This Rough Wear Clothing Co. Contract 1401 A-2 Flight Jacket is one of several jackets Eastman Leather offers that copy specific original manufacturer styles.  These items are for those who want more than accuracy - they want history!  Original-maker jackets are EXACT copies of specific original jacket contractors and contracts from manufacturers dating between 1931-1944.  No two contractor jackets were identical; there can often be found differences even from the same contractor in a subsequent contract or in a single contract.  To truly have an exact copy A-2, one must state which contractor and contract has been copied, then follow through and actually recreate every aspect and nuance of its construction.

The Rough Wear 1401 A-2 Flight Jacket represents a pre-war contract from August 1941 and is now available in Eastman Leather's Vintage War Horse® horsehide leather.

About Vintage War Horse®:  Some A-2 Jackets, particularly those produced under earlier contracts from the 1930s and including some of those produced up to the early days of 1942, were finished in a rudimentary, pure aniline dye that gave the leather a very clear, almost-raw appearance that showed every detail of the underlying skin; the overall look can be somewhat mottled, revealing all of the rich character of the leather much in the same way a clear stain would reveal all of the depth and grain of a piece of wood.  And although the hides used in making this A-2 Jacket are top-quality in grade, you will also see every range mark or insect bite in the horsehide if such natural occurrences are present, and more than any other A-2 Flight Jacket Eastman offers in different aniline or other dye finishes, this A-2 Flight Jacket's dye finish will wear and gain that cherished vintage character more quickly - you won't look like some FNG  in this A-2 Jacket for very long!  This A-2 Flight Jacket is for the purest who appreciates all of the natural characteristics found in horsehide and in those early A-2 Flight Jackets, which includes deep grain leaping out in rivulets and valleys throughout the garment's hide.  Make no mistake - this is the Army, Mr. Jones!

Every other nuance of the original contract has also been copied in this example:  label, stitch style and count, shape and contour of pockets and epaulets, seam allowances, thread color, lining and knit color, inspector stampings, pocket labels, collar stand, ball-style press studs and collar clips.  Original  A-2 Jackets of the 1401 contract are quite rare, having seen real combat use from the outset of WWII to the end.  Perhaps the most famous Rough Wear 1401 is that of the beloved actor Jimmy Stewart.  Jimmy Stewart left Hollywood to serve his country and go on to become the highly decorated Colonel James Stewart, flying combat missions as a B-24 bombardment squadron commander out of England in the 8th Air Force.  Today, Colonel Stewart’s original Rough Wear 1401 A-2 Jacket is on display at the USAF museum at Wright-Patterson AFB.

Eastman's Rough Wear A-2 Jackets are part of their flagship line; nothing like this has been made since 1944.  Grab yourself a piece of real Army Air Corps history while they last!  Take note of these authentic features:

• Exact copy of the original maker’s label produced on a vintage shuttle loom

• Contrasting mid-brown, all-cotton thread construction as found on many vintage flying jackets originally produced by Rough Wear Clothing Co.

• Collar assembly featuring a leather collar ring, exactly as found on all vintage A-2s originally produced by Rough Wear Clothing Co.

• Correct USAAF spec. 3-ounce weight, pure aniline-dyed, vegetable-tanned Vintage War Horse® leather outer shell

• 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 original vintage Rough Wear Clothing Co. A-2s

• Metal collar clip custom manufactured to the original USAAF spec. and finished in correct semi-matte nickel plating, including backing washers on the rivets as found on original jackets of this contract

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

• Shoulder straps exactly matching the shape, size and stitch style found on original vintage Rough Wear Clothing Co. A-2s

• Two snap-down exterior pockets with stitching and pocket flap configuration exactly matching the style found on original vintage Rough Wear Clothing Co. A-2s of the 1401 contract

• Snap-down collar exactly matching the shape, size and stitch style found on original Rough Wear Clothing Co. A-2s of the 1401 contract

•Magnificent, state-of-the-art copy of the famous, much-coveted, nickel-plated CROWN zipper of 1941, which is the only correct zipper type found on original A-2s of this contract

• AAF inspector’s ink stamping on cotton lining, exactly matching the individual number associated with original Rough Wear Clothing Co. A-2s of the 1401 contract

• 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 Rough Wear Clothing Co. 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 individual “RW” jacket number) located in pocket, exactly matching those found on original vintage Rough Wear Clothing Co. 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 Rough Wear 27752 A-2 Flight Jacket represents a wartime contract from 1942. Made from our highly acclaimed War Horse® horsehide leather, we have now further developed this incredible hide, albeit with great difficulty, to emulate the broken-grain character that is often found on original A-2 Flight Jackets.  Every nuance of the original contract has been copied in this example:  label, stitch style and count, shape and contour of pockets and epaulets, seam allowances, thread color, lining and knit color, inspector stampings, pocket labels, collar stand, ball-style press studs and collar clips.

