Mouton collars on A2 jackets

[pipvh]

Couple of questions:

Were mouton collars on A2s limited to field modifications with the AVG or did they appear in other theatres?

What modern repro makers will put a mouton collar on their jackets if asked?

I'm interested because I've begun to regret selling off my various USN jackets - the problem I had with them was the bi-swing. Bi-swings always give me a faint but unshakeable Quasimodo sensation. But I loved the mouton. I like pretty much everything about A2s except for the collar. A2 + mouton might - might - be a problem solved.

 

[aswatland]

Field modified A2s with mouton collars appeared in several theatres. Many AVG jackets were M422s and I have not seen an A2 used by a member of the AVG with an added mouton collar. I'm sure BK would put a mouton collar on an A2 if asked.

 

[pipvh]

Field modified A2s with mouton collars appeared in several theatres. Many AVG jackets were M422s and I have not seen an A2 used by a member of the AVG with an added mouton collar. I'm sure BK would put a mouton collar on an A2 if asked.

Aha. I had the impression that moutons on A2s were primarily a Flying Tigers thing. Wrong, then? Good, good: that's why I asked (just gone back and looked again at a few old AVG pilot photos. They are indeed wearing M422s). Thanks, Andrew.

 

[eggleman]

I got a good deal on a field modified A2 from Aero a while back ... they pop-up occasionally in the sale pages.
great for those chillier days

 

[Fletch]

Be advised - if you want your collar to latch closed after it's moutoned, you'll have to have it made much bigger. I made some measurements myself and had to add about 3".

 

[schitzo]

I once requested a detachable one for an A2 I had from aero but it didn't work out cos with that on I couldn't do the zipper all the way up.

After I'd sent it back I was later told that mouton collars and A2s don't work. When I asked why I wasn't told this at the time of placing my order the reply was that apparently they had never done that to an A2 before

 

[Dixon Cannon]

Oddly enough, my PACK-IN A2 jacket came with a detachable mouton collar:

-dixon cannon

 

[Fletch]

I once requested a detachable one for an A2 I had from aero but it didn't work out cos with that on I couldn't do the zipper all the way up.

Ah yes - that's the other thing you can't close up unless you tailor a bigger neckline.

After I'd sent it back I was later told that mouton collars and A2s don't work. When I asked why I wasn't told this at the time of placing my order the reply was that apparently they had never done that to an A2 before

Yes, it could be said that they don't work. With 3" difference in the sizes to fit the same neck, you'd need a very slack leather collar to be convertible to mouton.

 

[pipvh]

I don't think I would ever latch the collar, so that isn't an issue. And I'm a scarf-wearer, so I almost never do up the top couple of inches of zip.

Can anyone point me in the direction of some pictures of original field-modified jackets? Most of the ones I thought were A2s turn out to be M422s...

 

[Fletch]

I don't think I would ever latch the collar, so that isn't an issue. And I'm a scarf-wearer, so I almost never do up the top couple of inches of zip.

Cool...it really comes in handy in the cold wet, especially with the mouton. But you have tradition on your side. At least one Navy squadron CO ordered that zippers on G-1s never be closed past 3/4 way up.

 

[thor]

Cool...it really comes in handy in the cold wet, especially with the mouton. But you have tradition on your side. At least one Navy squadron CO ordered that zippers on G-1s never be closed past 3/4 way up.

That's a great piece of info Fletch; love the esoterica one gleans from TFL. Current Navy uniform regs state that if a jacket is worn it cannot be worn open, and must be zipped at least 1/2 way.

 

[ltedge]

That's a great piece of info Fletch; love the esoterica one gleans from TFL. Current Navy uniform regs state that if a jacket is worn it cannot be worn open, and must be zipped at least 1/2 way.

Actually, not to be a nitpicker but current Navy Uniform regulations state that you must "close zipper at least ¾ of the way when worn." with respect to the leather flight jacket.

Not sure when that specification was added to the regs but at least since 1998 when I was issued mine.

 

[thor]

Actually, not to be a nitpicker but current Navy Uniform regulations state that you must "close zipper at least ¾ of the way when worn." with respect to the leather flight jacket.

Not sure when that specification was added to the regs but at least since 1998 when I was issued mine.

You are correct Sir: Uniform Regs chapter 6, section 8, article 6803.2b (2)