Unlike most of Eastman’s other flight jacket styles, this is not a true military-spec. flight jacket, but we’re sure it would have been if the flyboys of WWII had ever dreamed such a design could have been adopted.

In the post-war years of the late 1940's and early 1950's, American clothing manufacturers were not slow to take advantage of the glamorous flyboy image; the war was won, and images of the returning heroes of the armed forces gave the nation a feeling of pride and optimism.  The U. S. Army Air Corps pilot, clad in his leather A-2 Flight Jacket, projected the quintessential image of the romanticized American war hero, and so the fashion industry rose to the occasion by emulating this jacket style that every man, young or old, would be proud to wear. Unlike the WWII issue A-2 Flight Jacket that is still, of course, an unbeatable classic even in its simple design, these new commercial offerings were designed with certain additional features and “improvements.”  These improved details included such features as a fur collar, warmer lining, inside pockets (a feature the original WWII design desperately needed), and even outside hand-warmer pockets were incorporated to various degrees into these new, hybrid flying jackets. This type of garment very quickly and aptly became generically referred to as a “Bomber Jacket," a term which most people are familiar with to this very day.

Big manufacturer names from the 1940's and 1950's come to mind when reminiscing about these vintage “Bomber Jackets,” such as: Sears & Roebuck, Montgomery Ward, The Goodgal Clothing Co., and even some of the original wartime companies that officially contracted to make flying jackets for the Army Air Force went on to make their own commercial versions of the “Bomber Jacket.” Today, the Eastman offering of this classic genre is “The Air Comfort.” They have spared no expense in the manufacture of this superb garment, incorporating many of the best features that can be found on the original commercial examples from the good old days of those golden postwar years.

“The Air Comfort” captures the classic post-war “Bomber Jacket” appearance that is so appealing to all those who appreciate a good-looking vintage leather jacket. Hang one of these in your wardrobe and you wont be sorry you did! Take note of these authentic and practical features:  

• Copy of vintage-style maker’s label design produced on a vintage shuttle loom

• All-cotton, seal brown-thread construction as found on flying jackets originally produced in the 1940s and 1950s

• Dark seal brown, aniline-dyed, 3-ounce weight, vegetable-tanned (WarHorse®) horsehide leather outer shell that will burnish and age to look like a true vintage original with wear

• Single-piece back • Genuine mouton fur collar with reinforced trapunto stitching on the reverse side to maintain collar shape and help keep collar up when the need arises

• Mouton fur-covered throat latch enables the sumptuous collar to be securely fastened when turned up, holding the genuine fur close to the wearer's neck and sealing out any cold drafts that threaten to chill • Fully lined throughout with an extremely high-quality quilted lining made from Ruby-Red Satin Rayon Acetate, and quilted using a tight (3/4”) diamond pattern fabric to precisely match that found on the majority of vintage commercial “Bomber Jackets”

• Two hand-warmer exterior pockets lined with high-quality, brushed-cotton moleskin for warmth and comfort

• Two side-entry inside pockets for ample and secure stowage for all your personal items

• Custom manufacturing of the correct two-ply, worsted-wool cuffs and waist skirt in medium brown, with cuffs correctly graduating from a wider weave into a more narrow weave, exactly matching those found on vintage commercial “Bomber Jackets” of the era.

Sizes available: 36-48 regular. Long and extra-long fittings available at no additional cost on custom order only.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.   Imported from England    

Not since the grand days of Gamages of London have such fine examples of vintage motoring/flying apparel been made available. These barnstormer-style coats have been received by both the vintage motoring and flying fraternity as the epitome of fine vintage motoring/flying apparel. If you are looking for the last word in quality, check this out! Made from the finest-quality Italian Horsehide with wool lining, its stunning good looks are taken from period styling. At home not only in the vintage motoring environment but in any walk of contemporary life; the design subtly combines utility with sophistication.  

Sizes available: 36-48 regular.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.  

Imported from England  

Reservations are being accepted for future production.

