A sailor’s duties are very often performed in the most challenging and harsh weather conditions while at sea, thus clothing needed to be durable, warm and functional.  Winter jackets, commonly referred to as “Deck Jackets,” became the most cherished clothing articles of sailors and among collectors today.  Starting in late 1943 and continuing into the early 1960's, the iconic N-1 Deck Jacket design was the mainstay for intermediate use in the U. S. Navy, but beginning in the early 1960's and continuing well into the 1970's, the A-2 Deck Jacket took over.

The A-2 Deck Jacket remains a well-designed, functional, utilitarian garment possessing rugged good looks.  The A-2 Deck Jacket did away with the animal hair used in the lining of the N-1 design and incorporated a new nylon pile that was equally warm, yet lighter in weight and very soft and comfortable for those with skin sensitivities.  Other changes included a new exterior cotton fabric in dark-shade olive drab that was also lighter in weight, yet just as durable as the corded-cotton shell of the N-1 style, the addition of a single snap-down chest pocket, and belt adjusters at the hips to keep out chilling winds.  The hidden knit cuffs of the N-1 were retained, as this feature worked extremely well at both blocking wind from rushing up inside the sleeves and in protecting the vulnerable knit from snags and tears that were all but eliminated vs. jacket styles with exposed knit parts.

Buzz Rickson's, as usual, has spared no expense and again recreated a classic jacket style as if it had to pass U. S. Navy standardized testing, which includes custom manufacturing all component parts to the original specs. using now-outdated vintage machinery.  It is Buzz Rickson's attention to detail and historical purity that separates a true uniform item intended to function in adverse, challenging conditions from a costume possessing only basic characteristics of resemblance to the original item:  the U. S. military wears uniforms, while trick-or-treaters wear costumes.

Please note these authentic features found only on a Buzz Rickson's masterpiece and original-issue A-2 Deck Jackets of the USN:

• Exact copy of original USN contract label design printed on cotton fabric

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, heavyweight cotton outer shell (almost like canvas) to precisely match USN specs. and dyed dark-shade olive drab
• Cotton-thread construction
• Genuine Navy-spec. urea buttons, not cheap plastic
• Custom manufacturing of the correct, double-faced, nylon-boa lining for a perfect ratio of warmth to weight following USN specs.
• Two external slash pockets
• One snap-down chest pocket
• Reinforcing stitching on collar back with heavy interlining throughout collar

• A meticulous copy of a late 1950's Comar zipper in brass has been custom made at extreme expense, precisely matching vintage examples, including all-cotton zipper tape that is folded and glued at the base with no plastic or heat sealing; a leather Navy-spec. pull fob is attached for easy function while wearing gloves

• Button-front wind flap protector located in front of zipper closure

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, two-ply, worsted wool-knit cuffs in hidden up inside the sleeves to protect from wear

• Heavy-duty, all-cotton web adjusting belts with oxide-coated metal buckles at jacket hem sides to seal out the wind

Sizes Small - XXL.   Please do NOT attempt to guess at sizing; please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from Japan

Buzz Rickson's brand is renowned for producing truly standout copies of the famous G-1 Flying Jacket and this example is their same basic spec. 7823 (AER), the one that started all the love for Buzz Rickson's, but featuring a gorgeous honey-colored fur collar.  While the 7823 spec. required the collar fur to be a dark brown color that closely matched the leather color, the reality is that many were produced with collar fur in varying shades of brown, some of which were a golden-honey color that gorgeously contrasted against the dark brown leather.  Other than the fur color, this limited-edition Buzz Rickson's G-1 Flying Jacket is the same MIL-J-7823 (AER) spec. as their original model also available on this website.

Though the first G-1 dates to 1947, the spec. 7823 from 1950 was the first in a long series of the 7823's ranging up to 7823E, and it is this first 7823 that remains the most sought after.  No detail has been overlooked by Buzz Rickson's, 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 early 1950's; however, it is the fit and sumptuous, grade-one goatskin that, along with its parts, that combines to make this a masterpiece.  

