This Buzz Rickson’s A-2 Flight Jacket is a copy of those original A-2 Flight Jackets produced by the United Sheeplined Clothing Co. of Long Branch, New Jersey under Air Corps Purchase Order 42-18777.  This A-2 Flight Jacket exhibits important details that help differentiate one original A-2 Flight Jacket contractor and contract from another – details synonymous with the pedigree of historical accuracy found in the goods we offer, including for this United Sheeplined Clothing Co. A-2 Flight Jacket the following: Correct features of an early-production A-2 Flight Jacket from this contractor, including a russet-colored horsehide shell and a leather hanger sewn into the neck area that partially obscures the top lines of text on the neck label vs. the leather hangers found on most A-2 Flight Jackets, where the hanger is sewn above the top of the neck label.  Other distinctive features of United Sheeplined A-2 Flight Jackets have, of course, been correctly duplicated, including the pocket flap, collar, epaulette shape and size with contractor-specific stitching on epaulets, beveled lower corners on pockets, small ring-style press studs, seam widths, nicely squared shoulders, construction with all-cotton thread in contrasting light-shade olive drab, mid-brown lining, and knit parts dyed to the darker brown typical of United Sheeplined A-2 Flight Jacket.  Original A-2 Flight Jackets produced by United Sheeplined Clothing Co. are quite rare today in the community of flight jacket collectors due to the relatively small number produced by this contractor during WWII.

This A-2 Flight Jacket just looks incredibly cool, rugged and vintage the first time you put it on, thanks to Buzz Rickson’s unique aniline-dying process with hand-rubbed wax incorporated in the final phase, and their exclusive fully vegetable-tanned ”Bronco Hide.”  A nicely aged vintage A-2 Flight Jacket will often reveal a mottled finish with the lighter-colored natural leather showing through over most of the entire jacket, which is due to a thin, hasty top coat of lacquer-based darker dye having been worn off with use.  Buzz Rickson’s employs an aniline dye process that exquisitely duplicates this same look since the old lacquer-type dyes can no longer be employed due to environmental restrictions.  Once dying is complete, the master tanners at Buzz Rickson’s work hand-applied wax into the hides for this particular A-2 Flight Jacket copy, which creates a deeper depth of color and contrast between light and dark mottled areas and greater luster, thus enhancing characteristics of age and wear from use so this A-2 Flight Jacket will look like a combat veteran from day one, and also renders a significantly more comfortable A-2 Flight Jacket out of the box vs. the stiffer feeling and longer break-in periods typically associated with horsehide that is fully vegetable tanned.  And the overall appearance of the leather would not be anywhere near as authentic and beautiful if not for the exclusive “Bronco Hide” developed by Buzz Rickson’s.

The “Bronco Hide” is a result of years of costly research in obtaining a rugged horsehide featuring uneven, deep-seated broken lines of all-natural grain typical of what can be found on many vintage A-2 Flight Jackets.  The hides are all sourced from the best leather country in the world – Italy- where a preeminent tannery selects only the best-of-the-best leathers (for this A-2 Flight Jacket the hides are 1.1mm in thickness), then vegetable tanned in such a way as to bring out the natural grain inherent in the horsehide.  During the processing, the tannery has found a way to make the horsehide more soft and pliant, making these Buzz Rickson’s A-2 Flight Jackets incredibly comfortable right out of the box, then continuing to gain suppleness with each wearing, all the while maintaining the correct drape of an original A-2 Flight Jacket.  And these A-2 Flight Jackets get better looking with use as the patina of wear continues to mount from the natural abrasions the hide develops while being enjoyed by you.  Yes, Buzz Rickson’s may well have come up with the ultimate horsehide on the ultimate A-2 Flight Jacket reproduction money can buy.

Please note these authentic features:

• Copy of original-style maker’s label design produced on a vintage shuttle loom and that bears the name of the original contractor – United Sheeplined Clothing Co.

• All-cotton thread in contrasting olive drab as found on most A-2 Flying Jackets originally produced under Purchase Order 42-18777 by United Sheeplined Clothing Co.

• 1.1mm thick, vegetable-tanned, aniline-dyed horsehide imported from Italy with what can be argued as the best vintage patina available today, featuring Buzz Rickson’s unique hand-waxed process matching the look of many nicely aged A-2s made by United Sheeplined Clothing Co.

