines from the era also feature ads for jackets like these for hunting , fishing etc, I even used to have an English magazine that advertised A2 type jackets and war surplus American equipment including B3s and Indian motorcycles.
Without any documented evidence it could be anything from a re zipped war hero's jacket to something bought from a hunting store.
Nice jacket, I like it, you could get it cheap.
J

 

[GoodTimesGone]

"Private purchase" is a term sometimes used loosely on ebay. It could be true, but I would have trouble with the credibility unless I was buying from the vet himself. It doesn't appear this seller is too ambitious when asked a question. (After people ask what size it is he says "Not too big but not too small" ?) It takes ten seconds to use a tape measure.
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Tom

 

[Peacoat]

"Private purchase" is a term sometimes used loosely on ebay. It could be true, but I would have trouble with the credibility unless I was buying from the vet himself. It doesn't appear this seller is too ambitious when asked a question. (After people ask what size it is he says "Not too big but not too small" ?) It takes ten seconds to use a tape measure.
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Tom

Yep. His answer in response to the question about size as you mentioned above, sounds like a total dufous.

I sent him a message and told him how to measure the p2p. His answer, in response to my instructions, isn't much better: "Keep in mind I'm no tailor, but it looks to be about 17 inches from one arm pit to the other." About? I can measure a p2p within 1/8". That is really a small jacket, if his measurement is correct. Were that a peacoat, it would be a size 32.

 

[aswatland]

It is a civilian A2 style dating to either the very end of the War or just after. This type of Talon zip is found on jackets from 1944 onwards.

 

[Fanch]

I think that everyone who has responded has been gracious in our responses. If the leather were good enough, this might be a project for someone to re-line and re-knit.

 

[Deleted member 16736]

The lining appears to be rayon, which is common among PP A-2s or similar jackets of the mid-40s. Was rayon considered a more "luxurious" lining than cotton?

 

[aswatland]

As far as the identity of the maker of this jacket is concerned there were many makers producing civi jackets in addition to the military contractors who also produced jackets for the civilian market. It could have been made by anyone of the multitude of manufacturers.

 

[Fanch]

As far as the identity of the maker of this jacket is concerned there were many makers producing civi jackets in addition to the military contractors who also produced jackets for the civilian market. It could have been made by anyone of the multitude of manufacturers.

Andrew, whenever questions arise regarding WWII jackets, particularly A-2, your expertise is appreciated and generally seems to provide closure to questions regarding authenticity, this thread being a case in point.

 

[ButteMT61]

You guys scared him off. The auction ended lol

 

[HoosierDaddy]

You guys scared him off. The auction ended lol

Wait a minute.
I think it's an early Monkey Ward.

 

[GoodTimesGone]

You guys scared him off. The auction ended lol

The auctions still on. Are you trying to throw everybody off the trail Butte? You must have decided that "not too big, but not too small" is just your size![bad] shakeshead
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Tom

 

[HoosierDaddy]

The auctions still on. Are you trying to throw everybody off the trail Butte? You must have decided that "not too big, but not too small" is just your size![bad] shakeshead
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Tom

Tom
I think Butte might be buying up the old jackets and using them to upholster chairs....[huh]
HD

 

[Fanch]

Tom
I think Butte might be buying up the old jackets and using them to upholster chairs....[huh]
HD

That jacket was made from what I removed from an old chair that I reupholstered. Butte is welcome to it.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

That jacket was made from what I removed from an old chair that I reupholstered. Butte is welcome to it.

And the leather that you removed from an old chair to make a jacket was originally from a pair of chaps that Raquel Welch wore in the movie 'Annie get my gun'....

 

[ButteMT61]

Hey wise guys (funny as hell btw) it was off when I checked. Is it back? No used jackets for chairs. All new dead cows. I can almost never find a used coat in my size, but I have bought them for my son. You guys is funny.

 

[pilot error]

Hi guys, been around for years collecting and checking in here once in a while. I bit on this one. He said it could be a medium. I'm a perfect medium, I usually wear a 40. This is a 34-36 in my opinion. It's small. when I told him he said he'd give my email to the other bidders. The jacket is intact and eminently restorable .If anyone is interested let me know. I'll put it back on ebay rather than deal with that jerk again.

 

[Edward]

Tom
I think Butte might be buying up the old jackets and using them to upholster chairs....[huh]
HD

I thought he used them to make watch straps?

 

[ButteMT61]

I thought he used them to make watch straps?

No - my straps come from London Edward. I have no clue where Rich (Toshi) gets his leather, but watch the papers for missing dogs... lol