Air Comfort 1950s Commercial Bomber Jacket
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
Gift Certificates Available
*Price includes
U. S. customs duty,
processing fees, currency-
conversion fees and
shipping & insurance from
the manufacturer to the USA.
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Brooklands Motoring/Flying Coat
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
Gift Certificates Available
*Price includes
U. S. customs duty,
processing fees, currency-
conversion fees and
shipping & insurance from
the manufacturer to the USA.
Click for Information and Photos
Buzz Rickson 1930’s CCC Coat, Civilian Worker
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
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Buzz Rickson 1930’s CCC Mackinaw Coat
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
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Buzz Rickson 1st-Model U. S. Army Tanker Jacket 1941
Officially designated on 10 February 1941 by the U. S. Army Quartermaster as JACKET, WINTER, COMBAT, P. Q. D. Spec. No. 26, this jacket was destined to become one of the most popular articles of clothing used by the G. I. in World War II, and was to gain post-war Hollywood film fame when worn by actor Brad Pitt in the 2014 release of "Fury."
The jacket formed part of a three-piece suit, including a matching helmet and bib-front trousers; this set was intended to be a winter suit for the Armored Forces of the U. S. Army, hence the jacket’s nickname that would make it famous – Tanker Jacket.
First-model jackets of P. Q. D. Spec. No. 26 featured open-top patch pockets and a double-faced cotton twill wind flap behind the zip closure, which was later replaced with a wool-backed wind flap. The revised Spec. No. 26A jackets are easily distinguished from first-model Spec. 26 jackets by having cotton-lined slash pockets and maintaining the wool-backed wind flap that appeared on later Spec. 26 jackets. While the Spec. 26A jackets were the most typical and dominant in production and use in WWII, the first-model Tanker Jackets of Spec. 26 are, by comparison, more unique looking, they have more history, having seen combat first in N. Africa as worn by the vanguard tankers of the 1st and 2nd Armored Divisions and even General George S. Patton, Jr., and they soldiered on in combat right up to the end of the war in 1945. Usage of the Tanker Jacket, however, far transcended the Armored Forces. The inherent stylish good looks, comfort, practicality and warmth of the Tanker Jacket made it a favorite among all troops; officers very commonly sought and wore the Tanker Jacket.
The basic jacket has been copied many times over in a variety of civilian jacket styles since its original issue to the U. S. Army in 1941 – a true testament to the timeless, classic styling and practicality of the original design. Today, a vintage first-model Tanker Jacket from WWII in a wearable size and condition will command a substantial four-figure price in the collector market, if you can even find one.
This Buzz Rickson’s 1941 Tanker Jacket has only been resurrected from its multi-year hiatus since 2014 with the popularity of Brad Pitt’s “War Daddy” character in the film “Fury.” The Buzz Rickson's 1941 Tanker Jacket superbly captures all of the features found on a vintage original examples and is even used by museums for displays due to the extreme scarcity and high price of the original jackets from WWII. Take note of these authentic features masterfully crafted into every Buzz Rickson's 1941 Tanker Jacket - things you'll only find poorly imitated on lesser "knockoffs":
• Precise copy of original U. S. Army Quartermaster label design
• Custom manufacturing of the correct twelve-ounce, cotton-twill shell to precisely match 1941 US Army specs. and dyed a correct shade of Olive Drab #3
• Cotton-thread construction
• Custom manufacturing of the correct, Olive Drab, blanket-wool lining to precisely match 1941 US Army specs.
• Two unlined patch pockets
• Vintage-style 1941 brass “Conmatic” zipper. YES, the zipper commonly found on original WWII Tanker Jackets - an amazing and valuable feature found on no other Tanker Jacket copies on the market today!
• Blanket wool-backed wind flap protector located behind zipper closure
• Custom manufacturing of the correct, two-ply, worsted wool-knit collar, cuffs and waist skirt in Olive Drab
• Double-pleated bi-swing action back
Even-numbered sizes: 36-44 regular. Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.
Buzz Rickson’s goods are imported from Japan
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Buzz Rickson A-2 Intermediate Deck Jacket, U. S. Navy 1960’s
A sailor’s duties are very often performed in the most challenging and harsh weather conditions while at sea, thus clothing needed to be durable, warm and functional. Winter jackets, commonly referred to as “Deck Jackets,” became the most cherished clothing articles of sailors and among collectors today. Starting in late 1943 and continuing into the early 1960's, the iconic N-1 Deck Jacket design was the mainstay for intermediate use in the U. S. Navy, but beginning in the early 1960's and continuing well into the 1970's, the A-2 Deck Jacket took over.
The A-2 Deck Jacket remains a well-designed, functional, utilitarian garment possessing rugged good looks. The A-2 Deck Jacket did away with the animal hair used in the lining of the N-1 design and incorporated a new nylon pile that was equally warm, yet lighter in weight and very soft and comfortable for those with skin sensitivities. Other changes included a new exterior cotton fabric in dark-shade olive drab that was also lighter in weight, yet just as durable as the corded-cotton shell of the N-1 style, the addition of a single snap-down chest pocket, and belt adjusters at the hips to keep out chilling winds. The hidden knit cuffs of the N-1 were retained, as this feature worked extremely well at both blocking wind from rushing up inside the sleeves and in protecting the vulnerable knit from snags and tears that were all but eliminated vs. jacket styles with exposed knit parts.
