Buzz Rickson's brand is world renowned for producing truly standout copies of the famous G-1 Flying Jacket, but this new example elevates their reputation to levels so spectacular, we are left fully bereft of adequate words to describe it.

This offering is a meticulous copy of a G-1 Flying Jacket produced under the first G-1 Flying Jacket spec. from 1947 (spec. 55-J-14), duplicating the typical jackets produced by A. Pritzker & Sons, Inc., a civilian contractor to the U. S. Navy.  No detail has been overlooked by Buzz Rickson's brand, which means every component part of the jacket had to be custom made to match buttons, zippers, and fabrics that no longer exist in the same form as was found in the late 1940's; however, it is the fit, taken directly from vintage U. S. Navy specs., and the sumptuous, Merino sheepskin collar and grade-one goatskin that, along with this jacket's many other parts, combine to make this nothing less than wearable history recreated. 

The goatskin is positively striking in every way. The leather weight comes in at a robust 3-ounces per square foot and is fully vegetable tanned, rich with heavy grain, and dyed only on the surface with full-pigment dyes.  The leather is not at all stiff or overly heavy, but it is plump and firm, and fully unlike the heavily processed, chrome-tanned goatskin so commonly found in mainstream jackets.  Surface dying is how the original 55-J-14's were dyed, which means this Buzz Rickson's G-1 will age and distress just as we see on those cherished vintage jackets, with all the character of an old navy salt.  And we cannot say enough good about the look of this leather:  the coloring of the dye used and its attendant finish are simply the most like a new-condition, vintage 55-J-14 as any we have ever seen!  Other copies of the 55-J-14 G-1 Jackets, even from top manufacturers, typically can be much too dark in color, too shiny, or too matte in appearance, and the shade of brown is just never right where it needs to be - until NOW!  Even the top aficionados of the 55-J-14 G-1 Flying Jackets will be duly impressed with what Buzz Rickson brand has achieved with this goatskin leather.  

Beyond the industry-leading leather quality and character, beyond the clone-like color and finish type, and beyond the supreme comfort and flattery of the genuine U. S. Navy fit, is the mind-blowing rayon lining and fur collar.  Buzz Rickson's brand has always had their heavyweight rayon acetate lining custom made to match Navy-spec. rayon fabric in weight, appearance, and hand, but because the coloring of the lining of a 55-J-14 made by A. Pritzker & Sons is so unique among other contractors of the 55-J-14's, the lining on this example is especially noteworthy - the color, weave, and weight just hit you as something only seen on a vintage example - it both looks and feels just as a 55-J-14 made by A. Pritzker & Sons in the late 1940's did!  

Merino sheepskin is something Buzz Rickson has tweaked to perfection for at least the last 4 years.  Somewhere, the Buzz Rickson brand has located a tannery that seems to generate Merino sheepskin as if it had been genetically engineered to match the mind's fantasy of ideals:  The sheepskin used on the collars of these G-1 jackets is nothing short of mouth-watering, sumptuous, mega-plush, half-inch genuine Merino sheepskin that is just not of this Earth!

Final touches that take this G-1 Flying Jacket into the heavens include the reproduction of a blackened-metal, late-1940's Conmar zipper, genuine urea buttons (never incorrect, cheap plastic), and a copy of the A. Pritzker & Sons, Inc. label woven on vintage shuttle looms.  The sum of all the many parts is an heirloom, clone-like jacket that fits like a dream, and which can be handed down to the next generation - there's nothing disposable about a Buzz Rickson's leather jacket and it only gets better with use and age!

This Buzz Rickson G-1 55-J-14 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 the original A. Pritzker & Sons, Inc., woven label produced on a vintage shuttle loom, not modern projectile looms

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave rayon acetate lining dyed to match the purple-like brown shade associated with 55-J-14's made by A. Pritzker & Sons

• Custom manufacturing of the correct two-ply, Navy-spec., worsted-wool cuffs with the narrow weave graduating into the wider weave at top, dyed medium brown to match what is commonly seen on 55-J-14's made by A. Pritzker & Sons

• Custom manufacturing of the correct single-ply, bi-directional, Navy-spec., worsted-wool waistband, dyed medium brown to match what is commonly seen on 55-J-14's made by A. Pritzker & Sons

• Two button-down exterior pockets lined with all-cotton twill precisely matching 1940's USN specs

• One snap-down interior pocket lined with heavy-weight, all-cotton duck twill precisely matching 1940's 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-Merino sheepskin collar with backing leather correctly reinforced with trapunto stitching to maintain collar shape and help keep collar up when the need arises.  The "USN" stencil is correctly applied in off-white paint to the collar back in a font style precisely matching that found on 55-J-14's manufactured by A. Pritzker & Sons.

