Buzz Rickson's brand is renowned for producing truly standout copies of the famous G-1 Flying Jacket and this example is their same basic spec. 7823 (AER), the one that started all the love for Buzz Rickson's, but featuring a gorgeous honey-colored fur collar.  While the 7823 spec. required the collar fur to be a dark brown color that closely matched the leather color, the reality is that many were produced with collar fur in varying shades of brown, some of which were a golden-honey color that gorgeously contrasted against the dark brown leather.  Other than the fur color, this limited-edition Buzz Rickson's G-1 Flying Jacket is the same MIL-J-7823 (AER) spec. as their original model also available on this website.

Though the first G-1 dates to 1947, the spec. 7823 from 1950 was the first in a long series of the 7823's ranging up to 7823E, and it is this first 7823 that remains the most sought after.  No detail has been overlooked by Buzz Rickson's, which means every component part of the jacket had to be custom made to match buttons, zippers, and fabrics that no longer exist in the same form as was found in the early 1950's; however, it is the fit and sumptuous, grade-one goatskin that, along with its parts, that combines to make this a masterpiece.  

The goatskin comes in at 3-ounce weight and is fully vegetable tanned and pigment dyed only on the surface.  The leather is not at all stiff or heavy, but it is plump and robust, and fully unlike the heavily processed, chrome-tanned goatskin so commonly found in mainstream jackets.  Surface dying is how the original 7823's were dyed, which means the Buzz Rickson's G-1 will age and distress just as we see on those cherished vintage jackets with all the character of an old navy salt.  The sum of all the many parts is an heirloom jacket that fits like a dream and that can be handed down to the next generation - there's nothing disposable about a Buzz Rickson's leather jacket and it only gets better with use and age!

This Buzz Rickson G-1 is a masterpiece of wearable jacket art crafted in rugged materials that are as beautiful as they are durable.  Please note the following materials and features:

• Copy of the original style contractor label produced on a vintage shuttle loom

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave rayon acetate lining dyed the original shade of a purple-like brown

• Custom manufacturing of the correct two-ply, worsted-wool cuffs with the narrow weave graduating into the wider weave at top, dyed dark brown

• Custom manufacturing of the correct single-ply, bi-directional, worsted-wool waistband, dyed dark brown

• Two button-down exterior pockets lined with all-cotton twill precisely matching 1950 USN specs.

• One snap-down interior pocket lined with heavy-weight, all-cotton duck twill precisely matching 1950 USN specs.

• Exact copy of the vintage-style, blackened-metal Conmar Conmatic zipper on jacket front, with zip tape made of 100% cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton

• Leather pull tab on zipper for easy functioning with gloves

• Heavy wind flap protector located behind zipper closure 

• Bi-swing action back and gusseted armpits (with metal air ventilators) for greater range of motion without restriction

• Gorgeous, plush, genuine mouton-fur collar in a gorgeous golden-honey color and sewn with backing leather correctly reinforced by trapunto stitching to maintain collar shape and help keep collar up when the need arises.  The "USN" stencil is correctly applied in silver paint to the collar back.

• Sumptuous, vegetable-tanned, 3-ounce, goatskin that is not overly stiff or heavy, maintaining the true feel of the original jackets.  The dye coating is sprayed on, just as it should be for a 7823 G-1, and it's also very matte in finish; the result is a leather that will distress and age over time from use and wear to yield a vintage look that is on par with anything made in the 1950's.

• Assembly using vintage sewing machines

Even sizes 36-44 Regular.   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Buzz Rickson goods are imported from Japan

Every distinctive, vintage styling feature from the past has been deftly reproduced on this Buzz Rickson's masterpiece work shirt, including heavy-duty Herringbone Twill (HBT) all-cotton fabric produced on old looms and sewn with 1940's sewing machines.  Crisply tailored in black, the all-cotton fabric and employment of bygone dying techniques will allow this to develop a true vintage look over time from wear and laundering.  This is rugged and stylish American history at its best, and it is also going to look fabulous when worn because it is cut to flatter the body, unlike the ultra-loose styles so often encountered everywhere today.  Whether worn as a shirt jacket or as a shirt, this is one of those pieces others will notice and you just won’t want to take off.

