USN M421-A

[Dinerman]

I've never heard of an original issue cloth A-2.

 

[Sloan1874]

Is this what you're thinking of? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/2219...ICEP3.0.0-L&ff14=122&viphx=1&ops=true&ff13=80

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Issued cloth A2? Never happened...

 

[nick123]

I think he means B-10

 

[thor]

Good tip Thor - will check that out.

Do they fit true, small or large?

I'd say they're a bit on the large size with longish sleeves (I'm tall so the fit for me was spot on).

 

[Big J]

Haley Enterprises sells a nice copy of the M-421B on eBay, all sizes, for $110 with free shipping. I've got one and it's definitely worth the price.

Great tip Thor! Thank you!

 

[Stearmen]

Haley Enterprises sells a nice copy of the M-421B on eBay, all sizes, for $110 with free shipping. I've got one and it's definitely worth the price.

Those do look nice! Unfortunately, with the house remodel money is tight. I hope they are still making them next year?

 

[Stearmen]

I've never heard of an original issue cloth A-2.

Some where, I saw a photo of a theater made cloth A2 in tan! I think it was India or Burma? Unfortunately, I can't seem to find the photo at the moment.

 

[Biggles88a]

Thank you, D., for the swell opportunity on eBay. It arrived an hour ago, fit is perfect, all is well. I have a Buzz Rickson reproduction that wears just as nice. Make no mistake, those jackets are the most versatile in warmer climates if one doesn't want to leave the house without a flight jacket. I'll wear the hell out of this Ralph thing with some minor modifications. It's just a classic and wears well. Make no mistake, the cloth is thin, but wears splendidly. Again, thank you, D. My thirst for any M-421A or variants is quenched for now. Oh, for interested readers I can offer some size input (the way I judged this XL RL from Vintage Haberdashers on eBay): Issue G-1 is a mid 90's Cooper size 44, Eastman products I wear size 44, John Chapman's jackets in 46 and all Buzz Rickson's as well as this RL fit perfectly in size XL. I am generally looking for a shoulder width of 20 inches/ 50 cm. I am six feet with 200 pounds. I prefer outerwear a little, but not ridiculously close to body form.

 

[Biggles88a]

Ralph Lauren repro

Thank you, D., for the swell opportunity on eBay. It arrived an hour ago, fit is perfect, all is well. I have a Buzz Rickson reproduction that wears just as nice. Make no mistake, those jackets are the most versatile in warmer climates if one doesn't want to leave the house without a flight jacket. I'll wear the hell out of this Ralph thing with some minor modifications. It's just a classic and wears well. Make no mistake, the cloth is thin, but wears splendidly. Again, thank you, D. My thirst for any M-421A or variants is quenched for now. Oh, for interested readers I can offer some size input (the way I judged this XL RL from Vintage Haberdashers on eBay): Issue G-1 is a mid 90's Cooper size 44, Eastman products I wear size 44, John Chapman's jackets in 46 and all Buzz Rickson's as well as this RL fit perfectly in size XL. I am generally looking for a shoulder width of 20 inches/ 50 cm. I am six feet with 200 pounds. I prefer outerwear a little, but not ridiculously close to body form.

 

[HPA Rep]

While on this topic, what do you gents think of the successor to the M-421A, the AN6551? The back design is the same as the M-421A, but it has pencil slots in the left sleeve and, obviously, more pockets. These are more scarce than the M-421A in collecting circles. Buzz Rickson's made one years ago that was as good as their M-421A.

The M-421A lacked chest pockets largely because it was developed when the USN was employing the MkI life vest, but as they began to transition to the AAF B-4 life vest design, the ability to access chest pockets was then made much easier, hence a jacket design was developed to match the flying suits with their two chest pockets.

The AN6551 reflects utility and refinement, much as the AN-J-4 did.

 

[Ponsenby]

I scored a RL M-421 recently- love it, the cut and material are spot on! I got a large, I'm 6' and 210 lbs. Fits great!

 

[Dinerman]

Apparently Avirex did a version at some point

 

[Smithy]

It's a shame the OP, Baron Kurtz isn't around these parts anymore, that bloke could write an encyclopaedia about vintage clothing.

 

[Mic]

I bought the Avirex jacket (above) on Ebay. It's a fine jacket, but with no pen pocket on the left pocket.
I have the Doursoux jacket too. The cloth is a bit thin. No inside pocket, no pen pocket and the the bi-swing back is faked (not functional). After all to much money for a weak lookalike. I can't recommand this jacket.
The WPG version is now on sale on Ebay. Just search for "M-421B". Unfortunately a bit pricey to order from Europe and I don't know the quality.
The Haley Aviaton version is really good. I own one and this is my best. Size L = 44, so be carefull if you order one. At the time I bought it, there was only one size available. I'm still looking for size M.
I'm always looking for resonable reproductions, but the market isn't overloaded. ;-)

 

[Tommy-VF51]

Just dug this up. Was about to invest in a Buzz Rickson's AN6551, but they've sold out of all sizes but 36 in the uk/ Europe store. Anyone make a decent MIL-J-7758 other Real McCoy's?

Tempted by the Haley Aviation AN6651, but would like to see better pictures than they have on ebay- particularly the collar down and what the bi-swing back looks like on a human form, rather than a mannequin. Also does anyone know what zip they use?

 

[Tommy-VF51]

Sorry to bump this, but this is a gap in the wardrobe I really wanna fill. I'm particularly interested in finding out more about the 4 pocketed style of cloth/ summer flight jacket as well as hearing any feedback on different repros.