Inherited WW2 Jacket

[raf]

@cnjackson

I get the impression that you would like to be able to wear his jacket occasionally. My comments below reflect this belief. However, if you don't intend to do so, then do nothing to the jacket except for applying some conditioner, and store it either on a mannequin, or flat with as few folds as possible. Hanging it, even on a wide shouldered hanger designed or such, is less desirable than flat storage.

Your Grandfather's DD-214 form should indicate all of his military service, possibly including units to which he was assigned or attached. You, as his descendant, should be able to access a copy of it, or it may be in Family documents. Any Vet would have kept that document till the day they died.

Concur with suggestions concerning replacing the torn back panel of the lining, if you plan on wearing the jacket. It will only get worse. Replacing other lining panels, through which the many patches were sewn, may be problematic. DO have the original label resewn in the correct spot. Replace the elastic inside the lining as well. If sending it to an Expert to have the "knits" replaced with the "correct" replacements, take a good look at the zipper, especially the fabric tape bottom sides of the zipper. If well-worn/frayed, consider replacing the zipper with a "correct" zipper. If pocket button is missing, an Expert will likely have access to an identical replacement and can sew it on. Have them look at the other buttons on the item and deal with them as necessary and possibly have them attach a spare button inside the jacket or at least send one.

Gently applying some good quality leather conditioner to the leather is wise. A number of light applications, allowing a few hours for the conditioner to sink into the leather is much preferable to slathering it on. Pay close attention to the seams and stitching while applying the conditioner, working the conditioner into the seams/stitching, but not so much as the conditioner leaks through and stains the lining.

I have cleaned patches which were off the jacket using common Woolite laundry detergent rubbing it in with a fingertip, allowing to sit for a while (not drying), and carefully rinsing the detergent out with Distilled water--never tap water. You might be able to do similar with attached patches without affecting underlying leather since most patches of this type have an impermeable barrier on their backside. Your call and go easy and gently. Don't expect 100% cleaning of the patch.

My personal opinion concerning "Stolen Valor" is: So long as the person wearing the item(s) is not in any way misrepresenting themselves as being active duty or having been the military in the past, AND their conduct while wearing the item(s) does not dishonor the person who originally wore the item(s) and/or does not dishonor any branch of the service, then it's fine.

Stolen Valor description: https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=299&q=what+is+stolen+valor?&cvid=6b32c9bde71247748cf1e7b3a1dcaaa9&gs_lcrp=EgRlZGdlKgYIABBFGDkyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQABhAMgYIAhAAGEAyBggDEAAYQDIGCAQQABhAMgYIBRAAGEAyBggGEAAYQDIGCAcQABhAMgcICBDrBxhA0gEJMTEyNTVqMGoxqAIAsAIA&FORM=ANNTA1&PC=U531

 

[cnjackson]

Thank you, Raf. I truly appreciate your extensive, thoughtful suggestions. You intuition is right--I'd like to have the option to wear my grandfather's jacket, but want to make sure it is not damaged by wearing it, and that I am not overstepping my bounds by wearing a family service jacket when I have not served in the military. Your thoughts here are really helpful.

Another member here suggested I reach out to someone on the Vintage Leather Jacket forum to see if they might be able to work on the knits and lining. I'll mention the buttons, tag, and zipper, too, as you suggested.

I think I can get started on providing some leather conditioner myself. It will be a satisfying project, I think--since the jacket has had no TLC for decades!

Thanks again for your insights. I feel increasingly good about bringing this jacket back to life!
Chris

 

[coolhandluke_7]

Thank you, Raf. I truly appreciate your extensive, thoughtful suggestions. You intuition is right--I'd like to have the option to wear my grandfather's jacket, but want to make sure it is not damaged by wearing it, and that I am not overstepping my bounds by wearing a family service jacket when I have not served in the military. Your thoughts here are really helpful.

Another member here suggested I reach out to someone on the Vintage Leather Jacket forum to see if they might be able to work on the knits and lining. I'll mention the buttons, tag, and zipper, too, as you suggested.

I think I can get started on providing some leather conditioner myself. It will be a satisfying project, I think--since the jacket has had no TLC for decades!