Take note of these authentic, high-quality features and details found only on a work shirt of this pedigree:

•Placket-front closure

•Collar stand for crisper appearance

•Heavy bar tacking at critical stress areas

•Double-stitched seams for superior strength

•Reinforced double-thickness shoulder yoke for greater durability at this crucial abrasion area

•Pencil slot on left pocket

•Custom manufacturing of correct black, urea buttons

•Custom manufacturing of the correct all-cotton, heavy-weight Herringbone Twill fabric on old looms

•Gussets at shirttail side seams with chain-stitch runoff

•All-cotton thread employed throughout construction

•Exact copy of the original-style rayon-on-cotton labels

Sizes available:  15 1/2 Medium - 18 1/2 XXL.   Please note:  This is the revised fit of a Buzz Rickson’s shirt of the same name that was offered before the fall of 2012, but this Revised Fit substantially impacts the fit and those who can comfortably wear this shirt vs. the earlier shirt.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Buzz Rickson’s products are imported from Japan

An all-time favorite of gentleman’s attire has been deftly resurrected by Buzz Rickson’s – the 1942 U. S. Army Khaki Trousers!  Crafted from hard-wearing uniform twill that matches the original spec. in both color, heft and hand perfectly, these trousers will surpass ANY competitor’s khakis you can find.  The design follows the original spec. exactly, having a vintage high-rise hugging waist, stove-pipe leg that is full cut into the seat for comfort and all inner and outer side and seat seams are double-stitched and wrap-folded for extra strength.  The inner-hung pockets and waistband are fabricated from heavy-weight, off-white cotton drill, exactly as the original trousers were made, and the fly buttons are the pre-war zinc buttons stamped with stars and “U. S. Army & U. S. A.” text, making these trousers early 1942 production before all of the buttons were replaced with brown bakelite types.  That extra bit of authentic detailing we all have come to expect from Buzz Rickson’s has not been left out; you’ll find the original-style contractor label with quartermaster nomenclature sewn to the underside of the right inner-hung pocket and the waist and inseam size stamped in black into the waistband, exactly as found on the original examples.  Get these while the stock lasts, as quantities are very limited, particularly in larger sizes.

Sizes:  28, 29, 30, 31. 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 & 38.  Please note that these trousers will experience some small amount of shrinkage after the first one - three washings, depending on how they are laundered and other variables.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Buzz Rickson’s goods are imported from Japan

The USAF’s 335th Fighter Interceptor Squadron “Chiefs,” along with the 334th & 336th squadrons, comprised the 4th Fighter Interceptor Group “Fourth but First.” The 4th FIG and its component squadrons have an august history of accomplishments dating back to their intrepid service in WWII when the initial nucleus of pilots served with the RAF in the famed Eagle squadrons, then becoming the 4th Fighter Group in August 1942, when the USAAF took control due to America’s entry in the war. The 4th was the first USAAF Fighter unit in the European Theater of Operations, hence their official nickname, “Fourth but First.” The Group went on to finish WWII as the highest-scoring USAAF fighter unit from any combat theater (combined air & ground victories; the 56th Fighter Group had the highest number of air victories), a record that may well never be surpassed due to the evolution of aerial warfare as we know it today.

During the Korean War the 4th FIG and the 51st FIG were the only two units to fly the F-86 Sabre jet in air combat. The 335th FIS produced some outstanding pilots that included the legendary ace Capt. Ralph S. Parr, and it was the 335th FIS that went on to gain notoriety as the highest-scoring USAF fighter unit of the Korean War, shooting down more MiGs than any other USAF fighter squadron of the war for a whopping total of 218.5 MiG kills. The 335th squadron’s official insignia worn on flying jackets, flying suits, etc., is an American Indian chief wearing full headdress, which dates back to its service with USAAF in WWII and gave rise to the unit’s official nickname, “Chiefs.” Near the middle of 1952, the 335th FIS adopted a new insignia that still featured the proud Indian chief but the Indianhead was now placed in the center of a large arrowhead (7.75” tall) with a full-length arrow (10.75” long) running diagonally through the large arrowhead; above the chief was a scroll with the squadron designation and below the Indianhead was either a blank scroll or the scroll could have the individual pilots name embroidered into it.

