This A-2 Flight Jacket was derived as an outgrowth of our work on a major cinematic film production.  We were the official screen-credited suppliers of the flight jackets (and other associated apparel) to the 2001 blockbuster movie Pearl Harbor, and we are proud to offer this special-edition “Time Worn” Pearl Harbor A-2 Flight Jacket.

“Time Wear” is an authentic-looking, aged finish applied by hand, and it was during production of the film jackets that we developed this special process. We refer to this model A-2 as the “Pearl Harbor,” because it was precisely this specification A-2 that we supplied for the film: A standard-edition A-2 with the pre-war collar and an “aged” appearance – “Time Worn.”

The film company didn’t have the time and manpower to generate “aged” jackets quickly enough in the quantity they purchased from us, so they asked if we could do this work as part of the volume of jackets they purchased. “Time Wear” is a process that has been honed over the years, where now we can produce an extremely authentic-looking aged garment.

Made from high-quality, vegetable-tanned horse hide, this model A-2 is available in a choice of two shades of brown: American Walnut and the slightly lighter Havana Brown. It comes delivered to you with a rugged, broken-grain, vintage appearance – the type appreciated on so many of those original A-2s we so dearly love. Take note of these authentic features:

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

• All-cotton dark medium-brown thread construction as found on many A-2 flying jackets originally produced in the 1940s

• Correct USAAF spec. 3-ounce weight, vegetable-tanned horse hide outer shell dyed in the aniline process and hand aged

• Single-piece back construction

• Collar assembly with leather stand, exactly as found on the pre-1942 A-2s

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave all-cotton, inner-lining fabric to precisely match 1940s USAAF specs. and dyed in the rust-brown shade found on the majority of original vintage A-2s

• Metal collar clip custom manufactured to the original USAAF spec. and finished in correct semi-matte nickel plating

• Custom manufacture of the typical ball-and-socket-style press studs located on pockets and collar ends, exactly duplicating the smaller (collar-size) and larger (pocket-size) found on the majority of original vintage A-2s

• Shoulder straps typifying the shape, size and stitch style found on original vintage A-2s

• Two snap-down exterior pockets with stitching and pocket flap configuration typifying the style found on many original vintage A-2s

• Snap-down collar typifying the shape, size and stitch style found on many original A-2s made in the 1940s

• Exact copy of the 1940s spring-loaded CROWN zipper in matte nickel finish with zip tape made of 100% cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton, and tape ends rolled and glued at base exactly as found on the original 1940s zippers

• USAAF authentic inspector’s ink stamping on cotton lining

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, two-ply, all-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 original vintage A-2s

• Heavy leather hanging loop correctly sewn directly through the jacket lining and outer leather shell using a box stitch

• White cotton label located in pocket, exactly matching those found on most original vintage A-2s

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.

CROWN is a registered trademark in the USA of History Preservation Associates.

Imported from England

The A-2 Flight Jacket was standardized by the U. S. Army Air Corps in 1931, being the direct descendant of the A-1 Jacket from 1927. The A-2 Jacket experienced several spec. changes during its small production quantities of the pre-war years before culminating in the final variant that was the subject of the largest production runs during the 1942-44 period of WWII. Immediate popularity followed the A-2, becoming as much a cherished icon of the U. S. Army aviator as his silver wings.

We have reproduced the A-2 Flying Jacket in exacting detail. The Standard- Edition A-2 represents the wartime A-2 in its most typical form without copying any specific contractor or contract. Features such as pocket contour, knit or lining color and epaulet style, while authentic, have been homogenized from various original jacket contracts.  All hides are vegetable tanned, a process you'll find on original A-2s and ours, giving them that full-bodied, sumptuous feel. In every way, simply the best you'll find - an heirloom for sure!