Our Rough Wear A-2 Jackets are part of our flagship line; nothing like this has been made since 1944.  Grab yourself a piece of real Army Air Corps history while they last!  Take note of these authentic features:

• Exact copy of the original maker’s label produced on a vintage shuttle loom

• Contrasting olive drab all-cotton thread construction as found on A-2s of the 27752 contract originally produced by Rough Wear Clothing Co.

• Collar assembly featuring a leather collar ring, exactly as found on all vintage A-2s originally produced by Rough Wear Clothing Co.

• Correct USAAF spec. 3-ounce weight, vegetable-tanned leather outer shell dyed in a gorgeous dark brown aniline finish

• 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 original vintage Rough Wear Clothing Co. A-2s

• Metal collar clip custom manufactured to the original USAAF spec. and finished in correct semi-matte nickel plating, including backing washers on the rivets as found on original jackets of this contract

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

• Shoulder straps exactly matching the shape, size and stitch style found on original vintage Rough Wear Clothing Co. A-2s

• Two snap-down exterior pockets with stitching and pocket flap configuration exactly matching the style found on original vintage Rough Wear Clothing Co. A-2s of the 27752 contract

• Snap-down collar exactly matching the shape, size and stitch style found on original Rough Wear Clothing Co. A-2s of the 27752 contract
• Reproduction 1942 nickel-plated Talon zipper

• AAF inspector’s ink stamping on cotton lining, exactly matching the individual number associated with original Rough Wear Clothing Co. A-2s of the 27752 contract

• 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 Rough Wear Clothing Co. A-2s

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

• White cotton label (with printed text indicating size and individual “RW” jacket number) located in pocket, exactly matching those found on original vintage Rough Wear Clothing Co. 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.

Imported from England

This Star Sportswear A-2 Flight Jacket is one of several jackets we offer that copy specific original manufacturer styles.  These items are for those who want more than accuracy - they want history!  Original-maker jackets are EXACT copies of specific original jacket contractors and contracts from manufacturers dating between 1931-1944.  No two contractor jackets were identical; there can often be found differences even from the same contractor in a subsequent contract or in a single contract.  To truly have an exact copy A-2 Flight Jacket, one must state which contractor and contract has been copied, then follow through and actually recreate every aspect and nuance of its construction.

The Star Sportswear Manufacturing Co. A-2 Flight Jacket is from a 1942 contract, representing the only one awarded to Star.  Original examples of this contract are extremely rare since far fewer were made than A-2 Jackets produced by other contractors in the 1942-44 years.  Star A-2s can be found in various shades of russet or dark brown, and in horsehide or steerhide.  Made from our highly acclaimed War Horse® horsehide leather, we have now further developed this incredible hide, albeit with great difficulty, to emulate the broken-grain character that is often found on original A-2 Jackets.  Every nuance of the original contract has been copied in this example: label, stitch style and count, shape and contour of pockets and epaulets, seam allowances, thread color, lining and knit color, inspector stampings, pocket labels, collar stand, ball-style press studs and collar clips.  Star  A-2s have a rather distinctive cut, somewhat similar to Monarch.  Additionally, the Star A-2s have a particularly long, pointed-end collar and rotated sleeves seams, unlike those found on most other A-2 jackets.  Our total use of custom-made components throughout every garment’s production and design 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 this Star are the original vintage examples of the USAAF from the 1940s. Original A-2s of this  contract are real veterans, seeing combat use in every theater of WWII.  Our Star A-2s are part of our flagship line; nothing like this has been made since 1944.  Grab yourself a piece of real Army Air Corps history while they last! Take note of these authentic features:

• Exact copy of the original maker’s label produced on a vintage shuttle loom

• Contrasting medium-brown, all-cotton thread construction, as found on most of A-2 flying jackets originally produced by Star Manufacturing

• Collar assembly following the simplified style adopted for the mass production of 1942-44, exactly as found on all vintage A-2s originally produced by Star Manufacturing

• Correct USAAF spec. 3-ounce weight, vegetable-tanned horsehide leather outer shell dyed in a gorgeous dark brown aniline finish

• Single-piece back construction

• 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 vintage Star Manufacturing A-2s

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

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

• Shoulder straps exactly matching the shape, size and stitch style found on original vintage Star Manufacturing A-2s

• Two snap-down exterior pockets with stitching and pocket flap configuration exactly matching the style found on original vintage Star Manufacturing A-2s

• Snap-down collar exactly matching the shape, size and stitch style found on original vintage Star Manufacturing A-2s

• Reproduction 1942 nickel-plated Talon zipper

• AAF inspector’s ink stamping on cotton lining, exactly matching the individual number associated with original vintage Star Manufacturing A-2s

• 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 Star Manufacturing A-2s

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

• Label (with printed text indicating size and lot number) located in pocket, exactly matching those found on vintage Star Manufacturing 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.