Based on the embroidery style observed on extant original examples of this insignia and knowing many units had their insignias made in Japan while on leave during the Korean War, it is an educated guess that this new 335th FIS insignia was originally produced in Japan. Whatever is the actual history may not ever be known, but what is certain is that this revised 335th FIS insignia appears to be the largest, most colorful and elaborate squadron insignia to emerge from the Korean War. It is in light of both their second-to-none record of accomplishment and the fact that the 335th FIS had this mammoth-size, totally awesome, cool-looking insignia, that we elected to have this embroidered insignia faithfully produced exclusively for us by the Buzz Rickson’s brand.

Buzz Rickson’s are renowned for producing the most accurate-looking vintage embroidered insignia because of their attention to detail and employment of the old shuttle looms from 1940's. Considering that the 335th FIS insignia was probably produced in Japan, it became obvious that the Japan-based Buzz Rickson’s would be the best source for executing this reproduction patch. Original examples of this insignia are nearly impossible to obtain, largely because it was used for just about one year and fighter units have a relatively small number of pilots assigned to them vs. bomber or transport units. After substantial research sourcing out surviving members of the 335th FIS from the Korean War and their giant-size insignia, we scored big time, thanks to acclaimed aviation historian Warren Thompson. Warren had several 335th FIS insignias which he made available to us for precise reproduction work, then he put us in touch with one particular pilot who flew with the 335th in the Korean War – 1st Lt. Richard “Dick” Keener – a really, really swell guy who just happened to have plenty of color film with him at the USAF’s Kimpo Air Base in South Korea.

Dick Keener photographed just about everything and everyone in brilliant color, not the least of which were all of the pilots of the 4th FIG wearing a multitude of different flying jackets and gear. And, not being camera shy, Dick made sure someone took a superb, large close-up photo of himself while wearing his newly issued L-2A nylon flying jacket decorated with the giant 335th FIS insignia; it was this photo, having appeared in one of Warren Thompson’s books that originally stimulated our interest in obtaining this insignia. We had the extreme pleasure of meeting and interviewing Dick Keener on Monday 18 May 2008, whereupon we presented to him a new Buzz Rickson’s L-2A flying jacket outfitted with both the 4th FIG insignia and the 335th FIS insignia that also displays Dick’s rank and name. About half of the pilots in the 335th FIS wore both the 335h FIS and 4th FIG insignias on their jackets and Dick informed us that he added the 4th FIG insignia to his jacket shortly after he grew his mustache that he still sports today. Thanks to Dick and Warren, our dream is reality, and we can now offer this dynamic insignia deftly copied in Japan by Buzz Rickson’s.

Buzz Rickson’s products are imported from Japan

Clearance - Now $150.00 off retail price of $450.00 - get one while they last!!! Special pricing applies only to sizes in stock.  These are first quality with full manufacturer's warranty and may be returned for exchange for any item we offer or to have the credit value applied as non-expiring store credit, but no refunds will be provided on this clearance item.

The U. S. M-1943 Field Jacket is an iconic U. S. Army garment from WWII.  Immediately after the war, many, many items of military issue were available as surplus and HBT (herringbone twill) camouflage fabric was one such item, as it had been withdrawn from use by the U. S. Army before the war ended.  While deemed of limited benefit for combat use, the camouflage fabric was welcomed by hunters who, up until that time, had nothing of its kind widely available.  Various items of civilian hunting attire were made from the surplus camouflage fabric and copies of U. S. Army jackets, trousers, shirts, and one-piece suits were among these offerings, not the least being the M-1943 Field Jacket.