• Sumptuous, vegetable-tanned, 3-ounce, heavy-grained goatskin that is not overly stiff or heavy, maintaining the true feel of the original jackets.  The dye coating is sprayed on, just as it should be for a 55-J-14 G-1, and it precisely matches the correct shade of brown and finish found on 55-J-14's once made by A. Pritzker & Sons; the result is a leather that will distress and age over time from use and wear to yield a vintage look that is on par with anything made in the 1940's-'50's

• Genuine urea buttons, not incorrect, cheap plastic 

• 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

Nicknamed Monkey Pants, these combat trousers were developed in 1944 for the USMC as a replacement for the 1941-Pattern Herringbone Twill (HBT) Utility Trousers, the 1944-Pattern HBT trousers differed significantly, most notably in having a large pocket on the rear and hip pockets, while the all-cotton HBT fabric in light-shade olive drab was the same rugged, heavyweight material used to fabricate the earlier trousers and coats.

Buzz Rickson brand has duplicated these trousers to its usual high level of quality and authenticity, including having the HBT fabric made on vintage looms and sewing the trousers using all-cotton thread on vintage sewing machines, with all stress points correctly bar tacked for extra strength.  Additionally, the trousers are outfitted with black-lacquered USMC buttons and they have been given an industrial cold-water rinse to minimize shrinkage and provide greater softness and a look of vintage appeal rather than a rigid, out-of-the-box new look.  Buzz Rickson military trousers are intended for hard, active use and long life; these are uniform items, NOT costumery.

Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Buzz Rickson’s goods are imported from Japan

Buzz Rickson brand has made a world-class, U. S. Army 2nd-Model M-65 Field Jacket for many, many years, which is available for sale on this website; this style is one of their top performers, and is considered by many aficionados as the only M-65 Field Jacket to own, if your priority is owning one that looks, fits, and will endure hard use as well as the originals that served in the 1960's did.  Now, due to popular request, Buzz Rickson's has made this same M-65 Field Jacket in their amazing ARVN Golden Tiger-Stripe fabric.

Original, U. S. Army-issue M-65 Field Jackets were never made in Tiger-Stripe fabric, but due to the undisputed coolness and attractiveness of this camouflage pattern, especially the "golden" variants, we offer such an M-65 Field Jacket for the first time, which has been designed as if it were a commercial model made to military specs. back in the 1960's.  Every detail of this example matches the Buzz Rickson U. S. Army-issue copy they have made for years, except this commercial model is offered in one of the variants of Golden Tiger Stripe, has a commercial label, and the sizing is numerical instead of Large, Extra-Large, etc., though the fit is unchanged, as is the use of meticulous copy of a period-correct copy of the famous CROWN zipper.    

Though M-65 Field Jackets have been made previously in Tiger-Stripe fabric, none have been made in this newer version of Buzz Rickson's Golden Tiger Stripe.  This Buzz Rickson’s M-65 Field Jacket in Golden Tiger Stripe is a real head-turner that will set you apart from any pretenders.  Scorn the cookie-cutter look of “mall” jackets and grab a piece of 20th century American history that combines style with durability and utility.  Buzz Rickson’s M-65 Field Jacket in Golden Tiger Stripe offers all of the following original features and more:  

• Vintage-Style commercial label in the lining

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, heavyweight cotton outer shell produced on vintage shuttle looms, in one of the coveted variants of ARVN Golden Tiger Stripe

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave all-cotton lining to precisely match 1965 U. S. military specs.

• Exact copy of the heavy-duty 1960's Crown zipper for the frontal closure, with cotton pull tab and the #5 size for the hood compartment, both of which have zip tape made of all-cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton

• All-cotton drawstring at waist in lining and on bottom hem of jacket to seal out wind

• Bi-swing double-pleated action back for greater range of motion without binding

• Snap-closure wind flap in front of zipper to seal out wind

• Adjustable Velcro closures on throat latch and gusted, two-position, extendable sleeve cuff

• Button-down shoulder epaulets as found on genuine M-65's

• Two pleated, generously expandable chest pockets with snap-down flaps

• Two large “grenade” pockets with snap-down flaps located on hip/thigh region

• Flip-up stand collar with zippered rear compartment that houses stowaway hood with drawstring  

Please note:  This style is compatible with a Buzz Rickson's removable M-65 Field Jacket liner of the same size.