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was a work relief program developed as part of FDR’s “New Deal” and established in 1933 under the Emergency Conservation Work Act.  The CCC was largely responsible for working on government outdoor projects, such as creating and maintaining national parks; many of the sites and trails we enjoy in the USA to this day in our national parks are directly attributed to the workers of the CCC. 

Although a civilian organization, CCC clothing was under direct responsibility of the U. S. Army Quartermaster, hence all contracts for clothing were procured and developed via the U. S. Army QM.  Buzz Rickson’s masterfully recreated this extraordinarily rare work coat from the days of The Great Depression (only a few examples of this coat are known to exist today in private collections and not even the U. S. Army Quartermaster museum owns such a coat).  It is noteworthy that a well-worn vintage example of this coat was outfitted on legendary actor James Stewart in the 1953 western film "The Naked Spur," where this classic style easily can be passed off as a style of the 1870's.  Buzz Rickson's is introducing again this classic design that is as handsome and durable as it was over 80 years ago. 

No expense was spared in re-creating this gem from the days of extreme hardship and challenge in American history. Buzz Rickson’s deftly recreated a heavy worsted-wool blanket-like fabric using vintage machinery to both loom and assemble this fabulous work coat, then the waistband, a style common in the 1930’s, was custom made of singe-ply cotton and elastic using special looms indigenous to the era, resulting in amazing clone-like authenticity that is further complemented by the authentic cat’s-eye urea buttons.

Warm and durable enough for most fall and winter outdoor activities, and uniquely styled with a shawl collar once so typical in outerwear of the “good old days,” this Buzz Rickson’s masterpiece is sure to serve you as well as it did those poor-yet-hardworking men of the CCC.  Please note these authentic features found only on a Buzz Rickson’s coat of this pedigree:

• Button-front closure
• Vintage-style shawl collar that can be extended well high onto the lower jaw and ear areas
• Custom manufacturing of vintage-style black urea cat’s-eye buttons
• Custom manufacturing of the correct heavy worsted-wool blanket-like fabric using vintage machinery
• The waistband is typical in design and construction to a style common in the 1930’s. These are woven of singe-ply cotton and elastic using special looms indigenous to the era and our reproduction has spared no expense in recreating this intricately unique waistband style, which includes utilizing the exact vintage looms that can generate this fabric to clone-like authenticity today
• Coat assembly using vintage sewing machinery
• Heavy bar tacks at upper pocket corners for extra strength at these key stress points
• Pocket flaps and interior cuffs on sleeve ends are backed with all-cotton black twill exactly as found on the original jacket style
• Exact copy of the original-style label found on the vintage coat now retained in the archives of Buzz Rickson’s. The label is woven with nomenclature printed in typical U. S. Army fashion. The contract is dated 1935 and clearly indicates the fact that the CCC was outfitted via the U. S. Army, as evidenced by the contract number beginning with “W-669-QM” (War Dept. Phila. Quartermaster), followed by “ECW-231” (Emergency Conservation Work contract 231).
• True vintage fit for flattering appearance, not a sloppy, relaxed fit with droopy shoulder seams
• DRY CLEAN ONLY

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

Buzz Rickson goods are imported from Japan

Last FEW Left!

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was a work-relief program developed as part of FDR’s “New Deal,” and established in 1933 under the Emergency Conservation Work Act.  The CCC was largely responsible for working on government outdoor projects, such as creating and maintaining national parks; many of the sites and trails we enjoy in the USA to this day in our national parks are directly attributed to the workers of the CCC.  Although a civilian organization, CCC clothing was under direct responsibility of the U. S. Army Quartermaster Corps, hence all contracts for clothing were procured and developed via the U. S. Army QMC.  

Original coats of this style were typically produced in U. S. Army Olive Drab wool, but a rare few were produced in navy blue, and so Buzz Rickson’s has elected to offer the rarest color on an extremely rare design.  This coat's design was one of noted popularity at the time, often called a double-Mackinaw due to the double layers of wool that cover the front chest and rear yoke and back, making this extra warm and extra durable in these areas.  Quality lives on in re-creating this gem from the days of extreme hardship and challenge in American history, and Buzz Rickson’s deftly recreated a beefy, 36-ounce melton-wool fabric using vintage machinery to both loom and assemble this fabulous work coat.  

