The U. S. Air Force Type L-2A Light Flying Jacket replaced the highly popular Type L-2 Light Flying Jacket in 1950.  Like the L-2, the L-2A Flying Jacket was favored for it’s lightweight construction, comfortable non-bulky warmth and natural good looks. The L-2A Flying Jacket was intended for wear in climates between 42 degrees and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, thus ideally suited for spring, summer and fall. The essential difference between the L-2 Flying Jacket and L-2A was color. 

By 1950, the USAF began changing the color of most of its flying clothing from Olive Drab to Air Force Blue as part of an overall plan to forge a separate identity from the other branches of service, especially the army; however, this very attractive, distinctive blue color lasted in production but for a short while.  The realities of combat in Korea proved that a downed aviator had a far better chance of survival and evading capture wearing clothing in a color that camouflaged the wearer, thus the blue flying clothing became nothing much more than a prestige symbol used in non-combat areas by the end of the Korean War.

Buzz Rickson has reproduced this limited edition of an early, transitional L-2A Flying Jacket as produced by the original USAF contractor Superior Togs.  This L-2A reflects usage of leftover knit components in light-colored olive drab from the end of the L-2 production during that transitional time when supplies of the matching blue knit were not yet keeping pace with the then-new implementation of blue-colored flying jackets and where waiting for the blue knit to be fully available was deemed worse than making use of this non-matching knit color. Such mismatching of color has been observed on other articles of flying clothing of the same era, such as the blue B-15C and N-3A Jackets and blue A-11C Trousers; any of these garments utilizing mismatched components should be considered very rare and not reflective of the majority from the era.  Though the mismatched look is very unusual, it’s also considered quite attractive to many enthusiasts, as it does indeed create a very authentic, as-issued look that accurately reflects the essence of what these garments were intended for – function and utility above all else. 

This Buzz Rickson's L-2A Flying Jacket correctly captures all the nuances and features found on some mismatched vintage L-2As, making this product virtually indistinguishable from a vintage example of this type the USAF.  Take note of these authentic features:

• Exact copy of the original maker’s label produced on a vintage shuttle loom that includes the contractor name, Superior Togs

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight, weave and color USAF Blue nylon outer shell to precisely match 1950 USAF specs. and treated to repel water

• Custom manufacturing of the correct 65% nylon 35% wool double-faced inner lining

• Exact copy of the super-desirable, spring-loaded late 1940’s Crown zippers on sleeve pocket and jacket front, with zip tape made of 100% cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton

• Correct USAF spec. leather pull tabs on zippers

• Custom manufacturing of the correct two-ply 100% worsted wool-knit collar, cuffs and waist skirt in light-shade olive drab

• Heavy parachute-harness nylon in USAF Blue correctly sewn to left front chest for attaching oxygen mask retainer clip

• Snap-down pocket flaps and shoulder straps crafted to match the style found on L-2A Flying Jackets

• USAF insignia transfer on left sleeve in full color, and under maker label in lining in off-white stencil form

• Zippered pocket on left sleeve outfitted with four pen/pencil slots and two anti-puncture pencil caps made of 1945-spec. USAF brass

Sizes 34-44.  This style is light weight and fits generously; thus, a size 44 should, in most instances, comfortably fit a 46" chest measure.

Crown is a registered trademark in the USA of History Preservation Associates

Buzz Rickson’s goods are imported from Japan

The MA-1 Flight Jacket’s lightweight construction, comfortable non-bulky warmth and natural good looks made this style an instant success with aircrew at bases around the world, as well as with anyone who could beg, borrow or steal one of these coveted gems.  It was intended for wear in climates between 25 degrees and 55 degrees Fahrenheit, thus ideally suited for early spring, late fall and winter.  The popularity of MA-1 Flight Jacket series produced one of the longest continued service careers of any flight jacket in the history of the USAF. The MA-1 Flight Jacket would see combat life during the Cold War and Vietnam War, as well as in fashion life that, in many forms and colors, continues to this day.

MA-1 Flight Jackets produced for the USAF from 1962 onward had reversible linings in bright orange intended for use as an aid in rescuing downed airmen.  The "D" Spec. MA-1's gained fame throughout the Vietnam War era, with the earlier examples from 1963 being the most prized and rare.  Buzz Rickson has made various MA-1 Jackets over the years, making this a style they have gained world fame for making exquisitely and for which novelist William Gibson even turned into a sub-character in his novel “Pattern Recognition.” 