Imported from England

The U. S. Army Air Force Type B-10 Intermediate Flight Jacket was developed as a replacement for both the leather A-2 and sheepskin B-6 Flight Jackets. The B-10 Flight Jacket was the first cloth-shelled, alpaca fur-lined flying jacket of the USAAF, being standardized for service in July 1943. However, actual combat issue did not take place until March 1944, with the 8th Air Force in England receiving an initial issue of B-10 Flight Jackets with the corresponding A-9 Trousers. By the spring of 1944, the B-10 Flight Jacket was appearing in much greater quantities, as evidenced by the many 8th and 9thAir Force aircrews outfitted in this jacket in time for the D-Day invasion at Normandy on June 6, 1944.

The B-10 Flight Jackets were an instant success with just about every aviator who encountered one, being much lighter and more versatile than the jackets they replaced. Intended for wear in climates between 22 degrees and 52 degrees Fahrenheit, the B-10 Flight Jacket was ideally suited for early spring, late fall and winter. Fighter pilots took a particular shine to this slick new jacket style, as it afforded them far less bulk and considerably more comfort in their cramped cockpits. Popular as it was, the official lifespan of the B-10 Flight Jacket designation was, however, rather short, being superseded by the newer B-15 Flight Jacket specification in late 1944. Still, the B-10 Flight Jacket saw combat service right up until the end of WWII.

Eastman Leather has reproduced the B-10 Flight Jacket in exacting detail. Our cotton fabric is never to be confused with the cheap, flimsy sheet bedding fabric 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 cotton are those original vintage examples of the USAAF! Our B-10 Flight Jacket correctly captures all the nuances found on B-10s once produced by the Rough Wear Clothing Company, making this product virtually indistinguishable from an original vintage example of the USAAF. Take note of these authentic features:

• Exact copy of original maker’s label produced on a vintage shuttle loom

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave three-ply, combed-cotton Olive Drab outer shell to precisely match 1943 USAAF specs.

• Correct USAAF spec. inner lining of warm, alpaca and wool, dyed to match the salt-and-pepper coloring of the vintage B-10s

• Plush, genuine mouton-fur collar with fur-padded button tab closure dyed to the rich,  brown found on Rough Wear B-10s and configured in the shape associated to Rough Wear

• Two button-flap exterior pockets

• One snap-down interior pocket lined with heavy, 100% cotton-twill fabric, precisely matching 1943 USAAF specs.

• Exact copy of the brass 1944 Talon zipper on jacket front, with zip tape made of all-cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton

• Correct USAAF spec. leather pull tab on zipper

• Custom manufacturing of the correct two-ply all-wool knit cuffs and waist skirt in Olive Drab

• Wind flap protector behind zipper closure

• USAAF insignia transfer on left sleeve

Sizes: 36-48 Regular.  Size 50, long and extra-long fittings available on custom order at no extra charge.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from England

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.

In May 1942, Hirsch-Werner, Inc. contacted the Army Air Corps offering a new, specially developed cloth they called “End-Zone Twill,” which had previously been utilized in the manufacture of football pants because of its extreme durability and strength. When the B-15 was introduced, End-Zone Twill was used as trim on major stress and heavy-wear areas of the lining, though the Rough Wear Clothing Co., along with a few other manufacturers, received contracts for some of their entire production of B-15s Flight Jackets to be made completely of End-Zone Twill.

End-Zone Twill is manufactured with 100% cotton in the warp (the fibers than run in a longitudinal direction) and 100% rayon in the weft (the fibers that run in a latitudinal direction), giving the fabric a unique appearance of being shiny on one side and dull on the other. The density of the weave makes this fabric particularly strong; with 140 yarns per inch, this is an extremely dense cloth that feels both polished and hard on the surface, while wearing magnificently.

After endless negotiations and sampling from many textile manufacturers, we have finally struck gold and are now able to offer the definitive reproduction of the B-15 Intermediate Flight Jacket. This offering is a fabulous reproduction of the Rough Wear B-15 - contract 6338AF - made from the famous End-Zone Twill. We are confident the serious flight jacket enthusiasts are going to love this B-15; you have the opportunity to acquire the finest B-15 produced since the end of WWII.

