M444 or M445?

[pilot error]

Scored this on eBay .these are the seller's pics . He says he's confident it's a 40-42, so it could be a 38. I'm a 40. If this fits me I may never take it off! Trying to be patiently waiting!!

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[HPA Rep]

This has all of the telltale signs of the M-445 series. And I hate to be the harbinger of bad news, but that jacket is, as is the case with the vast majority of WWII USA sheepskin garments contracted for the AAF and USN, not wearable. It will continue to fail over time with any amount of stress - it could be a seam or it could be in the middle of a panel, but it's done, and best relegated to gentle display or storage as a keepsake of a time from long ago. Any attempts at wearing will be the nail in its coffin, eventually.

 

[John Lever]

It's one of the m445 series. The M444 has a smaller collar.

 

[pilot error]

Thanks for the input.........anyone care to comment on the possible maker W & G, Monarch, Ostermann etc. before it crumbles and disintegrates ? LOL !!!

 

[Skyhawk]

I have had a few. That's no joke about them being fragile. With the weak areas in the photos, you would be lucky to not rip the sleeves off if you put it on. I had a mint one years ago. I tried it on but was afraid to wear it much because I knew it would rip sooner or later. I sold it eventually. I had another one in solid condition that was sent to a buyer in the UK. It arrived horribly damaged. I would suggest an Aero Repro if you want to wear one. It is on my list of "Jackets I would someday love to own". It could be a W&G. They made them in WWII.

 

[pilot error]

I've seen the ones with exploding shoulders and sleeves. A big factor is what climate its been in for 70 years. I wouldn't want one from the west coast......too dry. this one comes from a more even temp/humidity. we'll see. BTW I'm not going back into combat with it. (those days are over for me). And as far as the maker, all 3 of the names I referred to made them.