Buzz Rickson’s heavy nylon twill fabric is never to be confused with the cheap, flimsy flight satin used by lesser manufacturers to produce so-called vintage reproduction USAF flight jackets.  Buzz Rickson's have recreated the original fabric of 1963 using vintage looms and following vintage specs. and tests to make their fabric without peer; in fact, the only other flying jackets in the world today made from this nylon are those vintage examples of the USAF!  This Buzz Rickson’s MA-1 Flight Jacket correctly captures all the nuances found on MA-1 Flight Jackets once produced under the “D” spec., making this product virtually indistinguishable from an original vintage example of the USAF.  Take note of these authentic features:

• Copy of original maker’s label in left pocket

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave nylon twill to precisely match 1963 USAF specs. and treated to repel water. Outer side dyed to precise shade of USAF sage green and reversible inside dyed to visibility orange

• Correct USAF-spec. batting of warm wool-and-cotton fiber filling sandwiched between the outer and inner shell lining

• Two snap-down exterior pockets lined with warm 80/20 wool-rayon fabric precisely matching 1963 USAF specs.

• Two snap-down interior pockets lined with heavy all-cotton twill fabric precisely matching 1963 USAF specs.

• Exact copy of the heavy-duty 1962 Coats and Clark zipper jacket front, with zip tape made of all-cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton

• Leather zipper pull tab as found MA-1s, designed for easy functioning with gloves

• Heavy wind flap protector located behind zipper closure

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, two-ply, 100% worsted-wool knit collar, cuffs and waist skirt in sage green

• Zippered pocket on left sleeve outfitted with four pen/pencil slots and two anti-puncture pencil caps made of USAF-spec. brass

Sizes: XS – XXL.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Buzz Rickson’s goods are imported from Japan

Last few left!

The U. S. Army Air Force Type B-15A Intermediate Flying Jacket was developed as a replacement for the earlier B-15 Flying Jacket, being officially standardized in November 1944. The B-15A incorporated a few additional features found to be necessary from combat experience with the B-15 jacket, those features being two triangle-shaped leather patches on each breast for clipping the oxygen mask hose to, a larger pencil pocket on the left sleeve and two snap-down tabs on each breast for retaining the wiring leads from the microphone and headset. Other than these three new features, the B-15A was identical to the B-15.

The designation of “mod.” stands for modified, meaning the B-15 Flight Jacket has been “modified” by a USAF Materiel Command Depot in accordance with a USAF directive of 1954.  The directive called for all of the types of B-15 Flight Jackets on issue or in stock to be “modified," whereupon the factory-installed fur collar was to be removed and a wool knit collar installed in its place.  This modification was intended to reduce the flight jacket’s flammability that was considered greater with a fur collar in place.  B-15 Flight Jackets so modified were to have a new label indicating this new “modified” status sewn either directly over the original factory label or located somewhere under the original label.  The label information could be printed, typed, hand written or applied with a stencil or ink stamp on any available fabric.  Since the modification was performed after the jacket was originally made, it is typical to find the thread color around the collar area not matching the thread that assembled the B-15 Flight Jacket, and it is also common to find the new knit collar color to be in a shade that doesn’t quite match the knit on the rest of the jacket.  In all other ways, the flight jacket remained a B-15 Flight Jacket of whatever spec. it was originally - B-15A, B-15B, B-15C or B-15D.

B-15A (Mod.) Flight Jackets are, arguably, the rarest of the B-15 series of jackets, and they are also extremely rare among reproduction examples - Buzz Rickson has not offered a B-15A (Mod.) Flight Jacket since 2001!  Buzz Rickson has reproduced the B-15A (Mod.) Flying Jacket in exacting detail.  Buzz Rickson’s cotton fabric is never to be confused with the cheap, flimsy sheet bedding fabric used by lesser manufacturers to produce so-called vintage reproduction USAAF flying jackets.  In fact, the only other flying jackets in the world today made from this cotton are those original vintage examples of the USAAF!  Take note of these authentic features:

• Exact copy of original manufacturing maker’s label produced on a vintage shuttle loom

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave three-ply combed-cotton Olive Drab twill outer shell to precisely match 1944 USAAF specs.

• Correct USAAF spec. inner lining of warm, double-faced alpaca and wool, dyed to match the salt-and-pepper coloring of the original vintage B-15As

• Collar area authentically sewn with thread that does not match the thread used to assemble the rest of the jacket, exactly as on a “modified” B-15As

• Two snap-down exterior pockets lined with warm, all-cotton, heavy corduroy fabric precisely matching 1944 USAAF specs.