Utilizing their incredible HBT frog-skin camouflage fabric, Buzz Rickson's brand has created this special offering of an M-1943 Field Jacket following the classic 370C Spec. of 1943.  The camouflage HBT fabric is custom made following the original spec. on vintage shuttle looms in the super-desirable, early shade with a distinctly yellowish cast to the background coloring.  All buttons are genuine urea, not cheap plastic, exactly as would be correct for the era, pockets are lined in heavy twill, adjusting drawstring at waist, double-button throat closure, and assembly performed with all-cotton thread.  Once completed, the jackets are given a light, vintage wash for a subdued finish to the colors, as if the jacket had survived in someone's attic in perfect condition since the 1950's.

We can comfortably fit up to 46" chest measures in this style.  Please see SIZING TIPS for guidance in ordering the correct size.

Buzz Rickson's products are imported from Japan

The U. S. Navy M-422A was the definitive leather flying jacket of the USN and USMC in WWII, with the last examples being completed in early 1943.  Though conforming to an overall spec., each contractor that produced these jackets was given manufacturing latitude in such details as shape of collar and pocket flaps, lining construction, and other small details that did not alter function or overall design.  Among the numerous contractors of the M-422A was H & L Block, whose resultant jacket stands out for several of it features.

Buzz Rickson's brand is renowned for their leather USN intermediate flying jackets in the all-important area of fit; indeed, we deem the fit and design execution of these to be wrestling for the top spot in production today, and have elected to bring to our customers all styles currently offered. Buzz Rickson's has masterfully reproduced the H & L Block M-422A flying jacket as a limited edition and all the unique, interesting features of this contract are present.  H & L Block M-422A's can be found with either medium-brown goatskin leather and collar fur that is close in color or they can be observed with very dark brown goatskin leather with contrasting brown collar fur; Buzz Rickson's elected to produce the rarer version in dark brown with contrasting collar fur.  Please note these authentic features:

• Copy of H & L Block contractor label produced on a vintage shuttle loom

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave rayon acetate lining dyed the original shade of salmon-like red with central pleat that is unique to H & L Block

• Custom manufacturing of the correct two-ply, worsted-wool cuffs with the narrow weave graduating into the wider weave at top

• Custom manufacturing of the correct single-ply, bi-directional, worsted-wool waistband

• Two button-down exterior pockets lined with super-soft, tan all-cotton twill precisely matching what is found on most H & L Block M-422A's; a pencil slot is found under the left pocket flap.

• Genuine urea buttons correct to the era, not cheap plastic that did not exist in the 1940's 

• Sumptuous, vegetable-tanned, 3-ounce goatskin that is not overly stiff or heavy, maintaining the true feel of the original jackets.  The dye coating is aniline and given a glazed top coat in keeping with some of the leathers of the era; both the dye and the glazing will wear down and burnish with use, providing for a fabulous vintage aesthetic and patina.  

• Another feature unique to H & L Block and found on this copy is the use of goatskin leather as armhole shields in the lining:  this adds significant expense to the manufacture of this contract design but greatly extends the lining life in this key wear area.

• One snap-down interior pocket lined with heavy-weight, all-cotton duck twill precisely matching 1940's USN specs.

• Exact copy of the vintage-style, nickel-plated Talon zipper with zip tape made of 100% cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton

• Leather pull tab on zipper for easy functioning with gloves

• Heavy wind flap protector located behind zipper closure that is cut in the configuration associated with H & L Block M-422A's

• Bi-swing action back and gusseted armpits with sewn air ventilators (not metal); this is another unique feature of H & L Block M-422A's

• Gorgeous, plush, half-inch genuine mouton-fur collar dyed contrasting  brown, with backing leather correctly reinforced with trapunto stitching to maintain collar shape and help keep collar up when the need arises; correct  "U S N" stencil appears in yellow paint and without periods between letters:  the color and font are unique to H & L Block M-422A's.