Our total use of custom-made components throughout every garment’s production and design to precisely match 1940’s specs. is not to be confused with the vastly cheaper and inaccurate use of stock components employed by lesser manufacturers to produce so-called vintage reproduction USAAF flying jackets. In fact, the only other leather flying jackets in the world today assembled with components like those found on an Eastman are the original vintage examples of the USAAF from the 1940’s. This A-2 Flying Jacket is a Standard Edition, correctly capturing all the nuances that typify A-2s produced during the 1942-44 years, 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

• All-cotton dark medium-brown thread construction as found on many A-2 flying jackets originally produced in the 1940s

• Correct USAAF spec. 3-ounce weight, vegetable-tanned horsehide outer shell dyed in the semi-aniline process

• Single-piece back construction

• Collar assembly following the simplified style adopted for the mass production of 1942-44, exactly as found on the majority of vintage A-2s originally produced during WWII

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave all-cotton, inner-lining fabric to precisely match 1940’s USAAF specs. and dyed in the rust-brown shade found on the majority of original vintage A-2s

• Metal collar clip custom manufactured to the original USAAF spec. and finished in correct semi-matte nickel plating

• Custom manufacture of the typical ball-and-socket-style press studs located on pockets and collar ends, exactly duplicating the smaller (collar-size) and larger (pocket-size) found on the majority of original vintage A-2s

• Shoulder straps typifying the shape, size and stitch style found on original vintage A-2s

• Two snap-down exterior pockets with stitching and pocket flap configuration typifying the style found on many original vintage A-2s

• Snap-down collar typifying the shape, size and stitch style found on many original A-2s made in the 1940s

• Exact copy of the 1940’s spring-loaded CROWN zipper in matte nickel finish with zip tape made of 100% cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton, and tape ends rolled and glued at base exactly as found on the original 1940’s zippers

• USAAF authentic inspector’s ink stamping on cotton lining

• Custom manufacturing of the correct two-ply, worsted-wool knit 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 original vintage A-2s

• Heavy leather hanging loop correctly sewn directly through the jacket lining and outer leather shell using a box stitch

• Cotton label (with printed text indicating size and lot number) located in pocket, exactly matching those found on most original vintage A-2s

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.

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

Imported from England

The A-2 Flight Jacket was standardized by the U. S. Army Air Corps in 1931, being the direct descendant of the A-1 Jacket from 1927. The A-2 Jacket experienced several spec. changes during its small production quantities of the pre-war years before culminating in the final variant that was the subject of the largest production runs during the 1942-44 period of WWII. Immediate popularity followed the A-2, becoming as much a cherished icon of the U. S. Army aviator as his silver wings.

We have reproduced the A-2 Flying Jacket in exacting detail. This Standard- Edition A-2 represents the wartime A-2 in its most typical form without copying any specific contractor or contract. Features such as pocket contour, knit or lining color and epaulet style, while authentic, have been homogenized from various original jacket contracts. We offer a choice of two original leathers: horsehide or goatskin, dyed in two shades of brown: Havana or Seal. All hides are vegetable tanned, a process you'll find on original A-2s and ours, giving them that full-bodied, sumptuous feel. In every way, simply the best you'll find - an heirloom for sure!

Our total use of custom-made components throughout every garment’s production and design to precisely match 1940s specs. is not to be confused with the vastly cheaper and inaccurate use of stock components employed by lesser manufacturers to produce so-called vintage reproduction USAAF flying jackets. In fact, the only other leather flying jackets in the world today assembled with components like those found on an Eastman are the original vintage examples of the USAAF from the 1940s. This A-2 Flying Jacket is a Standard Edition, correctly capturing all the nuances that typify A-2s produced during the 1942-44 years, making this product virtually indistinguishable from an original vintage example of the USAAF. Take note of these authentic features:

• Copy of original-style contract label produced on a vintage shuttle loom

• All-cotton dark medium-brown thread construction as found on many A-2 flying jackets originally produced in the 1940s

• Correct USAAF spec. 3-ounce weight, vegetable-tanned horsehide outer shell dyed in the semi-aniline process

• Single-piece back construction

• Collar assembly following the simplified style adopted for the mass production of 1942-44, exactly as found on the majority of vintage A-2s originally produced during WWII

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave all-cotton, inner-lining fabric to precisely match 1940s USAAF specs. and dyed in the rust-brown shade found on the majority of original vintage A-2s

• Metal collar clip custom manufactured to the original USAAF spec. and finished in correct semi-matte nickel plating

• Custom manufacture of the typical ball-and-socket-style press studs located on pockets and collar ends, exactly duplicating the smaller (collar-size) and larger (pocket-size) found on the majority of original vintage A-2s

• Shoulder straps typifying the shape, size and stitch style found on original vintage A-2s

• Two snap-down exterior pockets with stitching and pocket flap configuration typifying the style found on many original vintage A-2s