• Single-piece back as found on all vintage original A-2 Jackets

• Collar assembly following the simplified style adopted for the mass production of 1942-44, exactly as found on the majority of vintage A-2s originally produced during WWII and correct for a United Sheeplined Clothing Co. A-2 of this contract

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave all-cotton inner-lining fabric to precisely match 1940s USAAF specs. and dyed medium brown to match original vintage A-2s of this contract; the density and tightness of the weave of the lining may well be the most accurate of any reproduction A-2 made today

• Metal collar clip custom manufactured to the original USAAF spec. featuring the raised bend at mid-section with reversed backing plates, both of which are correct for United Sheeplined Clothing Co., and finished in correct semi-matte nickel plating

• Smaller ring-style press studs precisely matching those found on original United Sheeplined Clothing Co. A-2s

• Shoulder straps typifying the shape, size and stitch style found on original A-2s produced by United Sheeplined Clothing Co., including the joining seam hidden under the epaulets where front and back panels meet; most vintage A-2s have this seam located behind the epaulets

• Two snap-down exterior pockets with stitching and pocket configuration typifying the style found on original United Sheeplined Clothing Co. A-2s, most notably including the lower pocket corners cut at 45-degree angles

• Snap-down collar typifying the shape, size and stitch style found on original United Sheeplined Clothing Co. A-2s

• USAAF authentic inspector’s decal in off-white applied to reverse side of wind flap

• Correct to this A-2 contractor, a cotton label with lot and size printed in deep blue appears in the pocket

• The Army-Navy inspector-assigned number Z22 ink stamped in the lining as is typical for United Sheeplined Clothing Co. A-2s

• Custom manufacturing of two-ply super heavy-weight 100% worsted-wool knit cuffs and waist skirt in a dark brown color, with cuffs correctly graduating from a wider weave into a narrow weave, exactly matching those found on original United Sheeplined Clothing Co. A-2s.  These knit parts won’t stretch out from normal wear!

• Heavy leather hanging loop correctly sewn directly through the jacket lining and outer leather shell using a box stitch and located directly over top the first two lines of text on the neck label as per vintage A-2s produced by United Sheeplined Clothing Co.

Buzz Rickson’s products are imported from Japan

The USAAF A-3 Mechanic's Cap is one of those items of clothing from the 1940’s that is synonymous with the WWII G.I. Though designated for aircraft mechanics, the A-3 was just too comfortable, practical and sharp to not be worn by anyone in the USAAF who could obtain one. It was the perfect item of clothing that lent itself so well to personalization: caps were painted or inked with names, rank, pin-up and cartoon art, and worn at a jaunty angle or with the visor turned upwards in true 1940’s G. I. fashion.

Buzz Rickson's  resurrected this classic to their usual exacting standards: 8.5-ounce all-cotton herringbone twill in the early, light shade of olive drab, heavy stitching and reinforcing throughout, taped seams inside the crown, flexible visor, authentic label, and USAAF ink stamp on an exterior back panel.  The cap is given a subtle vintage wash by the factory so that it isn't starchy new in appearance.  A high-quality cap of true 1940’s character available again today!

Buzz Rickson's products are imported from Japan.

Sizes: 7 1/4 (Med.) & 7 1/2 (Lg).  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

The Type A-4 is a knit cap, made from an Olive Drab, 100% worsted wool.  Throughout WWII, these caps were used by aircraft mechanics and armorers when conditions were too cold for the Type A-3 Mechanic’s Cap.  It was also a cap sometimes worn by elite U. S. paratroopers of the airborne divisions, just as seen in the HBO masterpiece film series “Band of Brothers.”  Since the paratroops worked closely with USAAF air and ground crews due to the paratroops’ main mode of transport into battle being the airplane, USAAF personnel and paratroops often traded each other for select uniform and gear items, the A-4 cap being one such item.

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.  Buzz Rickson’s has, yet again, done 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 a Buzz Rickson’s parachutist’s or airman’s jacket – get your cap while stocks last!