Thanks again for your insights. I feel increasingly good about bringing this jacket back to life!
Chris

Chris,

You can find a couple options for the knits that you'll need in the link below...

https://www.mash-japan.co.jp/oversea/cgi-bin/prd-eng.cgi?itemno=95-07-4052&ck=

https://ebay.us/m/l8Zrdo

If you happen to need a replacement zipper, a nickel finished 50's era bell shaped Conmar would be correct. MASH typically carries NOS zippers, but they are currently out of stock on their white finished (aluminum, not nickel brass) Conmar zips.

https://www.mash-japan.co.jp/oversea/cgi-bin/prd-eng.cgi?itemno=95-03-5010&ck=

Unfortunately, I am not aware of any specific sources for the brown rayon lining material, but I'd assume that Steve Sellers will either have some on hand or could recommend a source where you can purchase it yourself. Steve posted a week or two ago, that he is requesting that his clients source their own materials on upcoming restoration work.

Another option for restoration work is David Sheeley on VLJ (I think Dave may be on here too). Dave would have all of the materials on hand, but he'll have a lengthy wait time and will be more costly. He and John Chapman are the best in the business where USN jackets are concerned, and his restoration work is impeccable.

 

[cnjackson]

Chris,

You can find a couple options for the knits that you'll need in the link below...

https://www.mash-japan.co.jp/oversea/cgi-bin/prd-eng.cgi?itemno=95-07-4052&ck=

https://ebay.us/m/l8Zrdo

If you happen to need a replacement zipper, a nickel finished 50's era bell shaped Conmar would be correct. MASH typically carries NOS zippers, but they are currently out of stock on their white finished (aluminum, not nickel brass) Conmar zips.

https://www.mash-japan.co.jp/oversea/cgi-bin/prd-eng.cgi?itemno=95-03-5010&ck=

Unfortunately, I am not aware of any specific sources for the brown rayon lining material, but I'd assume that Steve Sellers will either have some on hand or could recommend a source where you can purchase it yourself. Steve posted a week or two ago, that he is requesting that his clients source their own materials on upcoming restoration work.

Another option for restoration work is David Sheeley on VLJ (I think Dave may be on here too). Dave would have all of the materials on hand, but he'll have a lengthy wait time and will be more costly. He and John Chapman are the best in the business where USN jackets are concerned, and his restoration work is impeccable.

Coolhandluke--thanks again for your help: those links are great. I'm going to reach out to Steve Sellars and David Sheeley on VLT today.

I've done just a little research on the G1--now that I know that that's what my grandfather's jacket was. It's a cool jacket!

Thanks again!
Chris

 

[raf]

Above suggestions here and directing you to Experts on abovementioned Vintageleatherjackets forum should provide you with all info needed.

Be aware that opinions on "VLJ" forum will vary amongst "Purists" and other folks.

 

[cnjackson]

Above suggestions here and directing you to Experts on abovementioned Vintageleatherjackets forum should provide you with all info needed.

Be aware that opinions on "VLJ" forum will vary amongst "Purists" and other folks.

Thank you, Raf! Can you elaborate a bit on your last sentence? (As I may have mentioned, I'm new to the leather jacket world, and it might be helpful to know what I'm getting into!)
Chris

 

[raf]

@cnjackson

Some folks on VLJ forum may be "purists", especially when it comes to "Original" jackets like yours. Others, not so much.

You may get suggestions ranging from "Do Nothing" to "Replace the worn items with the "correct" items and wear it.". I'm in the latter camp, but others may not be. It's OK, and Vive la difference!

It's almost certain that the folks there will be able to point you to vendors of "correct" components required, as well as professionals who can install them properly.

Go and ask; VLJ is a great forum with a lot of experts posting there. But it's your jacket in the end.

 

[cnjackson]

@cnjackson

Some folks on VLJ forum may be "purists", especially when it comes to "Original" jackets like yours. Others, not so much.

You may get suggestions ranging from "Do Nothing" to "Replace the worn items with the "correct" items and wear it.". I'm in the latter camp, but others may not be. It's OK, and Vive la difference!

It's almost certain that the folks there will be able to point you to vendors of "correct" components required, as well as professionals who can install them properly.