The goatskin comes in at 3-ounce weight and is fully vegetable tanned and pigment dyed only on the surface.  The leather is not at all stiff or heavy, but it is plump and robust, and fully unlike the heavily processed, chrome-tanned goatskin so commonly found in mainstream jackets.  Surface dying is how the original 7823's were dyed, which means the 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.  The sum of all the many parts is an heirloom jacket that fits like a dream and that 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 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 style contractor label produced on a vintage shuttle loom

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

• Custom manufacturing of the correct two-ply, worsted-wool cuffs with the narrow weave graduating into the wider weave at top, dyed dark brown

• Custom manufacturing of the correct single-ply, bi-directional, worsted-wool waistband, dyed dark brown

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

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

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

• Leather pull tab on zipper for easy functioning with gloves

• Heavy wind flap protector located behind zipper closure 

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

• Gorgeous, plush, genuine mouton-fur collar in a gorgeous golden-honey color and sewn with backing leather correctly reinforced by trapunto stitching to maintain collar shape and help keep collar up when the need arises.  The "USN" stencil is correctly applied in silver paint to the collar back.

• Sumptuous, vegetable-tanned, 3-ounce, 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 7823 G-1, and it's also very matte in finish; 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 1950's.

• 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. M-1943 Field Jacket is an iconic U. S. Army garment from WWII.  Immediately after the war, many, many items of military issue were available as surplus and HBT (herringbone twill) camouflage fabric was one such item, as it had been withdrawn from use by the U. S. Army before the war ended.  While deemed of limited benefit for combat use, the camouflage fabric was welcomed by hunters who, up until that time, had nothing of its kind widely available.  Various items of civilian hunting attire were made from the surplus camouflage fabric and copies of U. S. Army jackets, trousers, shirts, and one-piece suits were among these offerings, not the least being the M-1943 Field Jacket.

Utilizing their incredible HBT frog-skin camouflage fabric, Buzz Rickson's brand has created this special offering of an M-1943 Field Jacket following the classic 370C Spec. of 1943.  The camouflage HBT fabric is custom made following the original spec. on vintage shuttle looms in the super-desirable, early shade with a distinctly yellowish cast to the background coloring.  All buttons are genuine urea, not cheap plastic, exactly as would be correct for the era, pockets are lined in heavy twill, adjusting drawstring at waist, double-button throat closure, and assembly performed with all-cotton thread.  Once completed, the jackets are given a light, vintage wash for a subdued finish to the colors, as if the jacket had survived in someone's attic in perfect condition since the 1950's.

We can comfortably fit up to 46" chest measures in this style.  Please see SIZING TIPS for guidance in ordering the correct size.

Buzz Rickson's products are imported from Japan

The U. S. Navy M-422A was the definitive leather flying jacket of the USN and USMC in WWII, with the last examples being completed in early 1943.  Though conforming to an overall spec., each contractor that produced these jackets was given manufacturing latitude in such details as shape of collar and pocket flaps, lining construction, and other small details that did not alter function or overall design.  Among the numerous contractors of the M-422A was H & L Block, whose resultant jacket stands out for several of it features.

Buzz Rickson's brand is renowned for their leather USN intermediate flying jackets in the all-important area of fit; indeed, we deem the fit and design execution of these to be wrestling for the top spot in production today, and have elected to bring to our customers all styles currently offered. Buzz Rickson's has masterfully reproduced the H & L Block M-422A flying jacket as a limited edition and all the unique, interesting features of this contract are present.  H & L Block M-422A's can be found with either medium-brown goatskin leather and collar fur that is close in color or they can be observed with very dark brown goatskin leather with contrasting brown collar fur; Buzz Rickson's elected to produce the rarer version in dark brown with contrasting collar fur.  Please note these authentic features:

• Copy of H & L Block contractor label produced on a vintage shuttle loom

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave rayon acetate lining dyed the original shade of salmon-like red with central pleat that is unique to H & L Block

• Custom manufacturing of the correct two-ply, worsted-wool cuffs with the narrow weave graduating into the wider weave at top

• Custom manufacturing of the correct single-ply, bi-directional, worsted-wool waistband

• Two button-down exterior pockets lined with super-soft, tan all-cotton twill precisely matching what is found on most H & L Block M-422A's; a pencil slot is found under the left pocket flap.

• Genuine urea buttons correct to the era, not cheap plastic that did not exist in the 1940's 

• Sumptuous, vegetable-tanned, 3-ounce goatskin that is not overly stiff or heavy, maintaining the true feel of the original jackets.  The dye coating is aniline and given a glazed top coat in keeping with some of the leathers of the era; both the dye and the glazing will wear down and burnish with use, providing for a fabulous vintage aesthetic and patina.  

• Another feature unique to H & L Block and found on this copy is the use of goatskin leather as armhole shields in the lining:  this adds significant expense to the manufacture of this contract design but greatly extends the lining life in this key wear area.

