The Luftwaffe (German Air Force) ruled the skies after the outbreak of WWII in September 1939. During that time, many of their fighter pilots became some of the highest scoring aces in history. The egos of these dashing pilots and close quarters inside the cockpits of their Messerschmitt 109s spawned the need for a practical and stylish flight jacket. Since no issue flight jacket existed other than cumbersome flying suits, beginning in May 1940 these pilots were authorized to privately purchase their own waist-length leather flight jackets as long as they conformed to a basic design; accordingly, these flight jackets are the most unique of any in WWII since the features of design were as varied as the individual.

For the first time since WWII, this fine style has been copied in a typical form. Our Luftwaffe leather flight jacket example features: premium, 3-ounce weight vegetable-tanned horsehide in your choice of black or brown; warm, all-cotton moleskin lining in Luftwaffe blue; two zippered breast pockets; two slash lower pockets; deep, zippered pistol pocket inside; snap-down throat clasp, belt clasp and cuffs; belted side adjusters; zippered forearm openings, authentic label in German text and more... This tasteful and stylish design is extremely versatile. Made to our usual exacting standards, this flight jacket will serve you as faithfully as the German pilots did the Luftwaffe; whether flying, motorcycling, or just everyday casual wear, this tasteful design is a versatile garment whatever the occasion.

Sizes available: 36-48 regular. Long and extra-long fittings available at no additional cost on custom order only.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.  

Imported from England  

This flight jacket is rooted in pre-WWII Hollywood.  Thunderbird Field was a creation of Hollywood producer Leland Hayward, along with investors James Stewart, Cary Grant, Henry Fonda, Robert Taylor and Margaret Sullivan. Thoughtfully laid out, the airfield could be seen as an etching of the mythical Anasazi Thunderbird from the air. The control tower formed the head of the bird, the administration buildings and barracks its body, the hangers its wings, and the gardens its feathered tail.

In 1941 the field became part of the United States Army Air Force's training establishment and contract-based primary flight training base for Allied pilots of various nations throughout the war.

The Thunderbird Field Instructor's Flight Jacket is based upon traditional flight jacket and garment designs of the period, being strikingly similar to the USAC A-1 Flying Jacket of the 1920s. Made from 100% wool serge dyed in navy blue for the body, dark brown WarHorse® leather for the sleeves, and rayon-satin for the lining, this light-weight, easy-to-wear jacket has both classic vintage style and practical versatility: Worn in the autumn over just a T-shirt, or in the winter over a sweater - it fits the bill. The slick, high-quality rayon lining means it slips on and off easily, and the all-wool knit trim to collar, cuffs and waist keep the wind gusts out.

Stitched to the left upper left shoulder is an absolute spot-on reproduction of the famous Thunderbird Field embroidered patch, which has been produced on original 1920s looms using rayon yarns (which gives the patch an authentic, vintage look and feel), making it indistinguishable from an original example.

Sizes available: 36-48 regular. Long and extra-long fittings available at no additional cost on special order only.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from England

This flight jacket is rooted in pre-WWII Hollywood.  Thunderbird Field was a creation of Hollywood producer Leland Hayward, along with investors James Stewart, Cary Grant, Henry Fonda, Robert Taylor and Margaret Sullivan. Thoughtfully laid out, the airfield could be seen as an etching of the mythical Anasazi Thunderbird from the air. The control tower formed the head of the bird, the administration buildings and barracks its body, the hangers its wings, and the gardens its feathered tail.

In 1941 the field became part of the United States Army Air Force's training establishment and contract-based primary flight training base for Allied pilots of various nations throughout the war.

The Thunderbird Field Instructor's Flight Jacket is based upon traditional flight jacket and garment designs of the period, being strikingly similar to the USAC A-1 Flying Jacket of the 1920s. Made from 100% wool serge dyed in olive drab for the body, dark brown WarHorse® leather for the sleeves, and rayon-satin for the lining, this light-weight, easy-to-wear jacket has both classic vintage style and practical versatility: Worn in the autumn over just a T-shirt, or in the winter over a sweater - it fits the bill. The slick, high-quality rayon lining means it slips on and off easily, and the all-wool knit trim to collar, cuffs and waist keep the wind gusts out.