Warm and durable enough for most fall and winter outdoor activities, and uniquely styled from the “good old days,” this Buzz Rickson’s masterpiece is sure to serve you as well as it did those poor-yet-hardworking men of the CCC.  Please note these authentic features found only on a Buzz Rickson’s coat of this pedigree:

• Button-front closure

• Unlined interior with cotton-twill binding tape on all exposed seams

• Custom manufacturing of vintage-style black urea buttons, not cheap plastic

• Custom manufacturing of the correct 36-ounce melton-wool fabric using vintage machinery, not modern projectile looms

• Coat assembly using vintage sewing machinery

• Exact copy of the original-style label found on the vintage coat now retained in the archives of Buzz Rickson’s. The label is woven with nomenclature printed in typical U. S. Army fashion. The contract is dated 1938, and clearly indicates the fact that the CCC was outfitted via the U. S. Army, as evidenced by the contract number beginning with “W-669-QM” (War Dept. Phila. Quartermaster)

• DRY CLEAN ONLY

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!

The iconic Duffel Coat is rooted in the history of the British Royal Navy in WWII.  The Royal Navy fought much of WWII in the frigid waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic, and it was the Duffel Coat that kept them warm, though it was British Army Field Marshall Bernard L. Montgomery, the subject of frequent photo ops wearing a camel-colored Duffel Coat in 1944-45, who launched this style to iconic proportions in WWII.  After the war, surplus coats were cheap and available, making them popular with students in the 1950's and 1960's, but thanks to "Monty," the popularity of the style outpaced surplus stocks and several civilian manufacturers began producing similar versions of Duffel Coats, often with plaid linings, and sometimes in shorter lengths. A commercial copy of the Duffel Coat was even worn in the early 1960's by the charismatic American president John F. Kennedy, but it is genuine, Royal Navy-issue Duffel Coats that can be seen worn by movie stars in some classic films that include Bernard Lee in Dunkirk, Anthony Steel in The Sea Shall Not Have Them, and Gregory Peck and David Niven in The Guns of Navarone, naming just a few. 

Buzz Rickson brand has resurrected a WWII Royal Navy version of the Duffel Coat in its original, full length, made from 34-ounce Melton Wool and correctly unlined, replete with the double-thickness reinforced shoulders and original closure of three toggle ropes. The design is very simple, yet it is its functional simplicity that makes it so appealing.  Intended for winter conditions with no thought to fashion, these coats continue to amaze us in their original form, being made in both camel and navy blue colors, but camel was more widely produced and, of course, more iconic because camel is what was worn by Monty and JFK.  The design is full and roomy, which allows for layering to suit one's needs and climates.

The Duffel Coat never goes out of style, especially when the original version that started the look is copied to a tee, and it looks fantastic when worn with a roll-neck RAF sweater (available on this website) or fisherman-style sweater.  Please note these details and features found on this Buzz Rickson's masterpiece:

• Rope-with-wooden-toggle-button closure
• Custom manufacturing of genuine urea buttons, not cheap plastic
• Custom manufacturing of the correct 34-ounce Melton wool using vintage machinery
• Unlined interior
• Assembly using vintage sewing machines
• Double-thickness reinforcing to shoulders
• Double-thickness overlapping frontal closure
• Integral hood with throat latch and buttons
• Adjustment tabs on wrists to keep out chilling winds
• Herringbone-twill cotton stays on coat bottom sides for securing the coat to one's legs in harsh weather
• Two open-top exterior pockets
• Vintage-style labeling 
• DRY CLEAN ONLY

Even sizes 36-42 Regular.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

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

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

Last FEW left priced for clearance liquidation to make room for new items.  All are new, unworn, and complete with factory warranty.  Clearance pricing applies ONLY to sizes and colors in stock at our New Jersey facility:  $780.00 off regular retail price of $1, 675.00!!!  No refunds will be given on clearance items, but returns are allowed for exchange credit toward any items and/or services we offer with no expiration date on credit.

