Time Capsule 50's Bomber Jacket

[Deleted member 16736]

Why can't more jacket makers do a repro of these 50's jackets? They're so practical, unlike the A-2 jacket they're so obsessed over. Anyway, here it is:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1950s-Front...ps=63&clkid=4011307653006277772#ht_504wt_1398

 

[ButteMT61]

I think the A2 is practical, but I have a Schott 184 SML that looks like this and my soon to be picked up Aero 50's Half Belt Deluxe is very similar, as are others I've seen.
I don't see a lack of practical jackets if this is your baseline.

 

[aswatland]

This early 50s A2 style jacket does have vertical side entry slots to the front pockets, which are practical, but it lacks the useful windflap found on wartime A2s. It is a nice jacket, but I still prefer original issued A2s. It would not be a practical jacket for me as it's only a size 38!

 

[normanf]

I think the A2 is practical, but I have a Schott 184 SML that looks like this and my soon to be picked up Aero 50's Half Belt Deluxe is very similar, as are others I've seen.
I don't see a lack of practical jackets if this is your baseline.

I just acquired an older Schott 184 MS. This a bomber jacket with a fur lining in the body. Its a very practical fall and winter jacket.

 

[helenwlsn5]

I have gone through the site you have recommended. Thanks for sharing with all.

 

[Deleted member 16736]

The Schott's a very practical jacket. I hadn't noticed it before, although for warmer weather I'd just put on my A-2. But very nice jacket. Thanks.

 

[Edward]

Why can't more jacket makers do a repro of these 50's jackets? They're so practical, unlike the A-2 jacket they're so obsessed over. Anyway, here it is:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1950s-Front...ps=63&clkid=4011307653006277772#ht_504wt_1398

I suppose it depends what you mean by "practical". The A2 design does have its limits - you can't fit much into the patch pockets, and there are no inner pockets. Fine if you don't need to carry much (or have a bag). I don't miss the hand warmer pockets, though - for one, the length of an A2 is such that I would naturally put my hands in my trouser pockets. What I neverl iked about the hand-warmer pockets is how heavy use can stretch the patch pockets out of shape. If I was using the A2 as a bass for a more 'practical' design, I'd add G1 style inside pockets on both sides, and add maybe an inch all round to the size of the patch pockets.

In terms of for why the A2 is so much more highly prized, well, it seems to me that's obvious. For one thing you have the relative rarity value: yes, there were thousands produced, but not all survived, and as a military issue garment they were not something on which just anyone could lay hands back in the day. For another - arguably more powerful, too - you have the way the "heroic airman" figure was romanticised, both in government propaganda and by Hollywood. I'd be willing to bet that a fair proportion of those who are interested in A2s today started out wanting "that cool leather jacket" Steve MacQueen wore in The Great Escape (c/f Jones, Indiana and fedoras). The average 50s civilian jacket design, however A2-inspired, just does't have the same romantic pull as an A", whether real or accurate repro, for so many jacket fans.

That all said, a lot of those original 50s jackets are really nice jackets in their own right, and the fact that they are less collectable does make them more affordable. Arguably, to wear one of those with a 1950s 'look' would be more authentically vintage too, as there can't have been that many civilians wearing actual A2s back in the day.

 

[deluxestyling]

To answer your original question, yes they do...

http://www.aeroleatherclothing.com/product-detail.php?id=15

You may want to leave off the wind flap to get it looking the same.

 

[ButteMT61]

To answer your original question, yes they do...

http://www.aeroleatherclothing.com/product-detail.php?id=15

You may want to leave off the wind flap to get it looking the same.

Yep - the only reason I didn't get that over the 50's HBD was the knits. Many of my jackets have knits, and my wife said she's getting sick of 'em :eeek:

 

[Deleted member 16736]

Johnson Leather has a flight jacket called the M-120. You can see it in the Jackets section of their website. I contacted Alan Johnson about making me one in horsehide. He can't always get it, but if he does, I'll have him make me one.

 

[Edward]

ELC also do a repro along these lines, called the Air Comfort. It dispenses with the A" style patch pockets altogether in favour of slash handwarmer pockets. Actually, it's really a leather version of the B15. Sharp looking jacket, IMO.... I'd be tempted if I found a used one at a good price.

 

[ButteMT61]

Ooh, that is nice! With the lining, definitely has a 50's look to it!

 

[Deleted member 16736]

Yeah, I saw that one. I'm sure it's well-stitched and the style is nice, but I wonder about the leather. Does anybody have one? I've never see a picture of it on the Lounge.