Stitched to the left upper left shoulder is an absolute spot-on reproduction of the famous Thunderbird Field embroidered patch, which has been produced on original 1920s looms using rayon yarns (which gives the patch an authentic, vintage look and feel), making it indistinguishable from an original example.

Sizes available: 36-48 regular. Long and extra-long fittings available at no additional cost on special order only.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from England

In homage to one of the greatest fighter units of all time, we are proud to offer the 352nd Fighter Group “Blue Noser” A-2 Flight Jacket. After interviewing several members of the 352nd, we were able to examine their original A-2 Jackets, which were famously modified with interior canvas pockets. One jacket, in particular, worn by 2nd Lt. Carleton “Bud” Fuhrman, was made by the Monarch Mfg. Co., thus we decided to produce this jacket type and copy the pocket details found in Bud’s jacket in this special reproduction of a 352nd A-2 Jacket.

As the air war in Europe escalated, Allied air missions were flying deeper into enemy territory.  Because of this, pilots were becoming more at risk to being shot down and captured; accordingly, an increasing array of innovative escape and evasion survival equipment was being issued to them. Stowage was limited within the flying clothing for the ever-increasing equipment issues, thus the pilots had their A-2 Jackets modified by adding two extra inside pockets. The inside pockets are what is known as “rigger modifications:” Occasionally, certain flying clothing needed to be modified to better suit the wearer and his needs and the parachute shop where the parachute riggers worked was the place; riggers used sewing machines to repair various parachute equipment – hence “rigger modification.”

Made to the highest degree of authenticity, we have reproduced the 352nd Monarch A-2 using our premium-grade WarHorse® horsehide. We use the same quality Olive Drab canvas as was used on Bud’s jacket; as you will see from the detailed images, the pocket stitching goes right through both the lining and leather shell, just as it does on Bud’s original A-2.

These pockets are purely utilitarian and not meant as fashion as you will see from the detailed ‘Close-Up’ images on the page link on this web site.  Further identifying the uniqueness of this special A-2 model, every jacket is stenciled in the back of the lining with correct wartime flight jacket stencil of the ‘352nd FTR GRP.’ This is the only A-2 Jacket we offer with interior pockets, made the way it was really done for actual combat operations in the Big League of aerial warfare in WWII. No other model is available with optional interior pockets and no other style of pockets is available.

This product is officially endorsed by the 352nd Fighter Group Pilots’ Association. Special thanks go to 352nd veterans: Robert ‘Punchy’ Powell and Carlton ‘Bud’ Fuhrman. Thanks are also extended to Mark Hamel, 352nd Ftr. Gp. historian: this special A-2 project is a testament to their invaluable help.

This A-2 Jacket is custom order only.  Sizes available: 36-48 regular.  Long and extra-long fittings available at no additional cost on custom order only.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.  

Imported from England  

This Cable Raincoat Co. Contract 23382 A-2 Flight Jacket is one of several jackets we offer that copy specific original manufacturer styles.  These items are for those who want more than accuracy - they want history!  Original-maker jackets are EXACT copies of specific original jacket contractors and contracts from manufacturers dating between 1931-1944.  No two contractor jackets were identical; there can often be found differences even from the same contractor in a subsequent contract or in a single contract.  To truly have an exact copy A-2 Flight Jacket, one must state which contractor and contract has been copied, then follow through and actually recreate every aspect and nuance of its construction.