Sizes 36-44 Regular in even-numbered sizes.  The fit is generous, as found on the original jackets, thus size 44 comfortably fits up to a 46" chest measure.  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  

Developed in 1941 for the USMC as part of a two-piece coat/trouser suit for combat and work, replacing the denim suits of earlier issue, the 1941-Pattern Herringbone Twill (HBT) Utility Trousers became the definitive combat trouser for the USMC in WWII.  The original design featured external patch pockets on the front thighs, which were replaced with internally hung pockets in a later design that first is seen in combat in early 1944, thus the first-model trouser is far more rare and the only correct HBT trouser for the USMC prior to 1944, though these early trousers can still be seen in use in 1945.  

Buzz Rickson brand is the only current manufacturer of the first-model trousers on the market at this time, and they have duplicated these trousers to their usual high level of quality and authenticity, including having the all-cotton, light-shade HBT fabric made on vintage looms and sewing the trousers using all-cotton thread on vintage sewing machines, with all stress points correctly bar tacked for extra strength.  Additionally, the trousers are outfitted with black-lacquered USMC buttons and they have been given an industrial cold-water rinse to minimize shrinkage and provide greater softness and a look of vintage appeal rather than a rigid, out-of-the-box new look.  Buzz Rickson military trousers are intended for hard, active use and long life; these are uniform items, NOT costumery.

Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Buzz Rickson’s goods are imported from Japan

Now, you may ask, what is a Buzz Rickson four-needle, set-in-sleeve, loop-wheeled sweatshirt? Four-needle sewing machines overlay the edges of all seams, creating a flatter, smoother seam construction with far less seam allowance, thus decreasing bulk.  Loop-wheeling looms are special machines that are able to weave a perfect tube, but they can only weave one set diameter per loom; this means the factory needs a different loom for each size - very expensive - which is why you hardly ever see true tube construction in modern-day garments. Even the most expensive designer sweatshirts will usually have a side seam - sometimes two seams!  Tube construction ensures true shape is maintained, not only during its construction, but during its life of wear.  This is the proper way to make a sweatshirt; in the good old days, the proper way was the only way.  It's cheap and easy to make shirts from a flat piece of cloth, and most customers would never notice the difference, though they may wonder why their not-so-cheap sweatshirt seemed to lose its shape after only a few washes - but now you know.

Traditional vintage-style sweatshirts of this caliber are not available even from the fashion high street. With shrewd foresight of the oncoming vintage clothing market, much of the old, U.S.-made 1920's machinery and looms were bought up by the Japanese in the 1970's when they were otherwise deemed obsolete.  These old looms, although much slower than modern machinery, are able to produce much higher-quality fabric - fabric that perfectly matches the quality of those garments made from the good old days.  For those who can appreciate such quality, these sweatshirts are sure to please.

Buzz Rickson's premium, vintage-style, all-cotton athletic sweatshirts are made from medium-weight, 100% cotton fabricated on 1920's-vintage loop-wheeling machines, styled with all the correct features found on the old sweatshirts, and cut to hug the body in a flattering form without bulk, just as the vintage originals did.  Limited quantities available.  Take note of these authentic vintage styling features:

• Custom manufacturing of the medium-weight, all-cotton fleece fabricated on a vintage loop-wheeling loom

• Vintage wash

• Four-needle, TUBE-Body construction with no side seams, and with lock stitch throughout

• Vee-placket neck detail

• Set-in sleeves

• Four-inch cuff and waistband

• Exact copy of the original-style rayon-on-cotton labels

• True vintage fit for flattering appearance, not a sloppy, relaxed fit with droopy shoulder seams

Sizes:  Small, Medium, Large, XL & XXL.   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from Japan

Now, you may ask, what is a Buzz Rickson four-needle, set-in-sleeve, loop-wheeled sweatshirt? Four-needle sewing machines overlay the edges of all seams, creating a flatter, smoother seam construction with far less seam allowance, thus decreasing bulk.  Loop-wheeling looms are special machines that are able to weave a perfect tube, but they can only weave one set diameter per loom; this means the factory needs a different loom for each size - very expensive - which is why you hardly ever see true tube construction in modern-day garments. Even the most expensive designer sweatshirts will usually have a side seam - sometimes two seams!  Tube construction ensures true shape is maintained, not only during its construction, but during its life of wear.  This is the proper way to make a sweatshirt; in the good old days, the proper way was the only way.  It's cheap and easy to make shirts from a flat piece of cloth, and most customers would never notice the difference, though they may wonder why their not-so-cheap sweatshirt seemed to lose its shape after only a few washes - but now you know.