• Snap-down collar typifying the shape, size and stitch style found on many original A-2s made in the 1940s

• Exact copy of the 1940’s spring-loaded CROWN zipper in matte nickel finish with zip tape made of 100% cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton, and tape ends rolled and glued at base exactly as found on the original 1940s zippers

• USAAF authentic inspector’s ink stamping on cotton lining

• Custom manufacturing of the correct two-ply, all-wool knit 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 original vintage A-2s

• Heavy leather hanging loop correctly sewn directly through the jacket lining and outer leather shell using a box stitch

• Cotton label (with printed text indicating size and lot number) located in pocket, exactly matching those found on most original vintage A-2s

Sizes available: 36-48 regular. Long and extra-long fittings available at no additional cost on special order only.

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

Imported from England

Standardized on May 29th 1931 as the regulation Army Air Corps summer flight jacket, the Type A-2 Jacket was produced up until the middle of 1944 and saw service until the end of the war and beyond.

Throughout its 13 years of production a multitude of companies were involved in its manufacture. Although having the same specifications to work from, each manufacturer had their own house style, and thus slight variations exist between them.

As a company that specializes in reproducing this particular style, one will notice we offer several different models of the A-2 in our range, each of them emulating, in some way or another, all the subtle differences that can be found on originals. Some are direct reproductions of actual makers (which can be found in our 'Original-Maker' category), and others, such as the model displayed here, are of our own branded design and produced to our own house style.

Cut and shape vary between originals jackets, offering slightly different fits, respectively. The model offered here is one that will appeal to those who prefer the slimmest of fits in this regard. The 'Eastman A-2 Slender' is slightly narrower in the trunk and sleeve circumference than any of our other models, providing a leaner-looking garment that lends itself very well to the contemporary silhouette while maintaining total authenticity in all other areas.

Made from a stunning, vegetable-tanned, supple horse hide, in a Seal-Brown shade with plenty of grain, it is produced exactly to all the official military specs expected from a high-end reproduction of this genre.

Available in sizes: 36 – 44. Long and extra-long fittings available at no additional cost on special order only.  Please note that this style is extremely trim and is best suited for lean, youthful builds; some individuals will not be able to comfortably wear this A-2 style at all.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

The Eastman A-2 Slender has made its debut appearance in the short-film music video 'TIME TO DANCE' by 'THE SHOES' starring Jake Gyllenhaal. See the official video on YouTube at this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pt9wnawn7xQ

Flying at frigid high altitudes called for a special item of clothing to keep American airmen warm. The Army Air Corps designed the A-3 Flying Trousers, companion item to the B-3 Flying Jacket, with this exact purpose in mind. A-3 Flying Trousers were actually ordered by the Army Air Force with the B-3 Flight Jacket as a two-piece suit, not as a separate item; for every B-3 Flight Jacket that was made, there was a respective pair of A-3 Trousers. Constructed from the same materials as the jacket, they were designed to be worn with the B-3 Flight Jacket in extremely low temperatures.

Eastman Leather decided to recreate Army Air force history and make available, once again, the Type A-3 Winter Flying Trousers for the flying clothing enthusiast. Lovingly crafted with deft precision from high-quality North American sheepskin, these A-3s match the original item to the finest detail, including authentic zippers that run the entire length of the leg. Since these represent wartime A-3s, they are dyed dark brown on vegetable-tanned sheepskin, fully trimmed with Havana Brown Horsehide (Seal Brown Horsehide by request), authentic A-3 woven label, correct-width all-cotton webbing suspenders that have the authentic white underside, and reproduction 1942 nickel-plated Talon zippers, all of which make these another must for your flying-gear collection. Interestingly, A-3 Trousers actually require a greater square footage of sheepskin material to produce than a jacket, so they are priced accordingly, but we've endeavored to keep these as affordable as possible.

Available in sizes: 38 - 46.  Custom order only.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from England

Designed as a replacement for the USAAF B-3 Flight Jacket in 1942, the AN-J-4 Flight Jacket didn’t see production until late 1943. Based on the U. S. Navy’s M-445 Flight Jacket, the AN-J-4 Flight Jacket was further improved by Army standards, though acceptable for both branches, hence the designation “AN” (Army/Navy), with the letter “J” representing jacket and the numeral “4” indicating this as the fourth jacket type designated for use by both branches of service. During the wartime production, no less than three versions of this flight jacket were produced; after 25 years of making the final variant with snaps on the pockets, we now are offering the 2nd version noted for the following features: Buttons on the pocket flaps and throat-latch, raised zip with 'turn-away' triangular leather fob, pencil aperture on topside of left pocket flap, and raw-edge backing to pocket flaps.

