ROUGH WEAR B-3 42-5111-P

[aswatland]

Last month this very nice duo tone B-3 arrived from the States. It's a size 42 and has had very little wear. The shearling is strong and has very little surface flaking. The 42-5111-P was Rough Wear's second contract for B-3s and this one dates from 1942. This one belonged to a vet who flew B-17s in the UK, but it was only lightly worn, then stored since the War.

 

[PADDY]

Beautiful Andrew.

Just beautiful my friend. What a great week to be off eh!!

 

[aswatland]

Just beautiful my friend. What a great week to be off eh!!

I agree the weather is very mixed this half term. I am hoping it improves for Biggin Hill Air Show next month.

 

[ethanedwards]

B3

Very very nice Andrew, another superb jacket. Excuse the stupid question, but
what is the purpose of the leather pulls on the shoulders? I notice some
B3's have them, others do not. Any rhyme or reason?

 

[aswatland]

Very very nice Andrew, another superb jacket. Excuse the stupid question, but
what is the purpose of the leather pulls on the shoulders? I notice some
B3's have them, others do not. Any rhyme or reason?

The should tabs are for rank insignia. I have an original B-3 in my collection with a leather lieutenant's bar sewn on each tab.

 

[ethanedwards]

b3

Yes, makes sense Andrew. I wonder why the USAAF felt this might be necessary, whereas the RAF did not - to my knowledge at least - bother with this distinction? Just another idle thought.........