A-2 Jackets Which Color - Russet or Seal Brown

[442RCT]

I used to think that I preferred russet colored A-2s, but of late, when I grab one of my jackets, I've found I will pick a seal brown A-2.

What is your color preference for your A-2 ?

 

[aswatland]

Generally I prefer shades of russet, but do like the darker seal with russet undertones on Aero's W535ac21996 and 42-15142-P contracts. The seal of RW's 27752 is also a particular favourite of mine.

 

[Silver Dollar]

The biggest problem I saw in the 80's when I started collecting was that the color of the then available A2's were just too dark. They were almost black with a really hard shine. I prefer a russet but a bit deeper and not the kind that's overly reddish. Here's an example of the color I prefer.

This is the darkest I would go. It's a repro by J.A. Dubow.

 

[aswatland]

I like the colour of the original. Here's two shades of russet I like as well from jackets in my collection.

Original Star

Donigers

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

Gotta be russet. It's the original color and matches the rest of the leather items that were worn which makes for a more color coordinated look.
Also it just looks more "natural" to me somehow. [huh]

 

[Phantomfixer]

Lost World

Don't you guys hate me for this but.....Lost Worlds russet HH A-2s have the best color IMO. They call it russet and and so will I, it seems to have a richer shade to it than any other. Some russet hides are almost just that rust and some seal hides are almost black. LW nailed it.

 

[Silver Dollar]

After going through all of my original A2's, I've noticed that there is a variation from maker to maker and even hide batch to hide batch with the same maker. The variation is not enough to be out of regs but still there. When we start comparing the shades against each other and being so picky, I think we're looking for something that doesn't really exist, that being the absolute most authentic color. I don't know exactly which one is the best, but I do know the difference between way off and on. If the repros look extremely close to the originals in old color photos with all their variations, the that's good enough for me.

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

Read someplace that the original russet color was the result of an accident. Rust in the steel dye tanks or something like that. So there could be no real consistency to the color.[huh]

 

[captaincaveman1]

I prefer seal just cuz the russet tends to show ring around the collar alot easier.

 

[Stearmen]

I like the colour of the original. Here's two shades of russet I like as well from jackets in my collection.

Donigers

I like your last two, they are just starting into the red family, but are clearly still of the brown part of the spectrum! My Perry Sportswear is far more red! I have seen originals that are all over the brown spectrum through the years. Maybe it is the different ways that the dyes fade when exposed to the atmosphere.

 

[Silver Dollar]

Read someplace that the original russet color was the result of an accident. Rust in the steel dye tanks or something like that. So there could be no real consistency to the color.[huh]

Now that makes a ton of sense. That may even account for some variation of color on the same jacket.

Hey Captaincaveman, I never thought of it that way. You're definitely right about that. Now I have to look at all my repros to check my collars.

 

[aswatland]

After going through all of my original A2's, I've noticed that there is a variation from maker to maker and even hide batch to hide batch with the same maker. The variation is not enough to be out of regs but still there. When we start comparing the shades against each other and being so picky, I think we're looking for something that doesn't really exist, that being the absolute most authentic color. I don't know exactly which one is the best, but I do know the difference between way off and on. If the repros look extremely close to the originals in old color photos with all their variations, the that's good enough for me.

You are 100% correct here. None of my 13 russet originals are exactly the same shade and yes where I have two jackets from the same maker, such as the Donigers above or Poughkeepsies there are still variations. There was no ideal russet colour in the war and there isn't now with repros.

 

[Silver Dollar]

Now it's up to us to pick the russet ones we like the best. I have an Eastman jacket that has a bit more red in it and it looks fantastic. The weather here in Kentucky has gotten too warm for jackets so I have to put them away until November . Besides, this Kentucky air tends to shrink my clothes so my jackets are getting a bit to small for me. I have to wear them open. Besides, no amount of time in the shower will ever get them to fit nicely again. Looks like I'm due some time on the treadmill.

 

[Edward]

I like both. I'm especially a fan of the seal with the very reddish knits, but I also like Russett.

 

[aswatland]

I like both. I'm especially a fan of the seal with the very reddish knits, but I also like Russett.

I'm also a fan of the seal and berry combination as seen in the Aero ac21996 and 42-15142-P.

 

[Silver Dollar]

I just don't seem to be able to find the seal and berry. Everything I have is the mundane brown on brown. With any luck and a bit of extra cash, I'll get one one day.

 

[Edward]

I have an Eastman Roughwear repro of contract W535 AC-27752, which is seal, with red knits and the AAF decal. (Not sure if it should have those, if memory serves the eBay auction suggested this was non-standard?). John (Goodwear) does one with that combo (W535-ac-21996). Aero will also do it... Aero A2s aren't generally considered to be as accurate as the former, though IMHO, if what you're after is a period style jacket to wear with civilian clothing, the Aeros are great.

 

[Fletch]

No originals here, but I like the color of the Eastman Werber 1729 - that all-over tobacco shade, including knits, is unique. (I just wish mine fit me.)

 

[CBI]

I prefer from a mid russet to seal. I guess I like seal the most.