Buzz Rickson's, as usual, has spared no expense and again recreated a classic jacket style as if it had to pass U. S. Navy standardized testing, which includes custom manufacturing all component parts to the original specs. using now-outdated vintage machinery. It is Buzz Rickson's attention to detail and historical purity that separates a true uniform item intended to function in adverse, challenging conditions from a costume possessing only basic characteristics of resemblance to the original item: the U. S. military wears uniforms, while trick-or-treaters wear costumes.
Please note these authentic features found only on a Buzz Rickson's masterpiece and original-issue A-2 Deck Jackets of the USN:
- Exact copy of original USN contract label design printed on cotton fabric
- Custom manufacturing of the correct, heavyweight cotton outer shell (almost like canvas) to precisely match USN specs. and dyed dark-shade olive drab
- Cotton-thread construction
- Genuine Navy-spec. urea buttons, not cheap plastic
- Custom manufacturing of the correct, double-faced, nylon-boa lining for a perfect ratio of warmth to weight following USN specs.
- Two external slash pockets
- One snap-down chest pocket
- Reinforcing stitching on collar back with heavy interlining throughout collar
- A meticulous copy of a late 1950's Comar zipper in brass has been custom made at extreme expense, precisely matching vintage examples, including all-cotton zipper tape that is folded and glued at the base with no plastic or heat sealing; a leather Navy-spec. pull fob is attached for easy function while wearing gloves
- Button-front wind flap protector located in front of zipper closure
- Custom manufacturing of the correct, two-ply, worsted wool-knit cuffs in hidden up inside the sleeves to protect from wear
- Heavy-duty, all-cotton web adjusting belts with oxide-coated metal buckles at jacket hem sides to seal out the wind
Sizes Small - XXL. Please do NOT attempt to guess at sizing; please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.
Imported from Japan
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Buzz Rickson B-15 Flying Jacket, USAAF Rough Wear Clothing Co.
The U. S. Army Air Force Type B-15 Intermediate Flight Jacket was developed from lessons learned in field use of the highly popular B-10 Flight Jacket of 1943. As early as 1942, the Materiel Division of the US Army Air Forces was seeking an alternative material to sheepskin for producing flying suits, and by October of that same year development had begun at Wright Field on the Intermediate Flying Jacket, Type B-10. Originally constructed of an outer shell made from a fine, cotton twill, and lined with an alpaca-and-wool pile lining, the B-10 Flight Jacket was standardized on July 22,1943, though it was superseded less than 9 months later by the B-15 Flight Jacket. Both the B-10 and B-15 Flight Jackets were designed as replacements for the sheepskin flight jackets of the 1930s and early 1940s, and represented the first cloth-shelled, alpaca fur-lined flight jackets of the USAAF.
These flight jackets were an instant success with just about every aviator who encountered one, being much lighter and more versatile than the flight jackets they replaced. Intended for wear in climates between 25 degrees and 55 degrees Fahrenheit, the B-15 Flight Jacket was ideally suited for early spring and late fall and winter.
Buzz Rickson's brand has reproduced the B-15 Flight Jacket in exacting detail, based on those once produced for the AAF by the Rough Wear Clothing Co., and Buzz Rickson's heavy, cotton twill fabric is never to be confused with the cheap, flimsy fabrics used by lesser manufacturers to produce so-called vintage reproduction USAAF flying jackets. In fact, the only other flying jackets in the world today made from this fabric are those original vintage examples of the USAAF!
This B-15 Flying Jacket correctly captures all the nuances found on original vintage B-15 Flight Jackets made by the Rough Wear Clothing Co., making this product virtually indistinguishable from an original vintage example of the USAAF. Take note of these authentic features:
• Copy of original maker’s label design produced on a vintage shuttle loom
• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave Olive Drab cotton twill outer shell to precisely match original specs.
• Correct USAAF-spec. inner lining of warm, double-faced alpaca-and-wool blend. We cannot say too much about the use of the original, double-faced alpaca, which is what provides the warmth associated with the vintage jackets and requires vintage machinery found in Japan; at best, single-faced alpaca is present on cheaper look-alike costume-grade jackets and Buzz Rickson's does not make costumes.
• Gorgeous, plush, genuine mouton-fur collar with fur-padded button tab closure dyed to rich, deep-toned cognac brown
• Two snap-down exterior pockets lined with warm off-white shade corduroy precisely matching 1944 USAAF specs.
• Two snap-down interior pockets lined with heavy all-cotton drill fabric precisely matching 1944 USAAF specs.
