The M422A flight jacket spec. of WWII evolved into the 55-J-14 G-1 flight jacket in 1947 (no G-1 flight jackets existed before 1947). We chose this G-1 flight jacket version as the one to copy (spec. 55-J-14), not only because it's the oldest, thus having more “vintage” appeal, but it also had a true combat application, seeing service in the Korean War. The G-1 flight jacket went through several more spec. changes before arriving at the current G-1 flight jacket spec. of today (7823E), but the basic design hasn't changed all that much, just the fine details. The 55-J-14, however, was certainly the best quality; the caliber of materials seems to decline with the passage of time.

Our G-1 flight jacket is made of the same unparalleled goatskin as our M422A, but in the correct very dark brown color associated with the G-1 flight jacket. Other authentic features include: bi-swing pleated back, armpit gussets, side seams vs. wraparound kidney seams of the M-422A flight jacket, one interior and two exterior pockets lined in 100% cotton twill, pure mouton fur collar more blunted in shape than M-422A, “USN” stencil painted in off-white behind collar, rayon satin lining in purple-brown color, 100% wool cuffs and bi-directional waistband, pen slot in left pocket, authentic woven label and reproduction, nickel-plated, 1940's Talon zip. This G-1 flight jacket is a true classic, born from a time when propeller-driven Corsairs and turbine-powered Banshees roared off the same flight decks!

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

Imported from England

This flight jacket was standardized as the M-422 spec. by the US Navy in March of 1940, after which the design went through several spec. revisions, culminating as the AN-J-3A flight jacket in October of 1943. The M-422A spec. was the most widely produced of all the USN intermediate leather flight jackets of the 1940's, seeing action in every battle that USN/USMC aviators took part in: from U-Boat hunting in the Atlantic and invasion patrols on D-Day, to the decisive Pacific engagements at Midway, Guadalcanal and the “Marianas Turkey Shoot.” A testament to the good looks and great function of this flight jacket design is that, with only subtle changes, it continues to be issued to USN airmen right up to the present day - now known as the G-1.

We have chosen to reproduce the M-422A flight jacket introduced in October 1940, specifically copying those jackets once produced by an original manufacturer, Gordon & Ferguson, in a 1941 contract. This flight jacket matches every nuance of detail found on the finest original examples: absolutely unsurpassed, heavy, sumptuous vegetable-tanned, medium-brown goatskin in 3-ounce weight, with a character-rich, course pebbled grain found only on old originals and ours; 100% worsted-wool cuffs and waistband, the latter in the correct bi-directional weave; pure mouton fur collar and leather throat latch; one interior and both outer pockets lined in all-cotton twill; rayon satin lining in the correct burgundy color; stenciled “USN” marking behind collar in silver paint; authentic woven label; bi-swing pleated back for ease of movement; armpit gussets; asymmetrical left pocket with pen holder and a reproduction 1942 nickel-plated Talon zip. Let our M-422A flight jacket catapult you into U. S. Navy history!

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

Imported from England