Inspired by classic, vintage leather jackets of the 1930's – ‘50's, the ELMC Californian is a style that was often associated with motorcycle riding, being rugged, durable, light weight, easy to wear, and sleekly tailored.

Lovingly crafted by leather artisans on the bench one jacket at time, with each panel cut by hand versus stack cutting by machinery, the ELMC Californian leather half-belt jacket is a throwback to an era where quality was king.

Adding to the vintage aesthetic and comfort found in this style is a hand-applied light treatment of vintage patina – just enough so that the leather looks slightly broken-in for both a rugged look and lived-in comfort.

This is not a leather jacket to be found in malls or department stores – it’s a leather jacket of extreme distinction to last a lifetime and beyond. And with factory repair services available for the parts subject to normal wear such as linings, zippers, buttons, etc., your investment in both history and style can be refurbished to original spec. – there’s nothing disposable about an ELMC leather jacket!

Each example is also outfitted with all the vintage detailing one could hope for, which includes:

• Premium, imported Italian horsehide conforming to 3 ounces in weight, fully vegetable tanned and aniline dyed, with a full grain of rivulets and valleys that yields all the character typically associated with old-school, vintage leather jackets

• Fully lined with 100% rayon acetate for easy sliding on and off

• Assembly with 4-ply, heavy-gauge, all-cotton thread

• Vintage-style Corozo cat’s-eye buttons at cuff opening that provide two-position adjustment

• Bi-swing action back for greater range of motion

• Half-belt design with adjusting buckles at waist

• Hard-wearing, all-cotton drill cloth used in pocket lings

• Vintage-style, matte-finish, nickel-plated metal zippers on pocket and center front

• Two hand-warmer pockets

• Vintage-style union label in pocket

• Vintage-style labels in lining woven on vintage shuttle looms

Sizes available: 36-46 regular, long, and extra long. Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Made in Great Britain

Last FEW left priced for clearance liquidation to make room for new items.  All are new, unworn, and complete with factory warranty.  Clearance pricing applies ONLY to sizes and colors in stock at our New Jersey facility:  $780.00 off regular retail price of $1, 675.00!!!  No refunds will be given on clearance items, but returns are allowed for exchange credit toward any items and/or services we offer with no expiration date on credit.

Inspired by classic, vintage leather jackets of the 1930's – ‘50's, the ELMC Californian is a style that was often associated with motorcycle riding, being rugged, durable, light weight, easy to wear, and sleekly tailored.

Lovingly crafted by leather artisans on the bench one jacket at time, with each panel cut by hand versus stack cutting by machinery, the ELMC Californian leather half-belt jacket is a throwback to an era where quality was king.

Adding to the vintage aesthetic and comfort found in this style is a hand-applied light treatment of vintage patina – just enough so that the leather looks slightly broken-in for both a rugged look and lived-in comfort.

This is not a leather jacket to be found in malls or department stores – it’s a leather jacket of extreme distinction to last a lifetime and beyond. And with factory repair services available for the parts subject to normal wear such as linings, zippers, buttons, etc., your investment in both history and style can be refurbished to original spec. – there’s nothing disposable about an ELMC leather jacket!

Each example is also outfitted with all the vintage detailing one could hope for, which includes:

• Premium, imported Italian horsehide conforming to 3 ounces in weight, fully vegetable tanned and aniline dyed, with a full grain of rivulets and valleys that yields all the character typically associated with old-school, vintage leather jackets

• Fully lined with 100% rayon acetate for easy sliding on and off

• Assembly with 4-ply, heavy-gauge, all-cotton thread

• Vintage-style Corozo cat’s-eye buttons at cuff opening that provide two-position adjustment

• Bi-swing action back for greater range of motion

• Half-belt design with adjusting buckles at waist

• Hard-wearing, all-cotton drill cloth used in pocket lings

• Vintage-style, matte-finish, nickel-plated metal zippers on pocket and center front

• Two hand-warmer pockets

• Vintage-style union label in pocket

• Vintage-style labels in lining woven on vintage shuttle looms

Sizes available: 36-46 regular, long, and extra long. Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Made in Great Britain