COMPARING TWO ORIGINAL 1940 AERO A2s

[aswatland]

The small 40-3785-P contract dates to the fiscal year 1940, so was issued sometime from July 1939 to June 1940. There are less than ten jackets known to have survived from this contract. Unlike Wartime Aeros, the 1940 jacket has a collarstand, nipple snaps, as opposed to ring snaps and a 1930s Talon zipper.

I have been extremely fortunate to have been able to acquire two contrasting examples in a size 44. Both were originally russet in colour, although one has been re-sprayed in a USAAF depot. The horse hide used to construct the russet jacket was quite dry when it arrived, but is now very supple following a couple of coats of Pecards. It required a little re-stitching on one pocket, which I did using 1940s thread. The jacket had a wartime replaced waistband and knits. The waistband was single ply and was similar to that used on naval jackets. It had no elasticity at all and put pressure on the zip when the jacket was zipped up. Until I can source some NOS mid brown knits I have installed a set from MASH. I have followed the line of the top stiching above the waistband. The top stitching was done when the waistband was replaced in the War as originals from this contract did not have this feature.

Both jackets have their original zips, but the pullers are different, and I particularly like the fantail one on the russet jacket.
The seal Aero is 100% original, apart from the re-spraying. It was issued to E.J. Cichon who flew with the 2nd Combat Cargo Squadron in the CBI theatre. I love the embroidered patch.

I hope you find the pictures interesting.

Label from russet jacket

Label from Seal jacket

 

[aswatland]

Talon zip on russet jacket

Talon zip on seal jacket

 

[dilbert123]

Great photos and the jackets are in amazingly good condition considering their age. Do you ever wear your older jackets such as these or are they just for display?

Not familiar with "Pecards." Assume it is some kind of leather conditioner. Can you tell us more about it? How do you use it, that is do you use it just to recondition older, stiff leather or as a periodic dose for all leather jackets?

Thanks.

 

[aswatland]

I wear these particular original jackets very occasionally because they are so rare. Pecards is a leather conditioner and there is a thread about it if you want more info. I always apply is lightly using my fingers.

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?44676-What-leather-conditioner-do-you-use

 

[dilbert123]

My apologies, I just discovered the leather conditioner thread- newbie mistake, just joined.

I'd never heard of Pecards. I have ridden for years and have two German saddles, jumping and a dressage, plus bridles and other leather tack that are expensive and it is important to protect. I've always used lederbalsam by the top saddle maker Passier, but all horse tack is pretty thick leather that has to be cleaned regularly to protect it from the salts from the horse. I have been afraid to use it on my auto's leather seats or jackets.

I'll have to check Pecards out. I found it on the internet and I'll order some and try it.

Many thanks.

 

[ButteMT61]

I wear these particular original jackets very occasionally because they are so rare. Pecards is a leather conditioner and there is a thread about it if you want more info. I always apply is lightly using my fingers.

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?44676-What-leather-conditioner-do-you-use

Thanks for posting those pix! Very cool comparison of two classic jackets.