Wonderful WWII USAAF 8th Air Force 381st Bomb Gp 534th Bomb Sq A-2 Type Combat Airman Flight Jacket

This is a wonderful Private Purchase A-2 Type Flight Jacket worn by a USAAF Combat Airman in WWII. On the outside it looks identical to an A-2 down to the collar hook, but it is made of a really fine, soft, "glove" leather. Inside is a cool plaid woven flannel, almost in the Burberry pattern. Would make one wonder if this wasn't a bespoke Flight Jacket made in the UK if not for the US CONMAR zipper. This jacket has 3 patches on it, and that is all it has ever had: no name strip or any other patches have been removed. 8th Air Force shoulder patch, 381st Bomb Group Jacket Patch on the right breast (as worn), and on the left breast, a 534th Bomb Squadron Jacket Patch. The 534th BS, like the rest of the 381st BG, flew B-17 Flying Fortress Aircraft, flying out of Ridgewell, UK.

Circa WWII.

Armpit to Armpit: 16", Shoulder to Shoulder: 18", Collar to Hem: 25-1/2", Shoulder to Cuff: 26"

Jacket: "glove" leather, woven wool webbing, cotton flannel. lining, brass zipper & hooks. Patches: Silk / cotton embroidery on wool felt.

To be worn on the Flight Deck of a B-17 Flying Fortress.

TYPE A-2

This is from a USAAF United States Army Air Force Artifacts collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. TRVBCEJX TRFJEX17 LCAGEX6/17

7+ (Very Fine+): Leather is in excellent condition, visible scuffs would probably disappear with some leather treatment. Some moth nip peppering to the waistband, see images.

As with all my artifacts, this piece is guaranteed to be original, as described.