Sizes:  One size fits all

Imported from Japan

The U. S. Army Air Force Type B-10 Intermediate Flight Jacket was developed as a replacement for both the leather A-2 and sheepskin B-6 Flight Jackets.  The B-10 Flight Jacket was the first cloth-shelled, alpaca fur-lined flight jacket of the USAAF, being standardized for service in July 1943.  However, actual combat issue did not take place until late February 1944, with the 8th Air Force in England receiving an initial issue of  B-10 Flight Jackets with the corresponding A-9 Trousers.  By the spring of 1944, the B-10 was appearing in much greater quantities, as evidenced by the many 8th and 9th Air Force aircrews outfitted in this jacket in time for the D-Day invasion at Normandy on June 6, 1944. 

The B-10 Flight Jackets were an instant success with just about every aviator who encountered one, being much lighter and more versatile than the jackets they replaced.  Intended for wear in climates between 22 degrees and 55 degrees Fahrenheit, the B-10 Flight Jacket was ideally suited for early spring, late fall and winter. Fighter pilots took a particular shine to this slick new jacket style, as it afforded them far less bulk and considerably more comfort in their cramped cockpits.  Just as with all of the flight jackets of the USAAF, the B-10 Flight Jacket’s natural good looks and smart style immediately made it a coveted garment with anyone who could get their hands on one.  This proved especially true among most of the senior officer ranks of the U. S. Army fighting in Europe, as numerous photographs depict non-flying, non-USAAF personnel, such as Generals Ridgeway, Eisenhower, Patton, and Bradley wearing the B-10 Flight Jacket even though they had no rightful authorization to wear the jacket.  Furthermore, all officers of the U. S. airborne units received B-10 Flight Jackets as issue garments just as they had once been issued leather A-2 Flight Jackets, thus furthering their elite image within the army.  But it is the fighter pilot of 1944 and 1945 who was most typically personified through the wearing of a B-10 Flight Jacket. 

Though very popular, the official lifespan of the B-10 Flight Jacket designation was, however, rather short, being superseded by the newer B-15 Flight Jacket specification in late 1944.  Still, the B-10 Flight Jacket saw combat service right up until the end of WWII. After the war, veterans continued to wear these beloved jackets until threadbare, while surplus B-10 Flight Jackets found new homes via the great Army-Navy stores of the era.  Today, an original vintage B-10 Flight Jacket in really nice condition is a very, very scarce and desirable garment to a collector, with jackets in superior condition commanding a four-figure buying price in a heartbeat.

Buzz Rickson has reproduced the B-10 Flight 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 flight jackets.  In fact, the only other flying jackets in the world today made from this cotton are those original vintage examples of the USAAF! 

This B-10 Flight Jacket is a Buzz Rickson’s Special Edition, correctly capturing all the nuances found on B-10 Flight Jackets once produced by the the L. S. L Garment Co., making this product virtually indistinguishable from an original vintage example of the USAAF.  Take note of these authentic features:  

• Exact copy of original maker’s label

with brown text on an off-white background produced on a vintage shuttle loom

•Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave three-ply, combed-cotton Olive Drab outer shell to precisely match 1943 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-10s

•Gorgeous, plush, genuine sheep fur collar left in it’s natural buttery shade as found on many B-10’s produced by LSL

•Pencil slot assembled on the exterior of the left pocket in the exact fashion noted on extant B-10’s produced by LSL

•Two button-flap exterior pockets

•One snap-down interior pocket assembled in the unique style and the slightly smaller size associated with B-10’s once produced by LSL

•Exact copy of the 1943 Conmar zipper on jacket front, with zip tape made of all-cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton

• 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

•USAAF insignia transfer on left sleeve and on wind flap interior  

• USAAF insignia ink stamp in black in the smaller size associated with LSL-contracted B-10’s

• LSL inspector ink stamp in black on the wind flap

Sizes:  36-44 regular.   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.  

Buzz Rickson’s goods are imported from Japan  

The U. S. Army Air Force Type B-10 Intermediate Flight Jacket was developed as a replacement for both the leather A-2 and sheepskin B-6 Flight Jackets.  The B-10 Flight Jacket was the first cloth-shelled, alpaca fur-lined flight jacket of the USAAF, being standardized for service in July 1943.  However, actual combat issue did not take place until late February 1944, with the 8th Air Force in England receiving an initial issue of  B-10 Flight Jackets with the corresponding A-9 Trousers.  By the spring of 1944, the B-10 was appearing in much greater quantities, as evidenced by the many 8th and 9th Air Force aircrews outfitted in this jacket in time for the D-Day invasion at Normandy on June 6, 1944. 

