Attn. A-2 Experts: Info request about a model.

[Fonzie]

Dear Fellow Loungers,

This is my first thread although I'm a regular visitor of the Lounge and really enjoy it, thanks in advance for your help.

I was wondering if any of you A-2 "experts" out there could help me with some information about this model of A-2 jacket that I bought a couple of years ago and seems difficult (for me) to find anything about this particular repro anywhere.
None of the current main manufacturers (Aero, Eastman, GW...) of A-2 seems to have this contract model in production today, or at least I can't find it.

It's a Real McCoy horsehide, russet in my opinion but more of a brown. I bought it from a retired Australian Army pilot that he bought it himself on a trip to the USA in 1987 for a pilots convention. He reckons it came from Real McCoy New Zealand.

The model is number W535 AC 27622, from Stinson Beach, CAL.

I really like the jacket and it fits me very well, every time I wear it gets compliments. Solid construction and top quality. The only thing that bothers me is that the collar is super rigid and if I do the zipper more than half way up it gets uncomfortable, but that's another story.

Cheers everyone.

Here are some pics:

 

[Fonzie]

 

[Fonzie]

Sorry for the sideway pics, I can't edit them correctly for some reason.

 

[aswatland]

This RM jacket is a reproduction of an original Rough Wear 27752 jacket. The contract number they have put on the label is a fictitious one, but it has the features of this last RW contract.

 

[Fonzie]

Thanks! That's why I couldn't find it.
Much appreciated, sir.


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[Fonzie]

I guess the Stinson Beach, CAL is also fictitious?


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[aswatland]

None of the Wartime makers operated from this location.

 

[rocketeer]

Looks fine, I have seen a lot worse. Hope you can sort the collar out.

 

[Cocker]

I think it's a great fit. Maybe you should try HWT with the collar?

 

[Sloan1874]

Soak the collar in hot water until it 'flops', throw the jacket on, shape it into a comfortable fit, then wear it til it's almost dry. That should do it. Also, it may be worth sitting with it for a few evenings massaging the collar until it softens up.

 

[Blackadder]

Looks like a Real McCoy's RWA 94.
http://kodaclo.com/rwa94.html

 

[Fonzie]

Thanks for the advice guys, I haven't tried hot water yet so I'll give it a go.

@Blackadder
It does look like it is the same Jacket, now I only need to learn Japanese to read the description!
Cheers.


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[Blackadder]

If yours is in fact a RWA94 then it was made in 94-95.
Real McCoy's test launched their A-2 in 1987 with a limited number of 300 pieces in a Japanese magazine. All jackets were pre-ordered through phones. They only started the Real McCoy's after this initial success.

 

[Fonzie]

Maybe it was one of those 300 first ones? That would make it a collector's item. [emoji4]
The owner seemed very honest (a retired Australian Army pilot) and he didn't know much about the brand, and that was reflected in the bargain price he gave me.
He bought in a pilot's convention in 1987 in USA. Maybe the maker's took a few jackets there to let themselves be known as a new company?
It does look a lot like the RWA 94, but maybe it was the prototype.


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[Blackadder]

Given that it has been over 20 years, it is possible that the seller mixed up some of his jackets and their purchase dates. Photos of possible first batch of the 300 A-2s below for comparison.
https://www.jauce.com/auction/r141123913
and a very early model of RM A-2.
http://www.paigogo.com/yahoo/show/m152472486

 

[Fonzie]

I'll try to contact him again to shed some light in this mystery. [emoji4]
In the meantime, thanks for your help and sharing your knowledge.


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[ProteinNerd]

Great fit there Fonzie. I'm not really into the military styles but this looks great on you

 

[Fonzie]

Thanks mate! [emoji106][emoji4]


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[RapidReaper]

A Talon style repro. of course, but which co. made the zipper?

 

[Fonzie]

Yes it looks like a Talon zipper, but it says McCoy Made in USA.
I haven't seen any other McCoy jackets with branded zipper (not that I'm an expert either).
Any info on this?


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