Traditional vintage-style sweatshirts of this caliber are not available even from the fashion high street. With shrewd foresight of the oncoming vintage clothing market, much of the old, U.S.-made 1920's machinery and looms were bought up by the Japanese in the 1970's when they were otherwise deemed obsolete.  These old looms, although much slower than modern machinery, are able to produce much higher-quality fabric - fabric that perfectly matches the quality of those garments made from the good old days.  For those who can appreciate such quality, these sweatshirts are sure to please.

Buzz Rickson's premium, vintage-style, all-cotton athletic sweatshirts are made from medium-weight, 100% cotton fabricated on 1920's-vintage loop-wheeling machines, styled with all the correct features found on the old sweatshirts, and cut to hug the body in a flattering form without bulk, just as the vintage originals did.  Limited quantities available.  Take note of these authentic vintage styling features:

• Custom manufacturing of the medium-weight, all-cotton fleece fabricated on a vintage loop-wheeling loom

• Vintage wash 

• Four-needle, TUBE-Body construction with no side seams, and with lock stitch throughout

• Vee-placket neck detail

• Set-in sleeves

• Four-inch cuff and waistband

• Exact copy of the original-style rayon-on-cotton labels

• True vintage fit for flattering appearance, not a sloppy, relaxed fit with droopy shoulder seams

Sizes:  Small, Medium, Large, XL & XXL.   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from Japan

The master designers at Buzz Rickson's have recreated a GI classic made famous in the early years of the Vietnam War; officially known as "Trousers, wind Resistant," these formed the bottom half of the 1st-model jungle suit.  This is the highly desirable, rare 1st model made of poplin with exposed gloss-finished buttons and outfitted with leg ties hidden in the cargo pockets, as worn during the early days in Nam, though sometimes seen still being worn even at war's end.  This style clearly had its design rooted in the WWII U. S. Army parachutist's trousers, though issue of these trousers was to all troops and not specific.  The trousers were made instantly recognizable and famous in the 1967 film "The Green Berets," prominently worn by John Wayne and the rest of the cast portraying members of the 5th Special Forces while "in country."  

The overall design is incredibly practical, stylish, and so very functional in many capacities, thanks to the expandable cargo pockets with drain holes.  Combat attrition, post-service life among the veterans, sales in surplus stores for hunters, fisherman, and the like, plus relatively low production numbers before they were replaced by the 2nd model, rendered the 1st-model trousers scarce not long after the events of the era; today, vintage examples in new condition will fetch a hefty price in the collector market.

No design detail has been missed on this Buzz Rickson's copy, which includes custom manufacturing of the lightweight all-cotton poplin on vintage looms to perfectly match U. S. Army specs., including assembly using vintage industrial sewing machines.  The buttons have also been custom made of genuine urea, not incorrect, cheap plastic, and inside the jacket you'll find all of the authentic labels that appeared on these early trousers, making this the ultimate copy of an all-time classic.  Of course, this Buzz Rickson's trouser copy comes crispy new and unwashed, so if you don't want to look like some FNG who just got in from the World, you'll want to wash them a few times before wearing.  

The only other 1st-model "jungle trousers" to match the precision of Buzz Rickson's masterpiece are those prized, vintage examples in collections and veteran's attics.  Please note all of these authentic features and details:  

• Two expandable, bellows pockets outfitted with exposed buttons

• Custom manufacturing of genuine, gloss-finished urea buttons precisely matching the buttons of the 1st-Model trousers

• Button-down pocket flaps on butt pockets

• Two-position adjustment tabs at waist-back area

• Custom manufacturing of the exact weight and weave all-cotton, water-repellant poplin produced on vintage looms

• Custom manufacturing of the exact type of all-cotton labels found on 1st-Model trousers

• Hidden compass pocket inside left cargo pocket

• Leg tapes inside each cargo pocket

• Drawstring at the leg cuff opening of each leg

• Concealed buttons on frontal closure

• Internal flap with buttons behind frontal closure

Sizes available: Sm., Med., Lg. & XL.  Please see SIZING TIPS to obtain the correct fit.