The B-10 Flight Jackets were an instant success with just about every aviator who encountered one, being much lighter and more versatile than the jackets they replaced.  Intended for wear in climates between 22 degrees and 55 degrees Fahrenheit, the B-10 Flight Jacket was ideally suited for early spring, late fall and winter. Fighter pilots took a particular shine to this slick new jacket style, as it afforded them far less bulk and considerably more comfort in their cramped cockpits.  Just as with all of the flight jackets of the USAAF, the B-10 Flight Jacket’s natural good looks and smart style immediately made it a coveted garment with anyone who could get their hands on one.  This proved especially true among most of the senior officer ranks of the U. S. Army fighting in Europe, as numerous photographs depict non-flying, non-USAAF personnel, such as Generals Ridgeway, Eisenhower, Patton, and Bradley wearing the B-10 Flight Jacket even though they had no rightful authorization to wear the jacket.  Furthermore, all officers of the U. S. airborne units received B-10 Flight Jackets as issue garments just as they had once been issued leather A-2 Flight Jackets, thus furthering their elite image within the army.  But it is the fighter pilot of 1944 and 1945 who was most typically personified through the wearing of a B-10 Flight Jacket. 

Though very popular, the official lifespan of the B-10 Flight Jacket designation was, however, rather short, being superseded by the newer B-15 Flight Jacket specification in late 1944.  Still, the B-10 Flight Jacket saw combat service right up until the end of WWII. After the war, veterans continued to wear these beloved jackets until threadbare, while surplus B-10 Flight Jackets found new homes via the great Army-Navy stores of the era.  Today, an original vintage B-10 Flight Jacket in really nice condition is a very, very scarce and desirable garment to a collector, with jackets in superior condition commanding a four-figure buying price in a heartbeat.

Buzz Rickson has reproduced the B-10 Flight 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 flight jackets.  In fact, the only other flying jackets in the world today made from this cotton are those original vintage examples of the USAAF!  This B-10 Flight Jacket is a Buzz Rickson’s Special Edition, correctly capturing all the nuances found on B-10 Flight Jackets once produced by the Rough Wear Clothing Company, making this product virtually indistinguishable from an original vintage example of the USAAF.  Take note of these authentic features:  

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

•Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave three-ply, combed-cotton Olive Drab outer shell to precisely match 1943 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-10s

•Gorgeous, plush, genuine mouton-fur collar in ginger-toned brown found on Rough Wear B-10s

• Two button-flap exterior pockets

•One snap-down interior pocket lined with heavy all- cotton twill fabric, precisely matching 1943 USAAF specs

•Exact copy of the 1943 Conmar zipper on jacket front, with zip tape made of all-cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton

• 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

•USAAF insignia transfer on left sleeve and on wind flap interior  

Sizes:  36-46 regular.   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.  

Buzz Rickson’s goods are imported from Japan  

The U. S. Army Air Force Type B-10 Intermediate Flight Jacket was developed as a replacement for both the leather A-2 and sheepskin B-6 Flight Jackets.  The B-10 Flight Jacket was the first cloth-shelled, alpaca fur-lined flying jacket of the USAAF, being standardized for service in July 1943.  However, actual combat issue did not take place until late February 1944, with the 8th Air Force in England receiving an initial issue of B-10 Flight Jackets with the corresponding A-9 Trousers. 

By the spring of 1944, the B-10 Flight Jacket was appearing in much greater quantities, as evidenced by the many 8th and 9th Air Force aircrews outfitted in this jacket in time for the D-Day invasion at Normandy on June 6, 1944.  The B-10 Flight Jacket was an instant success with just about every aviator who encountered one, being much lighter and more versatile than the jackets they replaced.  Intended for wear in climates between 25 degrees and 55 degrees Fahrenheit, the B-10 was ideally suited for early spring, late fall and winter.  Fighter pilots took a particular shine to this slick new jacket style, as it afforded them far less bulk and considerably more comfort in their cramped cockpits.  Just as with all of the flight jackets of the USAAF, the B-10 Flight Jacket's natural good looks and smart style immediately made it a coveted garment with anyone who could get their hands on one.  This proved especially true among most of the senior officer ranks of the U. S. Army fighting in Europe, as numerous photographs depict non-flying, non-USAAF personnel, such as Generals Ridgeway, Eisenhower, Patton, and Bradley wearing the B-10 Flight Jacket even though they had no rightful authorization to wear the jacket.  Furthermore, all officers of the U. S. airborne units received B-10 Flight Jacket as issue garments just as they had once been issued leather  A-2 Flight Jackets, thus furthering their elite image within the army.  But it was the fighter pilot of 1944 and 1945 who was most typically personified through the wearing of a B-10 Flight Jacket.

