Edward
Bartender
- Messages
- 25,074
- Location
- London, UK
PADDY said:Edward, features like side entry pockets and internal wallet pockets..etc, are all a modern high street feature, and alien to the original 30's/40's style of military A-2 (which was essentially a work-horse military flight jacket).
That makes sense, now I think about it... i guess at however many thousand feet you've got better places to put your hands (controls, guns...) than in a nice little pair of hand warmer holes!!
Also, remember that when the war for the Americans began in esentially 1942 (41 was basically over when Pearl Harbor was attacked in December), the country was still at the end of the Depression, so the lads were as thin as rakes and so the jackets mostly reflected that with a slim 'shirt like' cut (also a style of the times). But that's what really sets them apart now!! and they look 'so cool' for it.
I hadn't thought of that.... good point!
Horse Hide or goat were the main hides used. Two snap fastened pockets; knits on wrists and waist; throat hook; snap closures on the end of the collar; underarm hole vents...are all features you want in a 30's/40's look A-2.
When you say snap closers at the end of the collar.... you mean that clip it down to the front of the jacket (like on a Brando)? Mine has all the studs ready for the fluffy collar, and came with a zip in lining - I'm presuming that none of these were original features (mine seems to be a copy of the Schott modern civilian A2 rather than of an original per se).
At the top of WW2 Room (on the Lounge) there is a REFERENCE LIBRARY 1, Have a look in as all the main A-2 makers are listed with their websites.
When you are ready to pull the trigger, ASK US, and we'll help you make that informed decision to take 'one step beyond' into vintage coolness!
Thanks, I will do - thanks for answering my newbie queries too! I'm not sure TBH that I'll ever be in a position to pay out what they go for new, but eventually I might go for a nice used repro.... what I have is great for now with a sort of rockabilly look (makes a nice change from the mc sometimes) - it'll never be right for anyone who knows their stuff about the vintage look, but it's fine for what it is.