• Two snap-down interior pockets lined with heavy all-cotton twill fabric, precisely matching 1943 USAAF specs.

• Exact copy of a 1944 blackened-brass vintage zipper on jacket front, with zip tape made of 100% cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton.

• Offset frontal zip closure, exactly matching original B-15A specs. intended to facilitate easier zipper functioning

• Correct USAAF-spec. leather pull tab on zipper

• Custom manufacturing of the correct two-ply 100% worsted wool knit cuffs and waist skirt in Olive Drab

• Wind flap protector behind zipper closure with six rows of stitching exactly as on original B-15As

• USAF insignia transfer on left sleeve and on interior per the “mod.” conversion in the 1950s

• Four pen/pencil slots located on left sleeve with bar tacking for extra strength

• Triangle-shaped leather patches on breast area (one per side) for retaining oxygen mask hose

• Two-snap-down cloth tabs on breast area (one per side) for retaining wiring lead

Sizes available:  36-44.   Fit is true to slightly generous. Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from Japan

The U. S. Navy's Hook-Front Deck Jacket from 1943 remains a classic.  Just as with Buzz Rickson's Heavyweight, Non-Stenciled N-1 Deck Jackets, this style has been meticulously and precisely copied from vintage examples in every way, with the exception of not printing the "U. S. NAVY" text on the jacket's back.  All of these Buzz Rickson deck jackets utilize the same correct heavyweight, corded-cotton fabric found on the heavyweight N-1.  However, unlike the N-1, in this specific model the use of the fabric in so-called khaki is a fantasy since this style was only originally produced in dark blue, but the design team at Buzz Rickson's thought offering this color choice would be warmly received.  In every other way, this is a jacket style that is faithful to the original design and materials utilized.

Buzz Rickson’s philosophy is always to reproduce an item as authentically as humanly possible, which means utilizing the original machinery of the era and making the item so it doesn’t just look the part, but producing the item so it can actually function in the same way the original item was intended, thus Buzz Rickson’s is never engaged in making costumes; they are engaged in recreating rugged, functional history!  A cellulose plastic inner liner is sandwiched between the corded-cotton outer fabric and the blanket-wool lining to help keep cold winds from penetrating to the wearer's body, and heavy, military bar tacks are sewn at every key stress point specified and found on the original deck jackets, thus pocket corners and storm flap are constructed to function and endure in the same adverse, challenging conditions of combat that the jackets produced back in 1943 so did.

Please take note of all of these historically accurate features found on this Buzz Rickson’s masterpiece reproduction of the 1943 Hook-Front Deck Jacket: 

• Exact copy of original USN contract label design woven on vintage shuttle looms

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, heavyweight, corded-cotton outer shell to precisely match USN specs. but dyed in so-called khaki (one of the many permutations of Olive Drab #2)

• Cotton-thread construction

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, blanket-wool lining to precisely match 1940’s USN specs but dyed olive drab

• Two external “D-style” hand-warmer patch pockets lined with the correct cotton broadcloth

• Magnificent copy of the USN 1943-spec. hinging, hook-style metal clasps painted olive drab

• Waterproof, windproof celluloid plastic inner liner sandwiched between warm wool inside lining and hard-wearing corded shell exterior, exactly as per the original design

• Sewn bar tacks on all major stress points as per the original specs., including pocket corners and placket front

• Large wind flap protector located behind clasp closure to keep cold air gusts and water out

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, two-ply 100% worsted-wool knit cuffs, collar and waist band

• Eyelet vents in armpits

Sizes available: 36-44 Regular in even-numbered sizes.  The cut is generous, thus enabling us to comfortably fit chest measures up to 46" or even 48" with size 44. Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit. 

Buzz Rickson’s goods are imported from Japan

The original Type A-4 is a knit cap made from an Olive Drab, 100% worsted wool.  The original A-4 caps have a unique construction style with the top forming six sewn segments and produced from a more dense worsted-wool knit than similar caps manufactured in the present day.

This offering is another joint effort between Buzz Rickson and William Gibson, whereby all of the original, classics details have been maintained, but the overall color has been changed to solid black.  The addition of the William Gibson name is your extra assurance that this item is the real deal, with quality that goes the extra mile.

Yet again, Buzz Rickson did a masterful job of recreating this classic style, right down to the use of vintage machinery for production and the proper-weight wool with the narrow weave on the outer edge graduating into the thicker, heavier weave of the cap body.  Outfitted with an authentic woven spec. label made on vintage looms, this cap is every bit as true to the vintage specimens as it is warm and good looking (and due to its extra-fine quality it's not itchy).  This is just the ticket to round out your cold-weather attire – get your cap while stocks last!