• 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, nickel-plated Talon zipper 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 that is cut in the configuration associated with H & L Block M-422A's

• Bi-swing action back and gusseted armpits with sewn air ventilators (not metal); this is another unique feature of H & L Block M-422A's

• Gorgeous, plush, half-inch genuine mouton-fur collar dyed contrasting  brown, with backing leather correctly reinforced with trapunto stitching to maintain collar shape and help keep collar up when the need arises; correct  "U S N" stencil appears in yellow paint and without periods between letters:  the color and font are unique to H & L Block M-422A's.

• Assembly using all-cotton thread on 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's primary winter flying jacket in WWII was the M-445A, and due to the fact the USN's aviation arm was primarily serving in warmer climates vs. those of the U. S. Army, the sheepskin jackets of the USN are less well known and studied, but from a design and functionality perspective, the M-445A was vastly superior to the mainstay sheepskin jacket of the AAF - the B-3 flying jacket. By 1943, the AAF elected to slightly modify the USN's M-445A into a sheepskin jacket that would, in theory, serve both service branches as the AN-J-4, but few were made and all went exclusively to the AAF.  The M-445A and AN-J-4 were superior designs to all other sheepskin flying jacket styles employed by the U. S. at the time and included costly consumption of lavish quantities of leather and provided well-designed features such as extra leather reinforcing at all areas of stress and friction.

Vintage sheepskin flying jackets from WWII were made from whatever sheepskin was available, while, of course, conforming to a basic specification, but the vast majority of this sheepskin was nothing very special and simply served its intended purpose to protect and keep warm the aircrew assigned to wear such garments.  Some smaller number of all vintage sheepskin garments from WWII were made from very nice sheepskin that stood out for its quality and beauty, while still falling short of being in the league of the very best.  Due to the high demand on the world's sheepskin supply at the time, there was no distinction being made by the military between one type of sheep wool from another, and such high-end products as Merino fleece would have been procured alongside all of the others and turned into the same flying clothing, resulting in an infinitesimally very, very few sheepskin garments actually being of a pedigree above and beyond the rest, even though in the eyes of the military all were created and issued equally.

This Buzz Rickson's WWII USN M-445A sheepskin flying jacket, whether made during WWII or now, stands out like a king's jewels among rhinestones!  This sheepskin jacket is lovingly crafted from what we can assuredly say is the very finest Merino sheepskin we have ever seen; the coat can only be described as a penultimate masterpiece of artwork in the guise of a leather jacket.  There are simply not enough superlatives to adequately convey all of high-quality workmanship and beauty in this style. 

The combination of the extreme expense of these hand-selected Merino sheepskin pelts, the custom-made parts matching WWII specs., and the use of only the best labor from Japan's fur industry to craft this jacket bring its manufacturer's retail price in excess of $2, 700.00.  We, on the other hand, sometimes cannot stay out of the way of our own passion for something so amazingly special that we feel as if we have a duty to bring a select few of such specialized items to our most-discriminating clients, and at a profit margin below what any high-street store would unapologetically demand; accordingly, we are offering a tiny selection of these amazing jackets at a price discounted by $500.00 below their market price.  Once these few jackets are gone, there will be no more.

Please note these authentic features:

• Copy of original the original style contractor label design produced on a vintage shuttle loom
• Custom manufacturing of the correct two-ply, worsted-wool storm cuffs with the narrow weave graduating into the wider weave at top, and then hidden up inside the sleeve to protect the knit from damage and wear

• Two button-down exterior pockets made from premium, vegetable-tanned goatskin lined with all-cotton twill precisely matching 1940's USN specs.

• Exact copy of the vintage-style, nickel-plated Talon zipper with zip tape made of 100% cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton.  Zipper runs the full frontal length up to the collar top to secure against chilling winds right up to the nose, if desired

• Premium, vegetable-tanned goatskin pull tab on zipper for easy functioning with gloves
• Premium, vegetable-tanned goatskin hanger in neck area

• Heavy wind flap protector located behind zipper closure
• Adjusting belts on hips made from premium, vegetable-tanned goatskin and attached to oxide-coated metal buckles to help seal out chilling winds

• Gusseted armpits for greater range of motion without restriction
• Navy-style, diamond-shaped elbow reinforcements made from premiu,