Buzz Rickson’s products are imported from Japan

Buzz Rickson's brand is world renowned for producing truly standout copies of the famous USN intermediate flying jackets, commonly, albeit erroneously, all lumped together as G-1 Flying Jackets.  Before the first G-1 Flying Jacket designation (Spec. 55-J-14) of 1947, these intermediate flying jackets made of leather began as spec. M-422; following the USN M-422A Intermediate (goatskin) Flying Jacket, the AN-6552 Intermediate Flying Jacket was the next in succession in late 1942.  Developed as a jacket for both the USAAF and USN, hence the "AN" designation (Army/Navy), the back of the collar was not stenciled with "U. S. N." as found on the M-422/M-422A, but with "U. S."  This new AN-6552 Flying Jacket we are introducing elevates the Buzz Rickson reputation with this jacket type to levels so spectacular, we are left fully bereft of adequate words to describe it.

This offering is a meticulous copy of an AN-6552 Flying Jacket produced in 1944, duplicating the typical jackets produced by the rare contractor, American Sportswear Co.  No detail has been overlooked by Buzz Rickson's brand, which means every component part of the jacket had to be custom made to match buttons, zippers, and fabrics that no longer exist in the same form as was found in the war years; however, it is the fit, taken directly from vintage U. S. Navy specs., and the sumptuous Merino sheepskin collar and grade-one goatskin that, along with this jacket's many other parts, combine to make this nothing less than wearable history recreated. 

The goatskin is positively striking in every way. The leather weight comes in at a robust 3-ounces per square foot and is fully vegetable tanned, rich with heavy grain, and dyed only on the surface with full-pigment dyes.  The leather is not at all stiff or overly heavy, but it is plump and firm, and fully unlike the heavily processed, chrome-tanned goatskin so commonly found in mainstream jackets.  Surface dying is how the original AN-6552's were dyed, which means this Buzz Rickson's AN-6552 will age and distress just as we see on those cherished vintage jackets, with all the character of an old navy salt.  And we cannot say enough good about the look of this leather:  the coloring of the dye used and its attendant finish are simply the most like a new-condition, vintage AN-6552 as any we have ever seen!  

The AN-6552's of American Sportswear Co. were produced in a chestnut shade of dark brown; other copies of the these jackets typically can be much too dark in color, too shiny, or too matte in appearance, and the shade of brown is just never right where it needs to be - until NOW!  Even the top aficionados of the AN-6552 Flying Jackets will be duly impressed with what Buzz Rickson brand has achieved with this goatskin leather.  

Beyond the industry-leading leather quality and character, beyond the clone-like color and finish type, and beyond the supreme comfort and flattery of the genuine U. S. Navy fit, is the mind-blowing rayon lining and fur collar.  Buzz Rickson's brand has always had their heavyweight rayon acetate lining custom made to match Navy-spec. rayon fabric in weight, appearance, and hand, but because the coloring of the lining of a AN-6552 made by American Sportswear Co. is very much a salmon-like shade of pale, muted red-brown and very unique among contractors of the AN-6552's, the lining on this example is especially noteworthy - the color, weave, and weight just hit you as something only seen on a vintage example - it both looks and feels just as an AN-6552 produced by American Sportswear Co. did in 1944!  

Merino sheepskin is something Buzz Rickson has tweaked to perfection for at least the last 4 years.  Somewhere, the Buzz Rickson brand has located a tannery that seems to generate Merino sheepskin as if it had been genetically engineered to match the mind's fantasy of ideals:  The sheepskin used on the collars of these AN-6552 Flying Jackets is nothing short of mouth-watering, sumptuous, mega-plush, half-inch, genuine Merino sheepskin that is just not of this Earth!

Final touches that take this AN-6552 Flying Jacket into the heavens include the reproduction of a blackened-metal, late-1940's Conmar zipper, genuine urea buttons (never incorrect, cheap plastic), and a precise copy of the American Sportswear Co. label woven on vintage shuttle looms.  The sum of all the many parts is an heirloom, clone-like jacket that fits like a dream, and which can be handed down to the next generation - there's nothing disposable about a Buzz Rickson's leather jacket and it only gets better with use and age!

This Buzz Rickson G-1 55-J-14 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 the original American Sportswear Co. woven label produced on a vintage shuttle loom, not modern projectile looms

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave of rayon acetate lining dyed to match the salmon-like shade of pale, muted red-brown associated with AN-6552's made by American Sportswear Co.

• Custom manufacturing of the correct two-ply, Navy-spec., worsted-wool cuffs with the narrow weave graduating into the wider weave at top, dyed chestnut brown to match what is commonly seen on AN-6552's made by American Sportswear Co.