Sizes:  One size fits all

Imported from Japan

This is yet another stylish, utilitarian item of clothing from the Buzz Rickson William Gibson Collection. The outer shell is crafted from a superb back satin and the inner fill is 100% spun polyester of the same type used in manufacturing the famous U. S. Army M-65 Field Jacket removable liners, making this vest is an ideal winter companion for wear on its own over shirts or sweaters, or as an extra layer of high insulation under a jacket.

William Gibson items, especially this vest, are available in limited quantities; though no one sells more than we do, they still tend to sell out more quickly than any other Buzz Rickson item, especially in the larger sizes.  Please note the following features found on this Buzz Rickson William Gibson masterpiece:

• Copy of a vintage maker’s label design produced on a vintage shuttle loom
• Custom manufacturing of a superb back satin in black using vintage looms
• Two snap-down exterior pockets bar tacked on corners for extra strength
• Two snap-down interior pockets bar tacked on corners for extra strength
• Exact copy of a vintage CONMATIC zipper in nickel plate with zip tape made of all-cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton
• Leather pull tab on zipper designed for easy functioning with gloves
• Custom manufacturing of the correct, two-ply, 100% worsted-wool knit collar in black
• Two-position adjustment tabs on lower back of vest for keeping vest secured close to the body
• Assembly using vintage sewing machines

Even sizes 38-42 Regular.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Buzz Rickson goods are imported from Japan

This is yet another stylish, utilitarian item of clothing from the Buzz Rickson William Gibson Collection. The outer shell is crafted from a superb back satin and the inner fill is 100% spun polyester of the same type used in manufacturing the famous U. S. Army M-65 Field Jacket removable liners, making this vest is an ideal winter companion for wear on its own over shirts or sweaters, or as an extra layer of high insulation under a jacket. William Gibson items, especially this vest, are available in limited quantities; though no one sells more than we do, they still tend to sell out more quickly than any other Buzz Rickson item, especially in the larger sizes.  Please note the following features found on this Buzz Rickson William Gibson masterpiece:

• Copy of a vintage maker’s label design produced on vintage shuttle looms
• Custom manufacturing of a superb back satin in olive green using vintage looms, with the inner lining color a contrasting lighter shade of green
• Two snap-down exterior pockets bar tacked on corners for extra strength
• Two snap-down interior pockets bar tacked on corners for extra strength
• Exact copy of a vintage CONMATIC zipper in nickel plate with zip tape made of all-cotton HBT fabric and not incorrect poly-cotton. The HBT fabric is light olive drab, creating an attractive contrast against the vest outer shell.
• Leather pull tab on zipper designed for easy functioning with gloves
• Custom manufacturing of the correct, two-ply, 100% worsted-wool knit collar in olive drab
• Two-position adjustment tabs on lower back of vest for keeping vest secured close to the body
• Assembly using vintage sewing machines

  Even sizes 38-42 Regular.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.   Buzz Rickson goods are imported from Japan

Buzz Rickson's brand is renowned for producing truly standout copies of the famous G-1 Flying Jacket and they really went over the top on this gem!  This limited-edition style combines the original features of the U. S. Navy G-1 Intermediate Flying Jacket (spec. 7823 from 1950) with styling from Buzz Rickson’s William Gibson Collection.  The original standards of quality and material types, except the leather type, have been strictly adhered to by Buzz Rickson’s, but with a distinct slant toward supreme luxury and durability, of course, and you have William Gibson’s personal approval of each item in the collection.  

The leather type is really at the heart of making this jacket so supremely magnificent.  G-1 jackets of the 1950's were originally produced in one of the strongest, most desirable leather types - goatskin - which was keenly sought after and which cost more than hides such as horse or steer.  The designers at Buzz Rickson's wanted to match the heavy grain and durability found in vintage goatskin when planning this jacket, but without actually employing goatskin.  The answer was shrunken buffalo hide!

Shrunken buffalo hide is sometimes referred to as goatskin on steroids.  The hide is even tougher than goatskin, yet it remains pliable, and the grain is larger and even more coarse than what is found on goatskin.  Shrunken buffalo hide is also considerably more costly than goatskin, largely because one is paying for the footage of hide that starts out before it is shrunken, then adding on the costs to perform the shrinking process, where one then has less hide to work with at a cost per square foot that then exceeds the original hide's cost per square foot.  Shrinking the hide increases the grain per square inch and the strength of the hide, hence why the process is employed.   