The AN-J-4 Flight Jacket was the most durable and comfortable of sheepskin flight jackets, and no expense was spared in its construction, making this the omega of its type. Extensive horsehide reinforcements are everywhere, and each seam is double-stitched on top; both features providing added strength and durability to virtually any area wear might occur.

Crafted from the same color and weight sheepskin as our Eastman standard B-3 Flight Jacket, the collar is larger than on a B-3 Flight Jacket, with a wide, button-down throat latch for extra insulation. Other features include: wool wristlets inside the cuff to keep out drafts, rayon satin lining inside pockets and arm gussets, ventilated arm gussets, waist adjuster belts, seal brown horsehide reinforcements on collar back, cuffs, waist, arms, zipper, arm gussets and wind flap, button-down pocket flaps, authentic woven label, and one-piece back to ensure the minimum amount of stress in this area. The definitive copy of the most perfect sheepskin flying jacket in the AAF flying clothing inventory; you won’t wear this one out!

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

This is classic USAAF high-altitude bomber crew jacket of WWII – the type B-3 Flight Jacket! Inspired by the RAF Aircrew Jacket designed by Leslie Irvin, the B-3 Flight Jacket was standardized in 1934 and originally produced from unfinished raw-white sheepskin (which has sometimes been erroneously and foolishly referenced as being produced for use in Alaska – dream on!). The B-3 Flight Jacket underwent a series of spec. changes over the years, culminating in the simplified pattern of late 1943. This Eastman Leather B-3 Flight Jacket example typifies the most commonly encountered wartime version made from 1942-43. Using the original North American breed of sheep to ensure authenticity, it’s constructed from the correct differing wool depths, not one depth of too-puffy wool as found on inferior knock-offs. Hides are vegetable tanned, then hand dyed with dark brown polyacrylate pigment and lacquered. The wool color is one of several that are correct, being an off-white, butter-like shade. All trim leather and arm reinforcements are made of horsehide, as per original spec. (some original jackets had goatskin or steerhide sleeve reinforcements and trim), and available in either Russet or Seal Brown color options, both of which are equally authentic.

This beautiful garment is the perfect natural insulator for cold weather. The soft sheep wool encases your body, ensuring maximum body warmth retention. Features include: two hefty collar and waist adjustment belts with ink authentic AAF inspector stamps, snaps on collar and jacket chest, one tool pocket (no hand-warmer pockets ever appeared on the original B-3 Flight Jackets), three-piece back, reproduction 1942 nickel-plated Talon zipper, and woven spec. label in neck with leather hanger. Original B-3 Flight Jackets are true collector items, with choice examples demanding premium prices.  Today, more than 75 years from conception, this classic look is still in high demand.

Please note:  The sleeve reinforcements, seam taping and pockets of this B-3 Jacket in the seal brown color are now crafted from Eastman's Vintage Warhorse horsehide, which is the same leather type and color employed in production of Eastman's standard A-2 Jacket in seal brown horsehide.  Due to the nature of the very thin, translucent aniline dyes used on this horsehide, this leather may vary in color by a greater margin than what may be depicted in these website photos.  You may rest assured that if you order seal brown as the color option, you will receive seal brown trim on your B-3 Jacket, but the color will not be a perfect color match to the jacket body color because the dyes employed for the sheepskin and horsehide are as different as the two leather types are themselves, which is EXACTLY how the vintage jackets from WWII were also produced.