• Authentic copy of a Talon zipper with blackened finish on jacket front, with cool-looking, contrasting tan-colored zip tape made of all-cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton
• Correct USAAF spec. leather pull tabs on zipper
• Custom manufacturing of the correct, all-wool knit cuffs and waist skirt in Olive Drab
• USAAF insignia transfer on left sleeve and wind flap behind zipper
• Assembly with all-cotton thread on vintage sewing machines
Sizes: 36-44 Regular. Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.
Imported from Japan
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Buzz Rickson Duffel Coat, Camel
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
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Buzz Rickson G-1 Flying Jacket, U. S. Navy 55-J-14 , A. Pritzker & Sons, Inc.
Buzz Rickson's brand is world renowned for producing truly standout copies of the famous G-1 Flying Jacket, but this new example elevates their reputation to levels so spectacular, we are left fully bereft of adequate words to describe it.
This offering is a meticulous copy of a G-1 Flying Jacket produced under the first G-1 Flying Jacket spec. from 1947 (spec. 55-J-14), duplicating the typical jackets produced by A. Pritzker & Sons, Inc., a civilian contractor to the U. S. Navy. No detail has been overlooked by Buzz Rickson's brand, 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 late 1940's; however, it is the fit, taken directly from vintage U. S. Navy specs., and the sumptuous, Merino sheepskin collar and grade-one goatskin that, along with this jacket's many other parts, combine to make this nothing less than wearable history recreated.
The goatskin is positively striking in every way. The leather weight comes in at a robust 3-ounces per square foot and is fully vegetable tanned, rich with heavy grain, and dyed only on the surface with full-pigment dyes. The leather is not at all stiff or overly heavy, but it is plump and firm, and fully unlike the heavily processed, chrome-tanned goatskin so commonly found in mainstream jackets. Surface dying is how the original 55-J-14's were dyed, which means this 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. And we cannot say enough good about the look of this leather: the coloring of the dye used and its attendant finish are simply the most like a new-condition, vintage 55-J-14 as any we have ever seen! Other copies of the 55-J-14 G-1 Jackets, even from top manufacturers, typically can be much too dark in color, too shiny, or too matte in appearance, and the shade of brown is just never right where it needs to be - until NOW! Even the top aficionados of the 55-J-14 G-1 Flying Jackets will be duly impressed with what Buzz Rickson brand has achieved with this goatskin leather.
Beyond the industry-leading leather quality and character, beyond the clone-like color and finish type, and beyond the supreme comfort and flattery of the genuine U. S. Navy fit, is the mind-blowing rayon lining and fur collar. Buzz Rickson's brand has always had their heavyweight rayon acetate lining custom made to match Navy-spec. rayon fabric in weight, appearance, and hand, but because the coloring of the lining of a 55-J-14 made by A. Pritzker & Sons is so unique among other contractors of the 55-J-14's, the lining on this example is especially noteworthy - the color, weave, and weight just hit you as something only seen on a vintage example - it both looks and feels just as a 55-J-14 made by A. Pritzker & Sons in the late 1940's did!
Merino sheepskin is something Buzz Rickson has tweaked to perfection for at least the last 4 years. Somewhere, the Buzz Rickson brand has located a tannery that seems to generate Merino sheepskin as if it had been genetically engineered to match the mind's fantasy of ideals: The sheepskin used on the collars of these G-1 jackets is nothing short of mouth-watering, sumptuous, mega-plush, half-inch genuine Merino sheepskin that is just not of this Earth!
Final touches that take this G-1 Flying Jacket into the heavens include the reproduction of a blackened-metal, late-1940's Conmar zipper, genuine urea buttons (never incorrect, cheap plastic), and a copy of the A. Pritzker & Sons, Inc. label woven on vintage shuttle looms. The sum of all the many parts is an heirloom, clone-like jacket that fits like a dream, and which 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 55-J-14 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 A. Pritzker & Sons, Inc., woven label produced on a vintage shuttle loom, not modern projectile looms
- Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave rayon acetate lining dyed to match the purple-like brown shade associated with 55-J-14's made by A. Pritzker & Sons
- Custom manufacturing of the correct two-ply, Navy-spec., worsted-wool cuffs with the narrow weave graduating into the wider weave at top, dyed medium brown to match what is commonly seen on 55-J-14's made by A. Pritzker & Sons
- Custom manufacturing of the correct single-ply, bi-directional, Navy-spec., worsted-wool waistband, dyed medium brown to match what is commonly seen on 55-J-14's made by A. Pritzker & Sons
- Two button-down exterior pockets lined with all-cotton twill precisely matching 1940's USN specs
- 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, 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-Merino sheepskin collar with backing leather correctly reinforced with trapunto stitching to maintain collar shape and help keep collar up when the need arises. The "USN" stencil is correctly applied in off-white paint to the collar back in a font style precisely matching that found on 55-J-14's manufactured by A. Pritzker & Sons.
- Sumptuous, vegetable-tanned, 3-ounce, heavy-grained 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 55-J-14 G-1, and it precisely matches the correct shade of brown and finish found on 55-J-14's once made by A. Pritzker & Sons; 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 1940's-'50's
- Genuine urea buttons, not incorrect, cheap plastic
- 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
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