The Cable Raincoat Co. contract 23382 A-2 Flight Jacket represents a pre-war contract that began production in 1942.  A-2 Jackets of this contract can be found in horsehide, steerhide, and quite a number in goatskin, most of which are a very caramel-like shade of russet brown.  Every nuance of the original contract has been copied in this example:  label, stitch style and count, shape and contour of pockets and epaulets, seam allowances, thread color, lining and knit color, inspector stampings, pocket labels, collar stand, ball-style press studs and collar clips.  Our total use of custom-made components throughout every garment’s production and design is not to be confused with the vastly cheaper and inaccurate use of stock components employed by lesser manufacturers to produce so-called vintage reproduction USAAF flying jackets.  In fact, the only other leather flying jackets in the world today assembled with components like those found on our jackets are the original vintage examples of the USAAF from the 1940s.  Original A-2 Jackets of the 23382 contract are real veterans, seeing combat use in every theater of WWII.  Our Cable Raincoat A-2 Jackets are part of our flagship line.  Grab yourself a piece of real Army Air Corps history while they last!  Take note of these authentic features:

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

• All-cotton russet brown-thread construction as found on most of the 23382 contract A-2 Flying Jackets originally produced in the 1940s

• Correct USAAF spec. 3-ounce weight, vegetable-tanned Warhorse horsehide leather outer shell dyed in a gorgeous russet brown semi-aniline finish

• Collar assembly following the simplified style adopted for the mass production of 1942-44, exactly as found on all vintage A-2s originally produced by Cable Raincoat Co.

• Single-piece back construction

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave all-cotton, inner-lining fabric to precisely match 1940s USAAF specs. and dyed in the mustard-brown shade found on original vintage Cable Raincoat A-2s

• Metal collar clip custom manufactured to the original USAAF spec. and finished in correct semi-matte nickel plating

• Custom manufacture of correct ball-and-socket-style press studs located on pockets and collar ends, exactly duplicating the smaller (collar-size) and larger (pocket-size) found on original vintage Cable Raincoat A-2s

• Shoulder straps exactly matching the shape, size and stitch style found on original vintage Cable Raincoat A-2s

• Two snap-down exterior pockets with stitching and pocket flap configuration exactly matching the style found on original vintage Cable Raincoat A-2s

• Snap-down collar exactly matching the shape, size and stitch style found on original Cable Raincoat A-2s

•Reproduction 1940’s Kwik zipper in matte nickel finish with zip tape made of all-cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton, and tape ends rolled and glued at base exactly as found on the original 1940s zippers.  Zippers made under the Kwik label were one of four brands found in use during the original production of A-2 Jackets in the 1930s and 1940s (many of the original A-2s made by Cable Raincoat Co. had Kwik zippers), with Kwik being the rarest of the four zipper brands, and we are the only company in the world to offer Kwik zippers in their jackets.

• AAF inspector’s ink stamping on cotton lining, exactly matching the individual number associated with original Cable Raincoat A-2s

• Custom manufacturing of the correct two-ply all-wool knit cuffs and waist skirt in medium brown, with cuffs correctly graduating from a wider weave into a more narrow weave, exactly matching those found on original vintage Cable Raincoat A-2s

• Heavy leather hanging loop correctly sewn directly through the jacket lining and outer leather shell using a box stitch

• Cotton label (with printed size and lot number) located in pocket, exactly matching those found on vintage Cable Raincoat A-2s

Sizes available: 36-48 Regular.  Long and extra-long fittings available at no additional cost on custom order only.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from England

This Monarch Manufacturing Co. contract 23378 A-2 Flight Jacket is one of several jackets we offer that copy specific original manufacturer styles.  These items are for those who want more than accuracy - they want history!  Original-maker jackets are EXACT copies of specific original jacket contractors and contracts from manufacturers dating between 1931-1944.  No two contractor jackets were identical; there can often be found differences even from the same contractor in a subsequent contract or in a single contract.  To truly have an exact copy A-2 Flight Jacket, one must state which contractor and contract has been copied, then follow through and actually recreate every aspect and nuance of its construction.