Though very popular, the official lifespan of the B-10 Flight Jacket designation was, however, rather short, being superseded by the newer B-15 Flight Jacket specification in late 1944.  Still, the B-10 Flight Jacket saw combat service right up until the end of WWII.  After the war, veterans continued to wear these beloved jackets until threadbare, while surplus B-10 Flight Jackets found new homes via the great Army-Navy stores of the era.  Today, an original vintage B-10 Flight Jacket in really nice condition is a very, very scarce and desirable garment to a collector, with jackets in superior condition commanding a four-figure buying price in a heartbeat. Buzz Rickson’s offer a Special Edition of a rare B-10 Flight Jacket produced by the Superior Togs Co., Inc. during WWII.  Some wartime contractors were permitted to use reddish or berry-colored wool knit cuffs and waistbands on flight jacket production, the most notable being Aero Leather of Beacon, NY in the production of A-2 Flight Jackets, but at least one B-10 contractor also utilized this same knit color and this was Superior Togs.  Superior Togs also produced many of their B-10 Flight Jackets with an outer shell color that was distinctly olive drab vs. the darker green observed from most B-10 contractors.  Buzz Rickson’s cotton outer-shell fabric is never to be confused with the cheap, flimsy sheet bedding fabric used by lesser manufacturers to produce so-called vintage reproduction USAAF flight jackets.  In fact, the only other flight jackets in the world today made from this cotton are those original vintage examples of the USAAF!  This B-10 Flight Jacket is a Buzz Rickson’s Special Edition, correctly capturing all the nuances found on B-10 Flight Jackets once produced by the Superior Togs Co., Inc., making this product virtually indistinguishable from an original vintage example of the USAAF.  Take note of these authentic features:  

• Exact copy of original maker’s label with gold text on a black background produced on a vintage shuttle loom.  It is noteworthy that B-10s of this contract have the size on the label preceded by a series of ellipsis dots vs. simply having the size appear standing alone.

• Hanger in neck area sewn into the collar; this was in contrast to those B-10s that had the hanger bar tacked in place.

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave three-ply, combed-cotton outer shell in a distinct hue olive drab to precisely match that found on most B-10s produced by Superior Togs.

• 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-10s.

• Gorgeous, plush, genuine mouton-fur collar left in gingery shade of brown as noted on most extant B-10s produced by Superior Togs.

• Two button-flap exterior pockets with pocket flaps cut in the distinct shape noted on many B-10s produced by Superior Togs.

• Pencil slot assembled on the exterior of the left pocket in the typical fashion noted on B-10s produced by Superior Togs.

• One snap-down interior pocket assembled in the typical fashion noted on B-10s produced by Superior Togs.

•Exact copy of the 1943 Conmar zipper on jacket front, with zip tape made of all-cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton

• Correct USAAF spec. leather pull tab on zipper.

• Custom manufacturing of the correct two-ply 100% worsted-wool knit cuffs and waist skirt in the berry shade associated with B-10s produced by Superior Togs.

• Wind flap protector behind zipper closure.

• USAAF insignia transfer on left shoulder sleeve.

• USAAF insignia screening in off-white and located on the wind flap.

• AN inspector ink stamp in black on right interior at zipper base.  

Sizes:  36-44 regular.   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.  

Imported from Japan  

The C-2 Vest (sweater) is an all-time favorite of our founder, who deems its design, utility, construction, and function as genius, as well as indispensable with almost every jacket in one's wardrobe.

Developed in 1934 for the Air Corps and intended specifically to be worn under flying jackets and flying suits, the C-2 was both fabricated and designed to provide a very hugging fit; the narrow, tapered sleeves and hugging body help the C-2 to act as a second skin.  The intention was to provide for an additional 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit of useful life to any given outer garment, and with minimal bulk and interference when worn with any number of layers protecting from the cold.  The A-2 Flying Jacket was the main companion intended for wear with the C-2, as the A-2 was designated a Summer Flying Jacket and, with its lightweight poplin lining, really nothing more than a leather wind breaker.  