This sumptuous buffalo leather is sourced from the best leather country in the world – Italy- where a preeminent tannery selects only the best-of-the-best hides, all 3.5 ounce in weight, and fully vegetable tanned for a firm-yet-supple hand, then aniline dyed jet black for a luxurious, character-rich finish.  Assembly follows original specs. using all-cotton thread, and vintage looms are used to create the heavy, rayon acetate lining.  The sum of all of this is an heirloom jacket that can be handed down to the next generation - there's nothing disposable about a Buzz Rickson's leather jacket!

This Buzz Rickson William Gibson G-1 is a masterpiece of wearable jacket art crafted in rugged materials that are as beautiful as they are durable.  Please note the following materials and features:

• Copy of original maker’s label design produced on a vintage shuttle loom

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave rayon acetate lining dyed the original shade of a purple-like brown

• Custom manufacturing of the correct two-ply, worsted-wool cuffs with the narrow weave graduating into the wider weave at top, dyed jet black, and made in a heavier weight to better hold up in conjunction with the heavier leather 

• Custom manufacturing of the correct single-ply, bi-directional, worsted-wool waistband, dyed jet black, and made in a heavier weight to better hold up in conjunction with the heavier leather 

• Two button-down exterior pockets lined with all-cotton twill precisely matching 1950 USN specs.

• One snap-down interior pocket lined with heavy-weight, all-cotton duck twill precisely matching 1950 USN specs.

• Exact copy of the vintage-style, blackened-metal Conmar Conmatic zipper on jacket front, with zip tape made of 100% cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton

• Leather pull tab on zipper for easy functioning with gloves

• Heavy wind flap protector located behind zipper closure 

• Bi-swing action back and gusseted armpits (with metal air ventilators) for greater range of motion without restriction

• Gorgeous, plush, genuine mouton-fur collar dyed jet black, with backing leather correctly reinforced with trapunto stitching on the to maintain collar shape and help keep collar up when the need arises

• Sumptuous, vegetable-tanned, 3.5-ounce, shrunken buffalo hide aniline-dyed jet black and imported from Italy

• Assembly using vintage sewing machines

Even sizes 36-44 Regular.   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Buzz Rickson goods are imported from Japan

This style slightly modifies some features of the original USAF L-2B Flight Jacket from 1957, though the original standards of quality and material types have been strictly adhered to by Buzz Rickson’s, of course, and you have William Gibson’s personal approval of each item in the collection. Modifications are few, which are as follows: outer shell produced in black nylon twill vs. the original sage green color, interior lining produced in USAF 1950 blue vs. the silvery sage green of 1957, and removal of the flap tab with snap fastener at the bottom of the frontal zipper closure. All other features remain true to the original 1957 L-2B Flight Jackets, including the sleek fit.   The L-2B was intended for wear in climates between 42 degrees F and 65 degrees F, thus ideally suited for spring, summer and fall, and it repels water, too, though it’s not a raincoat and it’s not waterproof.

Other than the noted feature changes, this L-2B Flight Jacket is replete with all of the authenticity William Gibson so eloquently wrote about in “Pattern Recognition” and that Buzz Rickson is renowned for around the globe. William Gibson items, especially this jacket, are available in limited quantities; though no one sells more than we do, they still tend to sell out more quickly than any other Buzz Rickson item, especially in the larger sizes.  Please note the following features found on this Buzz Rickson William Gibson masterpiece:

• Copy of original maker’s label design produced on a vintage shuttle loom

• Custom manufacturing of the correct 2/2 weave and weight Black nylon outer shell using vintage looms and precisely matching 1957 USAF specs. and treated to repel water

• Custom manufacturing of the correct 65% nylon 35% wool double-faced inner lining in 1950 USAF Blue

• Heavy, parachute harness nylon in black, correctly sewn to left front chest for attaching oxygen mask retainer clip

• Snap-down pocket flaps and shoulder straps crafted to match the style found on L-2B Flight Jackets

• Exact copy of the super-desirable, spring-loaded 1950s Crown zippers on sleeve pocket and jacket front, with zip tape made of all-cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton

• Leather pull tab on zipper designed for easy functioning with gloves

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, two-ply, 100% worsted-wool knit cuffs and waist skirt in black

• Zippered pocket on left sleeve outfitted with four pen/pencil slots and two anti-puncture pencil caps made of USAF-spec. brass

• Assembly using vintage sewing machines

Crown is a registered trademark in the USA of History Preservation Associates

Even sizes 36-44 Regular.  The fit is generous.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Buzz Rickson goods are imported from Japan