Authenticity

There is no way to verify the authenticity of an A-2 flight jacket or jacket, there are a few things you can look out for. It is important to assess the quality of the leather. While horsehide was originally the specification, a significant portion of A-2s were constructed from steer or goatskin. The shoulder seams shouldn't be pulled back from the shoulder and the epaulets must be placed on top of the shoulder. Lastly the pockets should have top entry and be placed a decent distance from the zipper.

One method to verify the authenticity of an A-2 jacket is to look at its design. Be aware that the A-2 Jacket was the first fitted, trim garment. It looks loose on modern men, but it looks tighter in films from the past or photographs. This is because the jacket was designed for thin males at the time.

The jacket's manufacturer is another way to confirm the authenticity of your A-2. If you are buying an official military flight jacket, look for a reputable manufacturer who produces authentic jackets. The US Air Force's primary contract for flight jackets is Cockpit USA. The company, before known as Avirex LTD, uses high quality goatskin in all its A-2 jackets. HQ USAF has also required all A-2 ma 1 flight jacket leather jackets comply with the "Berry Amendment" which stipulates that the materials used in the manufacturing process must be of American origin. Cooper Sportswear, meanwhile, utilized goatskin that was imported from Pakistan.

Construction

The A-2 jacket is a two-piece made, with one piece for each panel, and two pieces for each sleeves. It was developed for mass production and was designed to have a more slim neck and improved soiling resistance. There were a variety of variations in the jacket's construction. They vary from an unassuming tan to a rich chocolate brown. These jackets stand out from the modern versions by their distinctiveness.

A2 jackets were produced by several manufacturers during the 1930s and 1940s. This meant that the quality varied greatly. There were many manufacturers, from leather goods companies which made baseball mitts to civilian clothing producers like the MacGregor brand. The biggest producer of A-2 jackets during WWII was the Rough Wear Clothing Co., which was awarded several contracts to produce the garments.

The shoulder straps can be sewn into the shoulders, or have rank insignia pinned to them, based on the manufacturer. The straps on the shoulders can be a clue to the quality of the jacket's construction. The shoulder straps are generally two leather strips with twin rows of stitching. They're also box-stitched at each end to ensure that the jacket is secure.

The A-2 jacket was the standard military clothing for pilots during WWII. It was designed to shield pilots from wind and cold while flying in open cockpit aircraft. The US Wings modern version retains the classic styling elements, while making use of the latest technology. It's a sealed brown leather aviator jacket color and is slightly looser than the original. It has two front cargo pockets, as well as an inside chest pocket. The jacket also comes with an easy-to-wear collar.

Color

The A-2 jacket comes with many unique features. Certain of these features are comparable to similar A-2s from various manufacturers. For example the jacket's label is particularly long, and it does not contain the maker's name, or any other identification information. However, the size tab is present, which is unusual for other brands.

The jacket was originally intended for officers who were commissioned in the United States Army Air Forces. After they completed basic training in flight, they were awarded the jacket. Before their advanced training, airmen sat in front of boxes that contained jackets of various sizes. After they had selected which size was appropriate the quartermaster of the base would distribute it. The A-2 was initially only issued to officers commissioned in the first few years. However, by the end of World War II they were available to aircrews with enlisted status. The jacket was worn proudly as an emblem of military service.

Aero Leather Clothing Company was the first to develop the A-2 flight jacket. They were a major manufacturer of aviation-related clothing for the U.S Air Force. The A-2 jackets were made mostly of medium brown knits that had pockets flaps that were angular. They were produced under the contract numbers 42-15142, 42-18775 and 42-18775-P.

The A-2 jacket is an iconic. As one of the most iconic pieces of military clothing, it represents the courage and devotion of World War II pilots. It was first issued by the Army Air Corps on May 9, 1931.

Value

Value A-2 jackets are offered at an affordable price. They are often priced below $500 and come with large shoulders and sleeves. They may also come in soft fabrics like lambskin or include hand and pen pockets as well as pen pockets. Be careful to avoid counterfeits, however, as some of the top-quality reproductions could have fake aging and period insignia.

A2 jackets were made in a variety of factories during the 1930s and 1940s. The quality of the jackets varied greatly. The most popular manufacturers were civilian clothing companies like MacGregor and leather goods producers like Cooper Sportswear. Rough Wear Clothing Co. was the most prolific wartime manufacturer of the A-2, with numerous contracts.

A-2 jackets were a popular choice for Allied pilots after WWII. A lot of these jackets remained in the belongings of the next generation. Some companies began producing replicas of the jacket and selling them at more expensive prices than the government initially planned to. In 1987 the jacket was restored to a new generation pilots to mark the Air Force's 40th anniversary and to reignite the esprit de the corps among pilots.

The A-2 jacket is very popular with presidents and the military. Both George W. Bush and a2 Flight Jacket Barack Obama have worn them during photo shoots at military installations. Even though both Presidents appear fit enough to wear standard jackets The A-2 jacket is regarded as a classic piece of military attire.

Reproductions

A-2 jackets became popular in WWII and an industry of cottages sprung up to satisfy the demand. Many companies began to replicate the jacket, and are in business today. The design of the jacket has evolved through the years, but it has remained very popular. For instance, you may still see the a2 flight jacket jacket in popular films and television shows from the 1950s and 1960s.

Reproductions of the a2 leather flying jacket jacket can range from $500 to $1700, and there is a huge selection of quality and authenticity. The Flight Jacket Brand Catalog is an Japanese publication that contains photographs and information on many manufacturers. It is a great source of information about this jacket. The catalog is written in Japanese however it has many details about the jacket.

The initial A-2 jackets were only issued to pilots and aircrewmen. The jackets were also offered to officers without flying only until mid-1943. At that time, a cottage industry had developed in England that was specialized in the production of A-2-style jackets. The Army stopped purchasing new leather jackets following the war. Airmen deployed to war in cloth jackets weren't able to replace their A-2s.

The original A-2 jacket had knitted cuffs with snap flap pockets, as well as an internal map pocket. The back was made of one piece of leather. Its interior was lined cotton. The jacket came with an elastic hanger made of leather with an official military-spec tag.

Originals are worth more

Many pilots wore the A-2 jacket during World War II. The jacket was not given to pilots following the war, but a lot of people still owned it. Some jackets were offered at a higher price than original ones. Companies made replicas and sold them for more than what the government would accept. The A-2 jacket was reissued in 1987 to mark the 40th anniversary of the Air Force and to rekindle the spirit of the Corps.

There were several manufacturers that produced the A-2 jacket and the quality of each differed. Some jackets were made from cowhide while others were made from goatskin. It is crucial to are aware that cowhide is difficult to distinguish from goat skin, however a high-quality goatskin jacket is easy to recognize.

A-2 jackets can also be equipped with zips. The zippers were made from steel, brass, or nickel-plated. The majority of the zippers found on A-2 jackets came from Talon which supplied the US military with zippers throughout the war. Talon's zippers were constructed of metal bottoms, with grommeted or riveted tops. The fit of the A-2 jacket can be either baggy or fitted depending on the wearer chose.

The A-2 jacket isn't the most popular jacket however, it has an interesting history and a great value. The A-2 jacket was worn by George W. Bush and Joe Biden, and became popular with the Presidents. In fact every President since has worn the A-2 jacket on bases of the military.