The Monarch Manufacturing Co. contract 23378 A-2 Flight Jacket represents a pre-war contract awarded in 1941 but not put into production until early 1942.  Original examples of this contract are extremely rare since far fewer were made than A-2s produced by other contractors in the 1942-44 years.  Monarch A-2 Jackets can be found in various shades of medium and light brown, and in horsehide or steerhide.  Made from our highly acclaimed War Horse® horsehide leather, we have now further developed this incredible hide, albeit with great difficulty, to emulate the broken-grain character that is often found on original A-2 Jackets.  Every nuance of the original contract has been copied in this example: label, stitch style and count, shape and contour of pockets and epaulets, seam allowances, thread color, lining and knit color, inspector stampings, pocket labels, collar stand, ball-style press studs and collar clips.  Monarch  A-2s had a rather distinctive cut, much like those made by Star Sportswear did.  Additionally, the Monarch A-2s have a particularly long, semi-pointed collar with rounded lobes and a back-panel seam configuration unlike that found on most other A-2 jackets.  Our total use of custom-made components throughout every garment’s production and design is not to be confused with the vastly cheaper and inaccurate use of stock components employed by lesser manufacturers to produce so-called vintage reproduction USAAF flying jackets. In fact, the only other leather flying jackets in the world today assembled with components like those found on this Monarch are the original vintage examples of the USAAF from the 1940’s. Original A-2s of the 23378 contract are real veterans, seeing combat use in every theater of WWII.  Our Monarch A-2 Jackets are part of our flagship line; nothing like this has been made since 1944.  Grab yourself a piece of real Army Air Corps history while they last! Take note of these authentic features:

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

• Contrasting russet brown all-cotton thread construction as found on most of the 23378 contract A-2 flying jackets originally produced by Monarch Manufacturing

• Collar assembly following the simplified style adopted for the mass production of 1942-44, exactly as found on all vintage A-2s originally produced by Monarch Manufacturing

• Correct USAAF spec. 3-ounce weight, vegetable-tanned horsehide leather outer shell dyed in a gorgeous russet brown aniline finish
• Single-piece back construction

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave all-cotton, inner-lining fabric to precisely match 1940s USAAF specs. and dyed in the rust-brown shade found on original vintage Monarch Manufacturing A-2s

• Metal collar clip custom manufactured to the original USAAF spec. and finished in correct semi-matte nickel plating

• Custom manufacture of correct ball-and-socket-style press studs located on pockets and collar ends, exactly duplicating the smaller (collar-size) and larger (pocket-size) found on original vintage Monarch Manufacturing A-2s

• Shoulder straps exactly matching the shape, size and stitch style found on vintage Monarch Manufacturing A-2s

•Sleeve seams aligned to the thumb vs. middle finger, a design feature found on vintage Monarch A-2's

• Back panel upper seam running under the shoulder straps, contrary to almost every vintage A-2 Jacket pattern but copying exactly the configuration found on all Monarch A-2s

• Two snap-down exterior pockets with stitching and pocket flap configuration exactly matching the style found on vintage Monarch Manufacturing A-2s

• Snap-down collar exactly matching the shape, size and stitch style found on vintage Monarch Manufacturing A-2s

• Reproduction 1942 nickel-plated Talon zipper

• USAAF inspector’s ink stamping on cotton lining, exactly matching the individual number associated with vintage Monarch A-2s

• Custom manufacturing of the correct two-ply, all-wool knit cuffs and waist skirt in medium brown, with cuffs correctly graduating from a wider weave into a more narrow weave, exactly matching those found on vintage Monarch Manufacturing A-2s

• Heavy leather hanging loop correctly sewn directly through the jacket lining and outer leather shell using a box stitch

• Paper label (with printed text indicating size and lot number) located in pocket, exactly matching those found on vintage Monarch Manufacturing A-2s

Sizes available: 36-48 regular.  Long and extra-long fittings available at no additional cost on custom order only.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from England

This Rough Wear Clothing Co. Contract 1401 A-2 Flight Jacket is one of several jackets Eastman Leather offers that copy specific original manufacturer styles.  These items are for those who want more than accuracy - they want history!  Original-maker jackets are EXACT copies of specific original jacket contractors and contracts from manufacturers dating between 1931-1944.  No two contractor jackets were identical; there can often be found differences even from the same contractor in a subsequent contract or in a single contract.  To truly have an exact copy A-2, one must state which contractor and contract has been copied, then follow through and actually recreate every aspect and nuance of its construction.