• Assembly using all-cotton thread on vintage sewing machines

Even sizes 36-44 Regular.   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Buzz Rickson goods are imported from Japan

The U. S. Navy's primary winter flying jacket in WWII was the M-445A, and due to the fact the USN's aviation arm was primarily serving in warmer climates vs. those of the U. S. Army, the sheepskin jackets of the USN are less well known and studied, but from a design and functionality perspective, the M-445A was vastly superior to the mainstay sheepskin jacket of the AAF - the B-3 flying jacket. By 1943, the AAF elected to slightly modify the USN's M-445A into a sheepskin jacket that would, in theory, serve both service branches as the AN-J-4, but few were made and all went exclusively to the AAF.  The M-445A and AN-J-4 were superior designs to all other sheepskin flying jacket styles employed by the U. S. at the time and included costly consumption of lavish quantities of leather and provided well-designed features such as extra leather reinforcing at all areas of stress and friction.

Vintage sheepskin flying jackets from WWII were made from whatever sheepskin was available, while, of course, conforming to a basic specification, but the vast majority of this sheepskin was nothing very special and simply served its intended purpose to protect and keep warm the aircrew assigned to wear such garments.  Some smaller number of all vintage sheepskin garments from WWII were made from very nice sheepskin that stood out for its quality and beauty, while still falling short of being in the league of the very best.  Due to the high demand on the world's sheepskin supply at the time, there was no distinction being made by the military between one type of sheep wool from another, and such high-end products as Merino fleece would have been procured alongside all of the others and turned into the same flying clothing, resulting in an infinitesimally very, very few sheepskin garments actually being of a pedigree above and beyond the rest, even though in the eyes of the military all were created and issued equally.

This Buzz Rickson's WWII USN M-445A sheepskin flying jacket, whether made during WWII or now, stands out like a king's jewels among rhinestones!  This sheepskin jacket is lovingly crafted from what we can assuredly say is the very finest Merino sheepskin we have ever seen; the coat can only be described as a penultimate masterpiece of artwork in the guise of a leather jacket.  There are simply not enough superlatives to adequately convey all of high-quality workmanship and beauty in this style. 

The combination of the extreme expense of these hand-selected Merino sheepskin pelts, the custom-made parts matching WWII specs., and the use of only the best labor from Japan's fur industry to craft this jacket bring its manufacturer's retail price in excess of $2, 700.00.  We, on the other hand, sometimes cannot stay out of the way of our own passion for something so amazingly special that we feel as if we have a duty to bring a select few of such specialized items to our most-discriminating clients, and at a profit margin below what any high-street store would unapologetically demand; accordingly, we are offering a tiny selection of these amazing jackets at a price discounted by $500.00 below their market price.  Once these few jackets are gone, there will be no more.

Please note these authentic features:

• Copy of original the original style contractor label design produced on a vintage shuttle loom
• Custom manufacturing of the correct two-ply, worsted-wool storm cuffs with the narrow weave graduating into the wider weave at top, and then hidden up inside the sleeve to protect the knit from damage and wear

• Two button-down exterior pockets made from premium, vegetable-tanned goatskin lined with all-cotton twill precisely matching 1940's USN specs.

• Exact copy of the vintage-style, nickel-plated Talon zipper with zip tape made of 100% cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton.  Zipper runs the full frontal length up to the collar top to secure against chilling winds right up to the nose, if desired

• Premium, vegetable-tanned goatskin pull tab on zipper for easy functioning with gloves
• Premium, vegetable-tanned goatskin hanger in neck area

• Heavy wind flap protector located behind zipper closure
• Adjusting belts on hips made from premium, vegetable-tanned goatskin and attached to oxide-coated metal buckles to help seal out chilling winds

• Gusseted armpits for greater range of motion without restriction
• Pencil slot hidden under pocket flap of left pocket
• Navy-style, diamond-shaped elbow reinforcements made from premiu,