When the C-2 is worn with the classic A-2 Flying Jacket, the benefits are immediate and immense, truly allowing for use of the A-2 into colder temperatures without feeling chilled.  It has been said that to get the most use out of an A-2 Flying Jacket, one must be prepared to sweat and freeze:  the C-2 Winter Flying Vest can extend the useful life of the A-2 significantly into colder weather and substantially help to eliminate the "freezing" part associated with getting the most life from the A-2.  Additionally, thanks to the tapered sleeves (very snug from elbow to cuff), easy donning and removal of any jacket style is readily afforded with a TRUE C-2 Winter Flying Vest.  

Another substantive benefit of the C-2 is the full-zipper closure.  Many individuals find they want to remove their sweater once inside warmer surroundings, then having to reverse the process when heading back outside:  with most sweaters, this means pulling the sweater over one's head or slowly fidgeting with buttons, but the easy-glide zipper of the C-2 makes immediate removal and replacement effortless!

The C-2 is not just for use with the A-2 Flying Jacket:  the design, function, utility and overall fit makes it the perfect companion for any jacket, whether leather or textile in fabrication, and military or civilian in design!  Although attempted by other brands past and present, the various iterations of the C-2 have all fallen short in one or all of the following ways:  incorrect or less-than-precise fit (such as sizing small, medium, large, etc., or sizes that cover ranges, such as 42-44 vs. sizing that is size specific, such as 38, 40, 42), yarn size that is too thick (creates bulk and sloppy fit), yarns that are too fuzzy and soft (will not hold up to years of use), incorrect zipper types, sewing/assembly, and various other atrocities. 

Buzz Rickson's has, in their typical precision, crafted the ultimate C-2 Winter Flying Vest (sweater).  Please note these authentic, high-quality features that make this the ONLY C-2 to own:

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

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave Olive Drab worsted-wool yarns to match AAF spec.  The yarns are not at all bulky or thick, and they have that crisp "bite" found on the vintage C-2 sweaters; these yarns are decidedly not at all soft or fuzzy, thus providing years, and years of use without premature wear and excess pilling.

• Taping of neck seam and zipper closure sides with contrasting HBT cotton fabric.

• Correct design of fit, with tapered arms and hugging body construction; in conjunction with the correct weight of wool yarns, the use of this C-2 with most any jacket will be a dream.

• One pocket on lower left side.

• Correct lockstitch throughout assembly.

• Authentic copy of a brass Conmar zipper custom made at great expense and outfitted with cool-looking, contrasting tan-colored zip tape made of all-cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton, and correctly reinforced with real bar tacking (not mere look-a-like stitching) at the base.

• Correct cotton hanging loop cross-stitched directly through the sweater neck area.

• Assembly with contrasting-color, all-cotton thread on vintage sewing machines.

When worn as originally intended, we can comfortably fit chest measures up to 46".  Please do NOT attempt to guess your size and please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from Japan

This is one item we could not be more excited about bringing to our customers.  Since our first sale in 1989, multitudes of customers have, over the decades, asked where they could obtain a good copy of the iconic USAAF A-11 Navigation Watch to wear with their flying jacket purchases from us, but there were simply no really good copies of this watch that could match the pedigree of the goods we sell.  At long last, for all of those who have asked about really nice copies of the iconic A-11 Navigation Watches with mechanical movements, your deliverance has finally arrived!

The original WWII A-11 Navigation Watches were produced in hundreds of thousands during WWII and were the standard timepieces issued to pilots, bombardiers, and navigators, and the most perfect companion for a WWII-style flying jacket.  WWII A-11's were made by Bulova, Elgin, and Waltham and had 15-jewel mechanical movements, with each maker producing subtle differences between their styles in such areas as the dial, hands, case, etc. 

Buzz Rickson's, in conjunction with watch masters in Japan, have now produced the most authentic A-11 Navigation Watch available in the world today, which beautifully copies an Elgin-made example from 1941.  Almost everything had to be custom made at great expense in small quantities (this is a limited edition of only 500 pieces) to match the original Elgin watch used as the basis for this project.  