The Rough Wear 1401 A-2 Flight Jacket represents a pre-war contract from August 1941 and is now available in Eastman Leather's Vintage War Horse® horsehide leather.

About Vintage War Horse®:  Some A-2 Jackets, particularly those produced under earlier contracts from the 1930s and including some of those produced up to the early days of 1942, were finished in a rudimentary, pure aniline dye that gave the leather a very clear, almost-raw appearance that showed every detail of the underlying skin; the overall look can be somewhat mottled, revealing all of the rich character of the leather much in the same way a clear stain would reveal all of the depth and grain of a piece of wood.  And although the hides used in making this A-2 Jacket are top-quality in grade, you will also see every range mark or insect bite in the horsehide if such natural occurrences are present, and more than any other A-2 Flight Jacket Eastman offers in different aniline or other dye finishes, this A-2 Flight Jacket's dye finish will wear and gain that cherished vintage character more quickly - you won't look like some FNG  in this A-2 Jacket for very long!  This A-2 Flight Jacket is for the purest who appreciates all of the natural characteristics found in horsehide and in those early A-2 Flight Jackets, which includes deep grain leaping out in rivulets and valleys throughout the garment's hide.  Make no mistake - this is the Army, Mr. Jones!

Every other nuance of the original contract has also been copied in this example:  label, stitch style and count, shape and contour of pockets and epaulets, seam allowances, thread color, lining and knit color, inspector stampings, pocket labels, collar stand, ball-style press studs and collar clips.  Original  A-2 Jackets of the 1401 contract are quite rare, having seen real combat use from the outset of WWII to the end.  Perhaps the most famous Rough Wear 1401 is that of the beloved actor Jimmy Stewart.  Jimmy Stewart left Hollywood to serve his country and go on to become the highly decorated Colonel James Stewart, flying combat missions as a B-24 bombardment squadron commander out of England in the 8th Air Force.  Today, Colonel Stewart’s original Rough Wear 1401 A-2 Jacket is on display at the USAF museum at Wright-Patterson AFB.

Eastman's Rough Wear A-2 Jackets are part of their flagship line; nothing like this has been made since 1944.  Grab yourself a piece of real Army Air Corps history while they last!  Take note of these authentic features:

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

• Contrasting mid-brown, all-cotton thread construction as found on many vintage flying jackets originally produced by Rough Wear Clothing Co.

• Collar assembly featuring a leather collar ring, exactly as found on all vintage A-2's originally produced by Rough Wear Clothing Co.

• Correct USAAF spec. 3-ounce weight, aniline-dyed, vegetable-tanned Vintage War Horse® leather outer shell

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave all-cotton, inner-lining fabric to precisely match 1940s USAAF specs. and dyed in the rust-brown shade found on original vintage Rough Wear Clothing Co. A-2s

• Metal collar clip custom manufactured to the original USAAF spec. and finished in correct semi-matte nickel plating, including backing washers on the rivets as found on original jackets of this contract

• Custom manufacture of correct ball-and-socket-style press studs located on pockets and collar ends, exactly duplicating the smaller (collar-size) and larger (pocket-size) found on original vintage Rough Wear A-2s

• Shoulder straps exactly matching the shape, size and stitch style found on original vintage Rough Wear Clothing Co. A-2s

• Two snap-down exterior pockets with stitching and pocket flap configuration exactly matching the style found on original vintage Rough Wear Clothing Co. A-2s of the 1401 contract

• Snap-down collar exactly matching the shape, size and stitch style found on original Rough Wear Clothing Co. A-2s of the 1401 contract

