Bugger.
I thought, with my M-65, I was about there for every jacket I ever needed.
I've just bought an M-43.
Topline was really top of the line. Don't see them very often.This jacket came up in this thread, but I don't recall where. Not sure where it went, then it appeared on ebay again. I made an offer and bought it.
I had the Bill Kelso Duke sitting here when I bought it. They are the same jacket. Already owning a remake I decided to buy the original.
I assume the "issues" kept people away. Will see.
This is a Sears Topline?Topline was really top of the line. Don't see them very often.
That is what I thought. Because I wanted to buy a nicer copy of this below jacket for a long long time. Similar lining, similar pattern base block. Similar same A2 style epaulettes. prewar looking time.This is a Sears Topline?
Topline was a short lived Sears Brand, ended by WWII. The first Catalog use of the label is 1941. There are many more Topline labeled jackets than the few pictured in the catalog. Though short lived, probably the high mark for not only Sears but for all the catalog brands. It peaked just as it ended by the war time demands on materials and demand for products.That is what I thought. Because I wanted to buy a nicer copy of this below jacket for a long long time. Similar lining, similar pattern base block. Similar same A2 style epaulettes. prewar looking time.
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What do you think? Nice pick up. These earlier aviators are never in good shape, I haven't seen one in good shape.