Magnificent THE FEW Rough Wear A-2 in size 48 (46 fit)

[Fiver64]

Hello All! This is a catch and release that almost makes me cry. A superb A-2 from THE FEW in a hard-to-find larger size. Made in New Zealand out of veg-tanned hand-coated aniline horsehide with fabulous grain. The sad reality is that it’s just to tight in the shoulders for me. Although it’s marked 48, it fits and measures closer to a 46, which is what I normally wear. As far as authentic build goes, not sure you can find better, unless custom made! The leather is in near-mint condition with no visible wear and no pilling on the knits. HOWEVER, there are a few very small snag holes (see pics) in the waist knits, directly above where the pants pockets would be, so I suspect the previous owner snagged them with his car keys. You can’t see the little holes when wearing the jacket unless you stretch the knits, so it really doesn’t detract. Other than that, this jacket is hardly worn and very clean and no smoke odor. I really wish it would have fit me because I doubt I’ll ever find nicer!

There’s even a neat story behind this jacket, none of which I can really prove, but I have no reason to doubt the seller as the story came after I had already closed the deal with him. I purchased the jacket from a gentleman with the last name of Strait. He mentioned that his grandfather was a ace during WW2, who flew P-51s and P-47s. After I received this jacket I pressed him for more info.....given the obvious coolness factor. He told me that his grandfather was Major-General Donald Strait, and that he actually had two A-2 Jackets from him. One was his original, which he obviously wanted to keep,

 

[draš katalenić]

Price?

 

[Fiver64]

Crap! The ad cut off the measurements and the price! Sorry, price is ASKING $1500 or consider trade for similar quality A-2 from quality maker (Aero, Good Wear, Eastman, etc). Will consider Partial trades for jackets with CHEST of a least 25” (x2) And SLEEVES of 27” and Back Length of 26+”. I’m also looking for an Aero “Indiana” jacket is size 46.

The rest of the story: This jacket was worn at reunions by Strait. Strait passed away in 2015. The quality is as good as it gets and I thought the provenance was quite cool!

MEASUREMENTS:
CHEST (laid flat under pits x2) 23.5”
SHOULDER (across upper back from seam to seam) 19.5”
BACK LENGTH (from base of collar to end of relaxed knits) 25”
SLEEVES (from point of shoulder to end of relaxed knits) 25.5”
EPSULETS (Taper) from 1.5” to 1.25” and placed on TOP of shoulder
Wartime Nickel TALON zip.

 

[Fiver64]

Bump...... PRICE REDUCED! $1400 or TRADE, INCLUDES FREE SHIPPING IN US AND CANADA! It'll be on the Lounge for about a week before going on the 'Bay. Make a reasonable offer before it's gone!

 

[Fiver64]

$1350!

 

[Fiver64]

$1300

 

[Fiver64]

$1200.....

 

[Fiver64]

$1100

 

[Fiver64]

$900 shipped CONUS. That's $99 cheaper than I have it listed on Ebay!

 

[Fiver64]

This jacket is no longer for sale, sorry!

 

[Pablo Snead]

Did you jacket sell Fiver 64? I'm interested if so......

 

[Fiver64]

Hi Pablo, WELCOME TO THE LOUNGE! I actually sent it off to have the knits replaced then decided it looked so nice that I will keep it. Going to be putting about 6 jackets up for sale in the next day or so. All different makers and around size 46.

 

[Pablo Snead]

Let me know and please post on the Bay so I can do a fast check out. 46 is my size. cheers

 

[Pablo Snead]

Also if you decide to part ways w/ that nice jacket by the The FEW brand in size 48 let me know. I can pay right away through eBay. Also I need a larger size jacket. Many are just too small in shoulders or the size printed is not accurate.

 

[Pablo Snead]

For the FEW jacket I'd pay a fair price per your quote. I own a Good Wear rough wear A2 size 48 and a Eastman A2 worn wear w/ Crown zipper size 46. One I bought off eBay and Eastman brand new. Both have holes from wear in knits. I asked a seamstress about fix and was told only way to fix is by hand sewing the knits or replace. I'd shy away from replacement. it would be difficult to match the exact holes from a sew machine. Also I'm sure it would run into the hundreds. Best option is sew by hand. I had a seamstress do this and came out ok. Just depends how much you wear the jacket.

I flew in the Air Force as aircrew and you get issued either a Cooper or Cockpit goat hide jacket issued as part of aircrew duties and they take a beating.

 

[Fiver64]

Hi Pablo, I have the same problem with most A-2s, the shoulders are generally too tight. As for replacing the knits, contact lounge member DENA HAMILTON. She does an amazing job and you can’t tell they aren’t originals. Think it ran about $150 for new knits on my FEW. Let me think about parting with my FEW A-2. I started wearing it jags in and found it’s breaking in nicely. Damn near impossible to find them in 48!

 

[Fiver64]

Actually, if you need shoulder room in a really tough horsehide, I just posted a US AUTHENTIC (yes, it’s not ELC but it’s bigger and very affordable) in a size 46 that is way more like a 48. Check out the measurements.

 

[Pablo Snead]

I'm looking for a jacket made in New Zealand or Japan at this point. I like the craftsmanship that each of the two countries produces in a vintage A2 reproduction flight jacket in horsehide i.e. The FEW, The Real Mccoy's or Toys Mccoy. Either a 46 or 48 is good w/ me. I like the fit a little looser and can layer underneath. I know they should fit tighter per vintage photos, but I like the fit looser and shoulders for me is an issue.

 

[Fiver64]

Going to PM you.

 

[Fiver64]

Here you go Pablo.