•Magnificent, state-of-the-art copy of the famous, much-coveted, nickel-plated CROWN zipper of 1941, which is the only correct zipper type found on original A-2s of this contract

• AAF inspector’s ink stamping on cotton lining, exactly matching the individual number associated with original Rough Wear Clothing Co. A-2s of the 1401 contract

• Custom manufacturing of the correct two-ply all-wool knit cuffs and waist skirt in medium brown, with cuffs correctly graduating from a wider weave into a more narrow weave, exactly matching those found on original vintage Rough Wear Clothing Co. A-2s

• Heavy leather hanging loop correctly sewn directly through the jacket lining and outer leather shell using a box stitch

• Cotton label (with printed text indicating size and individual “RW” jacket number) located in pocket, exactly matching those found on original vintage Rough Wear Clothing Co. A-2s

Sizes available: 36-48 regular.  Long and extra-long fittings available at no additional cost on custom order only.  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.

Imported from England

The Rough Wear 27752 A-2 Flight Jacket represents a wartime contract from 1942. Made from our highly acclaimed War Horse® horsehide leather, we have now further developed this incredible hide, albeit with great difficulty, to emulate the broken-grain character that is often found on original A-2 Flight Jackets.  Every nuance of the original contract has been copied in this example:  label, stitch style and count, shape and contour of pockets and epaulets, seam allowances, thread color, lining and knit color, inspector stampings, pocket labels, collar stand, ball-style press studs and collar clips.

Our Rough Wear A-2 Jackets are part of our flagship line; nothing like this has been made since 1944.  Grab yourself a piece of real Army Air Corps history while they last!  Take note of these authentic features:

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

• Contrasting olive drab all-cotton thread construction as found on A-2s of the 27752 contract originally produced by Rough Wear Clothing Co.

• Collar assembly featuring a leather collar ring, exactly as found on all vintage A-2s originally produced by Rough Wear Clothing Co.

• Correct USAAF spec. 3-ounce weight, vegetable-tanned leather outer shell dyed in a gorgeous dark brown aniline finish

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave all-cotton inner-lining fabric to precisely match 1940’s USAAF specs. and dyed in the rust-brown shade found on original vintage Rough Wear Clothing Co. A-2s

• Metal collar clip custom manufactured to the original USAAF spec. and finished in correct semi-matte nickel plating, including backing washers on the rivets as found on original jackets of this contract

• Custom manufacture of correct ball-and-socket-style press studs located on pockets and collar ends, exactly duplicating the smaller (collar-size) and larger (pocket-size) found on original vintage Rough Wear A-2s

• Shoulder straps exactly matching the shape, size and stitch style found on original vintage Rough Wear Clothing Co. A-2s

• Two snap-down exterior pockets with stitching and pocket flap configuration exactly matching the style found on original vintage Rough Wear Clothing Co. A-2s of the 27752 contract

• Snap-down collar exactly matching the shape, size and stitch style found on original Rough Wear Clothing Co. A-2s of the 27752 contract
• Reproduction 1942 nickel-plated Talon zipper

• AAF inspector’s ink stamping on cotton lining, exactly matching the individual number associated with original Rough Wear Clothing Co. A-2s of the 27752 contract

• Custom manufacturing of the correct two-ply, all-wool knit cuffs and waist skirt in medium brown, with cuffs correctly graduating from a wider weave into a more narrow weave, exactly matching those found on original vintage Rough Wear Clothing Co. A-2s

• Heavy leather hanging loop correctly sewn directly through the jacket lining and outer leather shell using a box stitch

• White cotton label (with printed text indicating size and individual “RW” jacket number) located in pocket, exactly matching those found on original vintage Rough Wear Clothing Co. A-2s

Sizes available: 36-48 regular.  Long and extra-long fittings available at no additional cost on custom order only.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from England

This Star Sportswear A-2 Flight Jacket is one of several jackets we offer that copy specific original manufacturer styles.  These items are for those who want more than accuracy - they want history!  Original-maker jackets are EXACT copies of specific original jacket contractors and contracts from manufacturers dating between 1931-1944.  No two contractor jackets were identical; there can often be found differences even from the same contractor in a subsequent contract or in a single contract.  To truly have an exact copy A-2 Flight Jacket, one must state which contractor and contract has been copied, then follow through and actually recreate every aspect and nuance of its construction.

