Apparently, Gary Eastman published a book last fall: "Type A-2 Jacket, Flyers' Intermediate Identification Manual" in which it tells that indeed, Steer was used. What I've gathered is that he had DNA tests done on some samples. That's about the only way to tell for sure.So, sounds about right
Scott
Of course that assumes contractors for hides actually delivered what was agreed upon. We know that this is not always the case - and given the War, I'd bet good money that many of those orders were mixed hides - some might even be another animal altogether as it's hard for even experts to tell. Not sure the assumption steer was huge is a for sure thing. it might be highly likely, just saying...In Gary's book, there are 39 different jacket/contracts illustrated. Of these, 13 have been identified, either by DNA testing, or by visual examination, as being made of Cowhide.He goes on to say:It should be remembered that leather has to be ordered in thousands of square feet (of the same type) at a time, not just a few dozen, so where one jacket has proven to be cowhide, many more would have been made along with it. Accordingly, this means thousands, if not tens of thousands of A2s were made in cowhide. In fact, it's interesting to muse that if it were possible to test every single government contract A2 jacket that was ever made, just how many would prove to have been made from cowhide.Fascinating stuff
John Lofgren Monkey Boots Shinki Horsebuttt - $1,136 The classic monkey boot silhouette in an incredibly rich Shinki russet horse leather. 
Grant Stone Diesel Boot Dark Olive Chromexcel - $395 Goodyear welted, Horween Chromexcel, classic good looks. 
Schott 568 Vandals Jacket - $1,250 The classic Perfecto motorcycle jacket, in a very special limited-edition Schott double rider style.
Honestly, who knows. Donkey? Burro? Dog? I would bet lots of stuff ended up making jackets...So that zebra/gnu combo A2 of mine with the mole/raccoon collar could be genuine after all? Whoo!
In Gary's book, there are 39 different jacket/contracts illustrated. Of these, 13 have been identified, either by DNA testing, or by visual examination, as being made of Cowhide.
He goes on to say:
It should be remembered that leather has to be ordered in thousands of square feet (of the same type) at a time, not just a few dozen, so where one jacket has proven to be cowhide, many more would have been made along with it. Accordingly, this means thousands, if not tens of thousands of A2s were made in cowhide. In fact, it's interesting to muse that if it were possible to test every single government contract A2 jacket that was ever made, just how many would prove to have been made from cowhide.
Fascinating stuff
So that zebra/gnu combo A2 of mine with the mole/raccoon collar could be genuine after all? Whoo!