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

The Army Air Corps standardized the B-6 Flight Jacket in 1939, specifically intending it to fill the gap between the lighter A-2 and the heavy B-3 Flight Jackets. Originally produced in very small numbers from the very costly hand-dyed, vegetable-tanned “redskin” hides of the 1939-41 years, by late 1941 the B-6 Flight Jacket was being made from the same less costly, spray-dyed dark brown sheepskin with that buttery wool color found on the revised, post-1941 B-3 Flight Jacket, only in 1/4-inch depth wool, half that of the B-3 Flight Jacket. The B-6 Flight Jacket was favored by bomber crewmen operating in the less-exposed positions of their aircraft, as well as fighter pilots, who preferred a less bulky jacket in their cramped cockpits, such as in the poorly heated P-38 Lightning. The B-6 fFlight Jacket is a uniquely styled jacket, made all the more unique due to the very low production of this item from 1939-43; extant original examples in nice condition are extremely scarce and valuable today.

Our reproduction is a standard edition, typifying original dark brown B-6 Flight Jackets of the post-1941 production. As with the original flight jackets it copies, you’ll find it practical, comfortable and versatile due to its light weight and double-pleated, bi-swing back. Our B-6 Flight Jackets may be the only B-6 Flight Jackets in the world today being manufactured with the correct depth of wool (nothing other than 1/4” sheepskin was ever specified for the B-6 Flight Jacket). Additional features include: two slash, internally hung pockets made of heavy, all-cotton off-white twill, heavy leather hangar in neck, zippered hip adjusters on both sides for cinching the fit, single leather collar strap, two press stud adjustment positions on each sleeve cuff, snap-down epaulets, russet brown horsehide trim, and reproduction 1942 nickel-plated Crown zips. This is a perfect jacket for most climates, and it can be made all the more versatile by adding or subtracting layers of undergarments.

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

Standardized in 1937, the D-1 Mechanic's Winter Jacket was a rather lavish item considering it was intended for use by aircraft mechanics. But the D-1, like all clothing and equipment issued to U. S. servicemen, was typical of the motto "only the best will do," and at that time sheepskin was in relatively plentiful supply (the USA was not at war) and there was no other material with a better insulating value. The first D-1's produced were of a natural, unfinished raw-white exterior, just like the early B-3 Flight Jackets (which have sometimes been erroneously and foolishly referenced as being produced for use in Alaska). In 1939 the D-1 exterior hide was finished in the very costly hand-dyed russet brown “redskin” and given a top coating of lacquer to help repel water and grease. By the end of 1941 the D-1 was being produced in the less costly, dark brown spray-dyed hides, just as were the B-6 and B-3 Flight Jackets, and pockets were also added with zipper-top closures. As the war progressed, the D-1 continued to decline in quality, and more and more spliced panels of sheepskin were permitted into its fabrication. Due to the hard use given the D-1 during its issue life and the inferior grades of sheepskin allowed into its later production as the war dragged on (it was for mechanics, after all), original D-1 Jackets in nice condition are extremely rare in the collector market today.

A ground crewman’s life was often a bitterly cold experience: Working on aircraft on a windswept airfield in the middle of winter certainly required a warm jacket, but it also could not be overly confining, thus the D-1 was made in the same lighter weight sheepskin found on the B-6 Jacket, which was only and always the 1/4”-depth wool. The D-1, however, seemed to find its way into aircrew hands. Maybe this was because there were no B-6s available on a particular base, or just that the airman preferred the D-1 design with its higher-set zippered pockets. In fact, the D-1 and B-6 are very similar in appearance, as well as warmth. Being a jacket intended for mechanics, the D-1 is an unfussy, simple design, lacking cuff and hip adjustments, as well as the bi-swing back of the B-6. Interestingly, the D-1 will forever be associated with airmen and not mechanics in the mind of many, due to the fact that it was an original post-1941 D-1 Jacket worn on the 1960s - 1970s comedy show, “Hogan’s Heroes,” by the bumbling POW character named Carter.

The D-1 Jacket we produce is typical of the post-1941 USAAF shearling jackets that reflect the very earliest production standards before the quality declined. Crafted from the correct 1/4”-depth of premium North American sheepskin stock, vegetable-tanned and spray-dyed dark brown, with a buttery-hued wool, our D-1 is the epitome of this jacket type currently available. As per the original examples, all external seams are covered with matching dark brown horsehide, and pockets are fabricated from heavy, all-cotton, off-white twill, accessible via our reproduction nickel-plated Talon zippers. Why not stay toasty in a D-1 Jacket while toasting the unsung heroes of the USAAF ground crews for whom no aircraft would ever have flown into combat had they not vigilantly and expertly performed their dirty, unglamorous jobs!

Available in sizes: XS – XL 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