• Custom manufacturing of the correct single-ply, bi-directional, Navy-spec., worsted-wool waistband, dyed medium brown to match what is commonly seen on AN-6552's made by American Sportswear Co.

• Two button-down exterior pockets lined with all-cotton twill precisely matching 1940's USN specs

• One snap-down interior pocket lined with heavy-weight, all-cotton duck twill precisely matching 1940's 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-Merino sheepskin collar with backing leather correctly reinforced with trapunto stitching to maintain collar shape and help keep collar up when the need arises.  The "US" stencil is correctly applied in yellow paint to the collar back in a font style precisely matching that found on AN-6552's manufactured by American Sportswear Co.

• Sumptuous, vegetable-tanned, 3-ounce, heavy-grained goatskin that is not overly stiff or heavy, maintaining the true feel of the original jackets.  The dye coating is sprayed on, just as it should be for an AN-6552, and it precisely matches the correct shade of chestnut brown and finish found on AN-6552's once made by American Sportswear Co.; the result is a leather that will distress and age over time from use and wear to yield a vintage look that is on par with anything made in the 1940's-'50's

• Genuine urea buttons, not incorrect, cheap plastic 

• 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

The U. S. Navy developed a zippered deck jacket exclusively for cold-weather use among aviation ground crews in 1941.  The style was very similar in outward appearance to the wool-lined version for use by all personnel, but the fit, measures, and other features belie any comparisons of similarity.  This version for ground crews was lined with a 50-50 blend of alpaca-and-wool pile and the patch pockets were different in design, being more D-shaped, and the fit, especially in the arms and armholes was much more narrow.  Also, unlike the similar-looking standard-issue zippered deck jacket that was produced in the millions, every example of the ground-crew version we have ever seen contains a label denoting production by the Naval Aircraft Factory (N. A. F.), which strongly supports our belief that the version for ground crews was made exclusively by the Naval Aircraft Factory and not produced by any civilian contractors:  N. A. F production would correspond with significantly smaller production numbers and be consistent with the smaller number of personnel serving in aviation vs. the entirety of the U. S. Navy.

This jacket style for ground crews, along with the general-issue deck jackets, received a "U. S. NAVY" stencil in silver-gray lettering across the upper back in 1942, but the early-production jackets had no such stencil and this Buzz Rickson's version has been made EXCLUSIVELY for us with an unmarked, plain back panel, which is 100% authentic for jackets produced prior to spring 1942.  All of these deck jackets utilize the same period-correct, heavyweight, corded-cotton fabric found on the Buzz Rickson heavyweight N-1 jacket.  Though the zippered deck jacket for general issue was superseded in 1943 by a hook-front version, this alpaca-lined version for ground crews did not experience any significant design changes, though the color was changed from dark blue to Olive Drab 3, commonly but erroneously called khaki, beginning with productions in early 1944.  

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:  heavy, military bar tacks are sewn at every key stress points specified and found on the original jackets, thus pocket corners and the storm flap are constructed to function and endure in the same adverse, challenging conditions of combat as the jackets that won WWII.

Please take note of all of these historically accurate features found on this Buzz Rickson’s masterpiece copy of the Alpaca-Lined, Navy Aviation Ground Crew Winter Jacket: 

• Exact copy of an original Naval Aircraft Factory (N. A. F.) label design woven on vintage shuttle looms, not modern, projectile looms

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, heavyweight, corded-cotton outer shell to precisely match USN specs. and correctly dyed in navy blue 

• Cotton-thread construction

• Custom manufacturing of the correct double-faced, brown-and-grey hued alpaca fur-and-wool lining to precisely match 1940's USN specs, which is the same heavyweight pile found on the Buzz Rickson Heavyweight N-1 Khaki Deck Jacket. We cannot say too much good about the use of the original, double-faced alpaca, which is what provides the warmth associated with the vintage jackets and requires vintage machinery found in Japan; at best, single-faced alpaca is present on cheaper look-alike costume-grade jackets and Buzz Rickson's does not make costumes.

• Two external “D-style” hand-warmer patch pockets

• Precise copy of a wartime, nickel-plated Talon zipper on correct, all-cotton HBT tape, not incorrect poly-cotton

• Heavyweight, corded-cotton 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 zipper closure to keep cold air gusts  out

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

Sizes available: 36-44 Regular in even-numbered sizes.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit. 

Buzz Rickson’s goods are imported from Japan