Painting "Nose Art" on back of A-2

[BellyTank]

OK- imagine you put/spill some white enamel paint on your A-2.
Then wipe it off. What you're left with won't crack or harden because there is no build, the "stain" of the paint is sitting in the surface of the leather- the microscopic fractures and follicles hold it.

Oops- I forgot to add:
Now repeat this process-

Paint my Stude, Dude.


B
K
R

 

[ITG]

Hey Larry, it's good to see you here!

 

[Jeephoto]

Hey Larry, it's good to see you here!

Yep, I'm still hanging around. Waiting on Indy 4! Congrats on the wedding, I really wanted to come but other things came up.

Many thanks to the board for this great information about painting the flight jackets. I love message boards like this with all the wealth of information.

Again, many many thanks.

Larry

 

[Ordy]

Nose Art/Painting on leather jackets

Post your experience with nose art here.

Do any of your jackets have nose art?

Have you ever paid someone to paint on your jackets? Who did it and how much was it?

Have you ever removed nose art from your jacket?

 

[Ordy]

Also post pics!!...

 

[scotrace]

Merged. Also see:

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/show...-own-vintage-Jacket-Art!&highlight=jacket+art

 

[aswatland]

Not a repro but an original from 1942, a Poughkeepsie size 44 from the 570th Bomb Group, 8th AF
Not a re-spray job, just made from a darker batch of horse hide.

 

[aswatland]

An original Cable A2.

 

[Peter Mackin]

Never seen an adult male wearing a painted jacket...& hope i never do..:eusa_doh:

 

[Justhandguns]

Never seen an adult male wearing a painted jacket...& hope i never do..:eusa_doh:

Well, like the Americans say, 'You ain't seen nothing yet'!

When we see it as odd in the west, they see it as 'King' in the east.

http://www.c-king.jp/j-art/j_art_home.html

Here is one of the best jacket customisation guys in Japan. Enjoy!

I think as long as the 'art' / painting is not offensive (like swear words or some naked ladies), nobody would actually be bothered.

 

[Peter Mackin]

I have no doubt the artwork is terrific...but to me it just makes the jacket unwearable...

 

[splintercellsz]

 

[aswatland]

I have no doubt the artwork is terrific...but to me it just makes the jacket unwearable...

I will politely disagree with this opinion. I own two painted A2s and wear them to air shows as others do. Certainly they would not be daily wearers as other original A2s might be.

 

[rocketeer]

I have no doubt the artwork is terrific...but to me it just makes the jacket unwearable...

Anything subtle behind the comment? Just wondered.
I had one in the 1980s, used to wear it all the time to Rockabilly gigs and things. There were only a few 40s retro evenings then and people usually made positive comments about the jackets.

 

[Peter Mackin]

I will politely disagree with this opinion. I own two painted A2s and wear them to air shows as others do. Certainly they would not be daily wearers as other original A2s might be.

Thats why i said "to me"....its just my opinion.if others wish to wear them thats great..i just meant i couldnt see me heading out to walk the dogs or going for a pint in a painted jacket.

 

[aswatland]

I agree. An original painted A2 is not for walking the dog or having a pint in your local! Original painted jackets sell for high prices and should be worn with care to an appropriate event or used for indoor display.

 

[Peter Mackin]

Anything subtle behind the comment? Just wondered.
I had one in the 1980s, used to wear it all the time to Rockabilly gigs and things. There were only a few 40s retro evenings then and people usually made positive comments about the jackets.

No nothing subtle behind it....just my honest opinion...would you wear one nowadays..just wondered ?

 

[Peter Mackin]

I agree. An original painted A2 is not for walking the dog or having a pint in your local! Original painted jackets sell for high prices and should be worn with care to an appropriate event or used for indoor display.

I fully agree Andrew...

 

[rocketeer]

No nothing subtle behind it....just my honest opinion...would you wear one nowadays..just wondered ?

Yes I would wear it today. I no longer have the painted jacket but do have my Lucky 7 Seven original, the only thing that prevents me wearing the jacket is that it is a little on the small side and the cuffs are ragged. My Mrs does not like it simply because it is too small.
I have worn it to retro fairs mainly but also autojumble swap meets, car boot sales and days out. On a motorcycle, though not now as I have a more suitable Power Ranger suit. As someone who does not visit airshows or militaria events(possibly 2 a year) the places I go usually attract some interest in the jacket, a couple of times making new friendships or picking up leads to other collectors who have similar interests to my own such as old motorcycles, American cars, defunct airbases and similar projects. The only people I have no interest in are those on first meeting ask if I wish to sell it, those that do ask the dreaded question are usually ignored with a response such as, "I'll think about it" then talk about something unrelated. Should they insist on giving me a telephone number I usually make sure they see me discard it. This has happened quite frequently.
Were I not to wear the jacket, no doubt it would just sit in my wardrobe doing nothing but gathering dust awaiting my eventual demise so my relatives can stick it on the dreaded ebay and make some money out of it.

Here I am on a day out in Frinton, Essex a few years back.

And at the War and Peace show, about 10 years back.

 

[Peter Mackin]

Now that jacket looks good...its A2s with nose art on the back i couldnt wear...on an original i kinda get it..on a repo,,nope not for me.