• Zipper tape, cuff ends, bottom hem, and collar back covered on both sides in premium vegetable-tanned goatskin for extreme durability
• Collar back reinforced with 20 rows os stitching and attached with 5 rows of stitching
• Collar back stenciled in black paint with the letters "U. S. N.," exactly as found on vintage M-445A flying jackets
• All major seams are sewn using a twin-needle, flat-lock vintage sewing machine
• Zipper is attached and reinforced at collar with two pieces of premium vegetable-tanned goatskin
• Constructed from mouth-watering, sumptuous, mega-plush, half-inch genuine Merino sheepskin that its simply not of this Earth.  The wool color is best described as a gorgeous buttermilk color, with exterior dyed with a dark, bitter-shade of brown polyacrylate pigment and lacquered to repeal moisture

• All-cotton thread in contrasting medium-brown color employed throughout exterior construction, which will fade gracefully from exposure to sunlight, just as found on vintage jackets

Even sizes 36-44 Regular.   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Buzz Rickson goods are imported from Japan

Last Few Left!!!

Buzz Rickson brand has made a world-class, U. S. Army 2nd-Model M-65 Field Jacket for many, many years, which is available for sale on this website; this style is one of their top performers, and is considered by many aficionados as the only M-65 Field Jacket to own, if your priority is owning one that looks, fits, and will endure hard use as well as the originals that served in the 1960's did.  Now, due to popular request, Buzz Rickson's has made this same M-65 Field Jacket in their amazing ARVN Golden Tiger-Stripe fabric.

Original, U. S. Army-issue M-65 Field Jackets were never made in Tiger-Stripe fabric, but due to the undisputed coolness and attractiveness of this camouflage pattern, especially the "golden" variants, we offer such an M-65 Field Jacket for the first time, which has been designed as if it were a commercial model made to military specs. back in the 1960's.  Every detail of this example matches the Buzz Rickson U. S. Army-issue copy they have made for years, except this commercial model is offered in one of the variants of Golden Tiger Stripe, has a commercial label, and the sizing is numerical instead of Large, Extra-Large, etc., though the fit is unchanged, as is the use of meticulous copy of a period-correct copy of the famous CROWN zipper.    

Though M-65 Field Jackets have been made previously in Tiger-Stripe fabric, none have been made in this newer version of Buzz Rickson's Golden Tiger Stripe.  This Buzz Rickson’s M-65 Field Jacket in Golden Tiger Stripe is a real head-turner that will set you apart from any pretenders.  Scorn the cookie-cutter look of “mall” jackets and grab a piece of 20th century American history that combines style with durability and utility.  Buzz Rickson’s M-65 Field Jacket in Golden Tiger Stripe offers all of the following original features and more:  

• Vintage-Style commercial label in the lining

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, heavyweight cotton outer shell produced on vintage shuttle looms, in one of the coveted variants of ARVN Golden Tiger Stripe

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave all-cotton lining to precisely match 1965 U. S. military specs.

• Exact copy of the heavy-duty 1960's Crown zipper for the frontal closure, with cotton pull tab and the #5 size for the hood compartment, both of which have zip tape made of all-cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton

• All-cotton drawstring at waist in lining and on bottom hem of jacket to seal out wind

• Bi-swing double-pleated action back for greater range of motion without binding

• Snap-closure wind flap in front of zipper to seal out wind

• Adjustable Velcro closures on throat latch and gusted, two-position, extendable sleeve cuff

• Button-down shoulder epaulets as found on genuine M-65's

• Two pleated, generously expandable chest pockets with snap-down flaps

• Two large “grenade” pockets with snap-down flaps located on hip/thigh region

• Flip-up stand collar with zippered rear compartment that houses stowaway hood with drawstring  

Please note:  This style is compatible with a Buzz Rickson's removable M-65 Field Jacket liner of the same size.

Sizes 36-44 Regular in even-numbered sizes.  The fit is generous, as found on the original jackets, thus size 44 comfortably fits up to a 46" chest measure.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.  

Crown is a registered trademark in the USA of History Preservation Associates  

Buzz Rickson’s goods are imported from Japan  

This is no fashion-colored MA-1 Flight Jacket, but the genuine, real deal worn by Northrop Aviation test pilots in the 1950’s & ‘60’s (Northrop’s official color was red and this showed up in a variety of forms and items dating back to the 1940’s).