The Star Sportswear Manufacturing Co. A-2 Flight Jacket is from a 1942 contract, representing the only one awarded to Star.  Original examples of this contract are extremely rare since far fewer were made than A-2 Jackets produced by other contractors in the 1942-44 years.  Star A-2s can be found in various shades of russet or dark brown, and in horsehide or steerhide.  Made from our highly acclaimed War Horse® horsehide leather, we have now further developed this incredible hide, albeit with great difficulty, to emulate the broken-grain character that is often found on original A-2 Jackets.  Every nuance of the original contract has been copied in this example: label, stitch style and count, shape and contour of pockets and epaulets, seam allowances, thread color, lining and knit color, inspector stampings, pocket labels, collar stand, ball-style press studs and collar clips.  Star  A-2s have a rather distinctive cut, somewhat similar to Monarch.  Additionally, the Star A-2s have a particularly long, pointed-end collar and rotated sleeves seams, unlike those found on most other A-2 jackets.  Our total use of custom-made components throughout every garment’s production and design is not to be confused with the vastly cheaper and inaccurate use of stock components employed by lesser manufacturers to produce so-called vintage reproduction USAAF flying jackets. In fact, the only other leather flying jackets in the world today assembled with components like those found on this Star are the original vintage examples of the USAAF from the 1940s. Original A-2s of this  contract are real veterans, seeing combat use in every theater of WWII.  Our Star A-2s are part of our flagship line; nothing like this has been made since 1944.  Grab yourself a piece of real Army Air Corps history while they last! Take note of these authentic features:

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

• Contrasting medium-brown, all-cotton thread construction, as found on most of A-2 flying jackets originally produced by Star Manufacturing

• Collar assembly following the simplified style adopted for the mass production of 1942-44, exactly as found on all vintage A-2s originally produced by Star Manufacturing

• Correct USAAF spec. 3-ounce weight, vegetable-tanned horsehide leather outer shell dyed in a gorgeous dark brown aniline finish

• Single-piece back construction

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave, all-cotton inner-lining fabric to precisely match 1940s USAAF specs. and dyed in the rust-brown shade found on vintage Star Manufacturing A-2s

• Metal collar clip custom manufactured to the original USAAF spec. and finished in correct semi-matte nickel plating

• Custom manufacture of correct ball-and-socket-style press studs located on pockets and collar ends, exactly duplicating the smaller (collar-size) and larger (pocket-size) found on original vintage Star Manufacturing A-2s

• Shoulder straps exactly matching the shape, size and stitch style found on original vintage Star Manufacturing A-2s

• Two snap-down exterior pockets with stitching and pocket flap configuration exactly matching the style found on original vintage Star Manufacturing A-2s

• Snap-down collar exactly matching the shape, size and stitch style found on original vintage Star Manufacturing A-2s

• Reproduction 1942 nickel-plated Talon zipper

• AAF inspector’s ink stamping on cotton lining, exactly matching the individual number associated with original vintage Star Manufacturing A-2s

• Custom manufacturing of the correct two-ply, all-wool knit cuffs and waist skirt in medium brown, with cuffs correctly graduating from a wider weave into a more narrow weave, exactly matching those found on original vintage Star Manufacturing A-2s

• Heavy leather hanging loop correctly sewn directly through the jacket lining and outer leather shell using a box stitch

• Label (with printed text indicating size and lot number) located in pocket, exactly matching those found on vintage Star Manufacturing A-2s

Sizes available: 36-48 regular.  Long and extra-long fittings available at no additional cost on custom order only.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from England