• Zipper tape, cuff ends, bottom hem, and collar back covered on both sides in premium vegetable-tanned goatskin for extreme durability
• Collar back reinforced with 20 rows os stitching and attached with 5 rows of stitching
• Collar back stenciled in black paint with the letters "U. S. N.," exactly as found on vintage M-445A flying jackets
• All major seams are sewn using a twin-needle, flat-lock vintage sewing machine
• Zipper is attached and reinforced at collar with two pieces of premium vegetable-tanned goatskin
• Constructed from mouth-watering, sumptuous, mega-plush, half-inch genuine Merino sheepskin that its simply not of this Earth.  The wool color is best described as a gorgeous buttermilk color, with exterior dyed with a dark, bitter-shade of brown polyacrylate pigment and lacquered to repeal moisture

• All-cotton thread in contrasting medium-brown color employed throughout exterior construction, which will fade gracefully from exposure to sunlight, just as found on vintage jackets

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 had been requisitioning the iconic U. S. Army's Olive Drab Field Jacket (a. k. a. M-41) from 1942-44, when the Army determined in 1943 that no more would be produced in light of the jacket style's shortcomings and the new M-43 Field Jacket coming into production.  While the Army's Olive Drab Field Jacket was deemed inadequate for the primary combat arms of infantry and artillery and other field units, the needs of U. S. Navy ship and beach personnel were markedly different and for these the Olive Drab Field Jacket was seen essentially good, and so the Navy developed its own version of this jacket style that incorporated specific modifications best suited for its needs, while maintaining the same overall style.  

The new USN Field Jacket style was procured as the N-4 in late 1944, though it is yet to be positively determined if any N-4 jackets ever arrived in combat theaters before the end of combat actions of WWII in 1945.  But the N-4 positively was issued stateside before the war's end and it continued to serve well after WWII.  The most noticeable differences between the N-4 and the Amy's Olive Drab Field Jacket is the color, which is dark Olive Drab shade 7 for the N-4, but close inspection also reveals the N-4 lacks the epaulets, bi-swing back, gusseted armpits, and belt adjusters at the hips that are found on the Army's Field Jacket, as well as having "U. S. N." printed in black on the left breast.  

Buzz Rickson's is, for the first time, now offering a masterpiece copy of the U. S. Navy's N-4 Utility Jacket; as usual, they have spared no expense and again recreated a classic jacket style as if it had to pass U. S. Navy standardized testing, which includes custom manufacturing all component parts to the original specs. using now-outdated vintage machinery.  It is Buzz Rickson's attention to detail and historical purity that separates a true uniform item intended to function in adverse, challenging conditions from a costume possessing only basic characteristics of resemblance to the original item:  the U. S. military wears uniforms, while trick-or-treaters wear costumes.

Please note these authentic features found only on a Buzz Rickson's masterpiece and original-issue N-4 Field Jackets of the U. S. Navy:

•Exact copy of contractor label printed on off-white cotton in neck area.

•Correct interlining of collar and lapels for proper shape and durability, with reinforcing stitching on collar back.

•Custom production of the original-style urea buttons, not cheap plastic buttons.

•Custom manufacturing of the correct 5.5-ounce cotton poplin produced on vintage looms of the 1940’s and dyed to a correct shade of Olive Drab 7 using the old-style dyes.

•Custom manufacturing of the correct wool-and-cotton flannel lining produced on vintage looms of the 1940’s and dyed to a typical brownish shade of Olive Drab using the old-style dyes.

•Genuine bar tacks on all major stress points as per the USN spec., not just cheap look-a-like stitching.

•Two slash-style, internally hung pockets correctly lined in the same flannel as the jackets's lining.

•Exacting reproduction of a late-war Conmar brass zipper on cotton HBT zipper tape that is rolled and glued at the base with no plastic heat seal, exactly as done in 1944.

• Correct U. S. N. stamping in black on left breast.

•Precise pattern grading matching the exact measurements employed for production of the original N-4 jackets, including such critical areas as neck drop, shoulder slope, armhole opening, shoulder width, etc.  Because of this uncompromising attention to authenticity in fit and fabrics, this Buzz Rickson’s N-4 will fit, drape, function, protect,  and look exactly as did the original N-4 Jackets.

Due to the original, generous fit of the design, we can comfortably fit up to 46" chest measures.   Please do NOT attempt to guess at sizing; please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from Japan

At the outset of WWII, the U. S. Army developed highly specialized troops for mountain fighting.  These troops were made up mostly of rugged outdoorsmen with exceptional athletic skills, snowy, cold-weather survival abilities and expertise in skiing, snowshoeing, and marksmanship, and who possessed higher intellect than the average soldier.  These mountain troops required new, specialized clothing and gear to match the nature of the special operations they were being trained to engage in and their basic combat uniform was built around the layering principle, where lighter-weight outer clothing would form the basis under which a variety of warmer layers could be added as the conditions warranted, with various combinations of wool shirts and sweaters of different weights being the mainstay of the layering system for mountain troops; when not being worn they could be stowed in the built-in backpack.  What followed was the most practical, functional, sharp-looking, unique field jacket ever designed at that time for the U. S. Army, and possibly even since that time.