There have been a few upgrades to this A-11 copy:   increasing the jewels to 21 vs. 15 jewels of the original A-11 is an improvement that provides greater longevity and accuracy, and the use of a mineral crystal vs. the glass crystals of the original A-11 provides for greater longevity as the original glass crystals were very prone to scratches, chipping, and cracking.

This Buzz Rickson A-11 Navigation Watch will serve you as faithfully as those brave airman did the USAAF in WWII.  Please note the features that come with this A-11 Navigation Watch:

• Clone-like black watch dial with luminous numbers that matches those found on Elgin A-11's

• Clone-like luminous hands, including sweep second hand, that match those found on Elgin A-11's

• Nickel-plated watch case that matches the finish, design, and style of those found on Elgin-made watches of this contract (case diameter is 1.25") and includes the same typeface and stamping style on the back as found on Elgin A-11's of this contract

• 21-jewel mechanical automatic watch movement.  The movement will run for approximately 40 hours if wound 30 times; wearing the watch for 8 hours a day every day should preclude the need to set the time again or wind it unless you need to change the time.

• Water resistant (it's okay if the watch gets a little wet doing chores, but this is not a waterproof diving watch and is not intended for submersing in water or other liquids)

• Mineral crystal glass

• Shock resistant 

• Clone-like copy of the issue-style cotton watch strap in Olive Drab shade 3 and sewn with cotton thread and outfitted with a nickel-plated buckle 

• Vintage-style watch box with A-11 nomenclature corresponding to an Elgin-made A-11 of this contract 

• Limited edition of 500 pieces worldwide

Imported from Japan

The USAF L-2B Flight Jacket was developed as a direct replacement for the blue L-2A Flight Jacket.  L-2A Flight Jackets were produced in blue circa 1950 as part of an effort by the then-new USAF service branch to stand apart from the old USAAF and its association with the U. S. Army.  This blue color proved unsatisfactory in combat conditions during the Korean War, where a downed airman needed a combat uniform color that would help conceal him from any nearby enemies and the new USAF blue, unfortunately, only made downed aviators better targets and more easily found.  The result of this combat experience in the first two years of the Korean War resulted in the development of a new color that did better conceal downed airmen and, by mid-1952, the first of the combat flying clothing began to appear in this new color known as sage green.  The early sage green tended to have a distinctly more silver-grey cast to it than the later sage green shade employed in the 1960s, which is one distinguishing characteristic of the earlier L-2B Flight Jackets.

The L-2B Flight Jacket was intended for wear in climates between 42 degrees and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, thus ideally suited for spring, summer and fall. The essential differences between the L-2A Flight Jacket and L-2B Flight Jacket are:  Color changed from blue to sage green, size on labels changed from numerical (38, 40, 42, etc.) to textual increments (small, medium, large, etc.), the cut was made more generous and the outer nylon shell was changed from 1/3 twill to the heavier 2/2 twill, while the lining was changed from a wool-and-nylon blend to a wool-and-rayon blend.  The L-2B Flight Jacket had a long service life, with later versions that featured the orange linings that were first introduced in 1964 still being found in service use into the late 1970s.  This Buzz Rickson’s L-2B Flight Jacket is manufactured in the earlier silver-grey sage green and is a precise copy of an original example produced by the esteemed government contractor Tops Apparel Manufacturing Co, Inc., circa 1957, being the 3^rd L-2B Flight Jacket variant (Spec. 7448B) in the evolution of the L-2B Flight Jacket series.

Buzz Rickson has reproduced the L-2B Flight Jacket (Spec. 7448B) in exacting detail.  Buzz Rickson’s heavy-weight 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.  In fact, the only other flight jackets in the world today made from this nylon are those vintage examples of the USAF!  Please take note of these authentic features:

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

• Custom manufacturing of the correct 2/2 weave and weight in silver-grey color USAF Sage Green nylon twill outer shell to precisely match 1950 USAF specs., and treated to repel water

• Custom manufacturing of the correct 65% rayon 35% wool double-faced inner lining in silver-grey sage green, reflecting early L-2B manufacture

• 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

• 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 the USAF Sage Green

• Heavy, parachute harness nylon in USAF Sage Green 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 Flying Jackets made by Tops Apparel Manufacturing Co, Inc.

• USAF insignia transfer on left sleeve and under maker label in lining

• 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.  The fit is generous.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

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

Buzz Rickson’s goods are imported from Japan