The MA-1 Flight Jacket’s lightweight construction, comfortable non-bulky warmth and natural good looks made this style an instant success with aircrew at bases around the world, as well as with anyone who could beg, borrow or steal one of these coveted gems, so it’s no wonder Northrop choose this style for their flight crews.

Northrop’s red MA-1 jackets were made to the basic USAF specs. of the era and by a USAF contractor in a limited commercial production, the result being a Blazing-Red MA-1 Jacket that made their elite test pilots stand out, as seen in our vintage photo of the crew of an F-89H “Scorpion.” This MA-1 is a true shade of red. It is not orange, or pink, or magenta, but Blazing Scarlett Red, outfitted with striking-looking black knit parts, making this not just a Northrop Aviation MA- 1, but also one suitable for alumni of Rutgers University and Haddonfield Memorial High School (go Scarlett Knights and Bulldogs!), as well as anyone looking for a rugged, slick-looking jacket in a brilliant color.

Buzz Rickson’s design team have made various MA-1 Jackets over the years, making this a style they have gained world fame for making exquisitely and for which novelist William Gibson even turned into a sub-character in his novel “Pattern Recognition.” The original MA-1 was intended for wear in climates between 25 degrees and 55 degrees Fahrenheit, thus ideally suited for early spring, late fall and winter, and this remains true for our offering.

Buzz Rickson’s heavy nylon twill fabric is never to be confused with the cheap, flimsy flight satin used by lesser manufacturers to produce so-called vintage reproduction USAF flight jackets.  Buzz Rickson's have recreated the original fabric of the 1950’s using vintage looms and following vintage specs. and tests to make their fabric without peer; in fact, the only other flying jackets in the world today made from this nylon are those vintage examples of the USAF!  And full assembly of the exterior is performed with contrasting black thread that looks superb on the red nylon; only the very finest sewing machine operators are up to this task because contrasting thread will blatantly stand out if sewn in crooked form. 

This Buzz Rickson’s MA-1 Flight Jacket correctly captures all the nuances found on MA-1 Flight Jackets once produced in extremely limited numbers for Northop Aviation.  Take note of these authentic features:

• Copy of a commercial-style label in the neck area
• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave nylon twill to precisely match 1950’s USAF specs. and treated to repel water. Outer side dyed to precise shade of Nothrop Aviation’s red and the lining is colored in the earlier shade of silver-grey USAF sage green (this MA-1 is NOT reversible)
• Correct USAF-spec. batting of warm wool-and-cotton fiber filling sandwiched between the outer and inner shell lining
• Full assembly on the exterior with contrasting black thread.  Only the very finest sewing machine operators are up to this task because contrasting thread will blatantly stand out is sewn in crooked form.
• Two snap-down exterior pockets lined with warm 80/20 wool-rayon fabric precisely matching 1950’s USAF specs.
• Two snap-down interior pockets lined with heavy all-cotton twill fabric precisely matching 1950’s USAF specs.
• Exact copy of the heavy-duty 1950’s Crown main zipper and pocket zipper with zip tape made of all-cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton
• Leather zipper pull tabs as found USAF MA-1s, designed for easy functioning with gloves
• Heavy wind flap protector located behind zipper closure with curved top to minimize contact with the chin
• Two snap-down tabs (one on each breast) for retaining headset and microphone wiring leads, exactly as on original 1950’s MA-1 jackets
• Custom manufacturing of the correct, two-ply, 100% worsted-wool knit collar, cuffs and waist skirt in jet black
• Heavy-weight parachute harness nylon in black, correctly sewn to left front chest for attaching oxygen mask retainer clip
• Zippered pocket on left sleeve outfitted with four pen/pencil slots reinforced with heavy bar tacks and outfitted with two anti-puncture pencil caps made of USAF-spec. brass

Sizes: XS – XXL.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Buzz Rickson’s goods are imported from Japan