Go and ask; VLJ is a great forum with a lot of experts posting there. But it's your jacket in the end.

Many Thanks, Raf! That's a good reminder!

 

[Edward]

I personally don't see that it could be viewed as "stolen valor". It's not a modern uniform item and it would purely be worn out of respect and honor to your grandfather. If anyone asks, tell them as such and use it as an opportunity to share your grandfather's story.

I have a few patched reproduction jackets with insignias of wartime squadrons on them. I look it as an homage to those units and the men that served in them. I do feel uncomfortable wearing pieces with rank insignia, so I personally avoid doing so.

I do occasionally wear an original patched Foster G-1 as well. You have a much better excuse for doing so than I, considering that it's one of your relatives jackets.

View attachment 778054

Indeed. there are a few people get bent out of shape over things liked somebody wearing even a historical jacket with a rank badge they didn't earn. Funnily enough, the ones I've encountered who thought that way and would performatively challenge people on it had themselves never been in the military. Actual military of the era I've encountered never seemed to care beyond appreciating that anyone was still interested in what they did back when.

I like the dice. Somewhere I have some novelty "old China" coins to go on a zip pull. Spent a lot of time in Beijing for twenty odd years with the University; as that anniversary rolls around for me in May, thinking of having some custom made patches for a cheaper G1 that theme around our partner university out there. They have a nice emblem that would make a great squadron-style patch, and an adaptation of a blood chit would look nice with it too.

 

[cnjackson]

Indeed. there are a few people get bent out of shape over things liked somebody wearing even a historical jacket with a rank badge they didn't earn. Funnily enough, the ones I've encountered who thought that way and would performatively challenge people on it had themselves never been in the military. Actual military of the era I've encountered never seemed to care beyond appreciating that anyone was still interested in what they did back when.

I like the dice. Somewhere I have some novelty "old China" coins to go on a zip pull. Spent a lot of time in Beijing for twenty odd years with the University; as that anniversary rolls around for me in May, thinking of having some custom made patches for a cheaper G1 that theme around our partner university out there. They have a nice emblem that would make a great squadron-style patch, and an adaptation of a blood chit would look nice with it too.

Many Thanks, Edward. And I love the idea of getting some patches made for your G1. What is a "blood chit"?

 

[cnjackson]

It’s generally best to preserve a WWII jacket like this as a keepsake or display, but you can wear it carefully if you wish, making sure to protect the leather and honor the patches and insignia.

Thank you, Joykrissa. More and more I am thinking about just getting the jacket restored so I can preserve it. I have my first non-heirloom leather jacket coming soon, so I will be able to wear that instead!

 

[Edward]

Many Thanks, Edward. And I love the idea of getting some patches made for your G1. What is a "blood chit"?

https://ww2db.com/other.php?other_id=52 explains the etymology.

A blood chit is a form of written notice, carried by airmen, with information in languages local to places they fly over (and in which they might be shot down). The information recorded on them typically states that the airman is an ally, a friend, who has come to help the locals, asks for assistance in returning him to his comrades, and often promises some form of award for the same.

They've been used in many conflicts, though the most famous versions are those from the American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force, prior to the US officially entering the war against Japan post-Pearl Harbour. Originally silk, though it was common for pilots to have them copied in leather for sewing on to the back of their jackets. When experience proved that displaying the Republic of China flag (as seen here, both on an early AVG textile chit, and on a leather one from later, once the US had officially entered the war) wasn't exactly conducive to a positive reception should a downed pilot find himself in an area controlled by Maoists*, the later practice became to sew a textile chit inside the flying jacket (often leaving the top side unsewn, thereby creating an inside pocket of sorts). If I have one made to my own design with the intention of being able to wear it out there now, I will of course be using the recognised flag now, rather than the RoC one (not least as being period correct for the foundation of our partner university).


*China was, of course, in 1940/41 still very much in the middle of a long revolutionary period, and doubtless the Maoists, seeking to take over, had twigged to the fact that the AVG was ultimately approved by the US government in the hope of hastening China's success against Japan, giving the RoC government of the time the chance thereafter to focus more on defeating the Maoist insurrection. Of course, as we know history took a turn in a different direction.