The Mountain Field Jacket of 1942 has largely been ignored by manufacturers who engage in producing such military styles, and on the few occasions it has been made available, the level of historical detailing and true functionality was lacking, but Buzz Rickson's has now changed all of that.  This Mountain Field Jacket presents all of the rugged, unique, utilitarian features of the original design with a heavy emphasis on crafting a garment that would pass the exact same standards found in the 1942-dated U. S. Army spec. 

True, standout features include the following:  two-button closure on cuffs to keep out gusty winds, two chest pockets with zipper closure and storm flap to seal in food rations or other objects, two very large lower pockets with button-down flap for stowing a wide variety of items, storm hood that neatly can be secreted into its own compartment in the back neck area on the shoulder yoke when not in use, bi-swing pleated back for unrestricted movement that doubles as a built-in backpack with zippered side entry, built-in internal, heavyweight, adjustable suspenders to support heavy loads in the built-in back pack, removable canvas web belt to secure jacket front, storm flap over zipper closure on jacket front to keep ice and wind from contacting the zipper, double-thickness, high-density poplin construction that is basically canvas weight and nearly indestructible, and reinforced collar stitching with heavy interlining. Just as per the original design, the jacket is cut large enough for multiple layers to be added and then removed and stowed in the builtin backpack.

This jacket design is a favorite of our founder, with the sum total of all the many parts making this design the ultimate air-traveler's or hiker's coat today:  the many pockets, and especially the built-in backpack, easily provide for stowing two day's worth of food, gloves, shirts, sweaters, vests, socks, pants, underwear, and toiletries or other necessary items for business (USB cables, laptop, tablet, phone, batteries, chargers, etc.) so that one can cutdown on the number of carryon bags for air travel and get away with a FREE carryon in the form of the jacket one is wearing!!!  That's right - this coat holds so much in the pockets and backpack that one can save on extra fees for baggage and travel with peace of mind in the event bags may get delayed because of all the extra gear that can be carried on one's person.

The heavy-duty built-in suspenders are designed to support quite a heavy load in the side-loading, built-in backpack, and the removable, heavyweight web belt can be made as tight as you need to further support the lower back and the load in the backpack; when the backpack is not in use, the belt can still be buckled closed or simply knotted in casual fashion for easy donning and removal of the coat.

This jacket design was ahead of its time in 1942 and among the most costly jackets to be produced for the U. S. Army ground forces; today, it is even more costly to make correctly due to the antiquity of the many parts and machines needed to recreate it exactingly.  Please note these additional features that make this Buzz Rickson's masterpiece Mountain Field Jacket not just the most practical, functional, useful, sharp-looking jacket you are likely to find, but one of superior quality and unprecedented historical accuracy:

• Custom manufacturing of the correct double-thickness, heavyweight, high-density, canvas-like poplin shell on vintage looms to precisely match 1941 U. S. Army specs. and dyed a correct shade of Olive Drab #2.

• Genuine urea buttons to match U. S. Army specs. in fabrication and color, not cheap plastic.

• Custom manufacturing of the correct 8-ounce cotton twill for the lower-pocket linings.

•Exact copy of a 1942-style, nickel-plated Talon zipper with zip tape made of 100% cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton:  one on the frontal closure and one on side-entry, built-in backpack.

•Exact copy of a 1942-style, brass-plated Talon zipper with zip tape made of 100% cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton:  one on each of two chest pockets.

•Storm hood with drawstring and triple-button face shield that neatly stows away in its own slotted pouch at the top of the back shoulder yoke under collar.

•Storm flap covering zipper to keep wind from penetrating and ice forming on zipper.

•Adjustment tab on each sleeve end.

•Exact copy of correct 60", heavyweight web belt with oxide-coated metal buckle for securing heavy loads and tightening the coat around the wearer's waist.

•Heavyweight, built-in, adjustable suspenders in lining for supporting heavy loads in the built-in backpack

•Zipper-closure, side-entry built-in backpack with gusseted sides; when backpack is not in use, the bi-swing gussets provide for greater range of motion.

•Exact copy of the original-style 1942 contractor printed label in lower right pocket.

Even sizes 36-44.   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit in this unique jacket style.

Buzz Rickson goods are 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