Are these A-2 jackets authentic vintage?

[Cheuk-Yin To]

I've just come across several A-2 jacket listings on eBay which the seller claims are WWII originals. I've only ever owned repros from The Real McCoy's and Buzz Rickson's, so am not exactly sure how to spot authentic vintage pieces.

They certainly look worn enough, but something about the patches, zippers, and interiors seem off to me. Or were they actually cobbled together like this back in the day? Bidding for a couple of them is currently above $900.

• Original WW2 Goatskin Leather A-2 Flight Bomber Jacket 36
• Original WW2 Brown Leather A-2 Flight Bomber Jacket 42 w/ Patches
• Original WW2 Brown Leather A-2 Flight Bomber Jacket 44 w/ Patches Flying Tigers

Thank you in advance for any insight.

 

[Peacoat]

The knits and linings have all been replaced; that may be why it looks off to you. I don't understand what he means by "leather repro patches." Would someone patch an original A-2 with reproduction patches? I certainly wouldn't. Maybe someone who is into patching these jackets will know.

 

[Dav]

I only see one A2, the bottom two links lead me to an Aero jacket?

 

[GregGale]

One of them looks like an Eastman house A-2, the other one is an Aero. I really, really doubt any of these are originals from WW2.

 

[Flightengineer]

One of them looks like an Eastman house A-2, the other one is an Aero. I really, really doubt any of these are originals from WW2.

Absolutely agree.

 

[MondoFW]

I know nothing of these leather jackets, have never owned an A2 or Aero, but I have to agree, something felt off with these listings. I like to trust my gut with this kinda stuff--though, it would be interesting to see what the seller(s) says if you questioned the jackets' authenticity.

 

[Interbak]

Strange, i’ll Looked at this thread yesterday and there were vintage appearing jackets with patch’s, now the links go to modern repos by US Authentic, Eastman, and Aero, none are WWII originals.

B

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Yes the links have definitely been changed.

 

[Peacoat]

Based on what @Interbak and HD said, I went back and looked at the links again. Not the same jackets. Most odd.

 

[Technonut]

Based on what @Interbak and HD said, I went back and looked at the links again. Not the same jackets. Most odd.

Look at the top of the page.... 'The listing you’re looking for is no longer available. Check out this similar item we found for you.' Click the word 'listing' link, and it will take you to the completed listing. eBay just started this recently. Had me going until I figured it out...

 

[Peacoat]

Thanks for the info @Technonut. Didn't know.

 

[Flightengineer]

Thanks, @Technonut

Jackets looks like originals with replaced knitted

 

[Cheuk-Yin To]

Thank you all for your replies, and my apologies for the delayed response.

The links do point to completely different items now. I saved images of the jackets from the auctions before they ended. Please see attached.

I am especially interested in the first jacket with the two Flying Tigers patches, Crown zipper, and blank back. Do the patches appear authentic?

 

[Cheuk-Yin To]

Hey all, just a quick update.

I ended up winning the A-2 with two Flying Tigers patches. I've just received it in the mail, but am still not quite sure what to make of it. The Crown zipper and red Flying Tigers patch seem old enough to be authentic, but I'm not so sure about the blue patch. The knits and lining have definitely been replaced as well.

The seller offers a money-back guarantee. I spent around $420 on this after shipping. It's too large for me to wear around, so will be relegated to display duty. What do you guys think, is it worth keeping? How much of it was actually from the war?

 

[Peacoat]

Looks as though it has been around for a few years. If you want it to be around for many more years, you better get some Pecard on it as soon as you can.

It appears to be cracking in the area of the left shoulder. Once leather starts to crack, there is nothing you can do about it, but you can protect the other areas from cracking.

I like it and would keep it.