Eastman Leather has reproduced the B-15 Flight Jacket in exacting detail. Eastman's heavy, End-Zone 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, 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 End-Zone Twill outer shell to precisely match original specs., and treated to repel water

• Correct USAAF spec. inner lining of warm alpaca-and-wool blend

• Gorgeous, plush, genuine mouton-fur collar with fur-padded button tab closure dyed to 1944 USAAF specs. of rich, deep-toned 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 Conmar-style zipper 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

Sizes: 36-48 Regular.  Size 50, long and extra-long fittings available on custom order at no extra charge.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from England

In the late 1930s/early '40s the sheepskin used for shearling flight jackets was vegetable tanned and hand dyed; this dying produced a mottled, patchy appearance. These B-3 Flight Jackets have a distinct reddish hue (often referred to by the collecting fraternity as 'Redskins') and are a lighter shade than those produced later in the war. By the early '40s the method of dye application and the dye color of this finish changed: They were then spray dyed in a dark brown color (some were still dyed by hand but in the dark brown color). However, during the short period of this transition between dyeing techniques and dye color, some manufacturers were mixing “Redskin” pelts with the dark brown ones within the same garment - this is what we refer to as a “Mixed Batch” flight jacket.

The Perry Sportswear contract 17808 was such a contract where these “Mixed Batch” examples appeared. This was the first contract awarded to Perry Sportswear for B-3 Flight Jackets in 1941, and it's not known precisely how many within this contract were made as a “Mixed Batch,” but they would have been in the minority - they are the “white crows” among vintage flight jackets.

Using a combination of our exclusively prepared veg-tanned “Redskin” and Dark Brown skins, we have recreated an outstanding reproduction of the Perry 17808 ‘Mixed Batch.” Because there was no particular format as to which panels were ‘Redskin” or Dark Brown on the originals (they can be found in various combinations of placement and ratios of each shade), but we have formatted ours with a reasonably equal ratio and symmetrical placement of each color type. And this is constructed from skins with the correct, differing wool depths, not one depth of too-puffy wool as found on inferior knock-offs, so the look and feel of this B-3 Flight Jacket will be just like the original examples. Every aspect has been carefully recreated on this early B-3 Flight Jacket: costly, more-attractive two-piece back and triangle-shaped hip gusset arrangement, custom-made nickel-plated chain hanger in neck instead of leather, authentic wartime Talon zip in nickel plate, snaps on collar and chest, heavy leather belts in matched color with nickel-plated brass buckle, vegetable-tanned aniline-dyed russet horsehide trim, reinforcements and single tool pocket (no hand-warmer pockets ever appeared on the original B-3 Flight Jacket), Perry Sportswear contractor and size labels, correct collar shape and size, and assembly with all-cotton thread. These early jackets saw action throughout the war, particularly with the 8th AF.

Just as is the case with all of our special-edition products, every detail pertaining this contract and contractor has been reproduced. And to further enhance this product and capture the vintage appeal of what is so desirable when finding an original B-3, this model comes with a subtle TimeWorn® finish, thus providing a broken-in vintage look out of the box.

Our reproduction of this model represents the very highest degree of authenticity and quality you can find in a product of this genre, and it is positioned as one of the top-tier models in our range. Due to the amount of time required to produce the special sheepskin material, delivery times may be longer than other styles; if this is the case with your order, your kind patience is requested in advance.

Sizes available: 36-48 regular, with long and extra-long fittings available as a custom order at no extra charge.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from England

The ultimate, classic B-3 Flight Jacket; this Rough Wear B-3 Flight Jacket is the king! Inspired by the RAF Aircrew Jacket designed by Leslie Irvin, the original 1st-model B-3 Flight Jacket was standardized in 1934, which was originally produced from unfinished raw, white sheepskin (which has sometimes been erroneously and foolishly referenced as being produced for use in Alaska), then underwent a series of spec. changes over the years, culminating in the more simplified pattern of late 1943.

Years of hard research and development have gone into recreating the special tanning and dyeing techniques used on these pre-war garments. Crafted from fabulous North American sheepskin with a deep hue to its wool color, vegetable tanned for ten weeks, then hand dyed and lacquered in a light reddish russet brown (commonly referred to as “redskins” within collecting ranks), giving these jackets that beautiful mottled look they are known for. Constructed from skins with the correct, differing wool depths, not one depth of too-puffy wool as found on inferior knock-offs, thus the look and feel of this B-3 Flight Jacket will be just like the original examples. Every aspect has been carefully recreated on our pre-1942 B-3 Flight Jacket: costly, more attractive two-piece back and triangle-shaped hip gusset arrangement, custom-made nickel-plated chain hanger in neck instead of leather, precise copy of the 1941 CROWN spring-loaded zipper, snaps on collar and chest, heavy leather belts in matched color with nickel-plated brass buckle, vegetable-tanned, aniline-dyed horsehide trim reinforcements, and single tool pocket (no hand-warmer pockets ever appeared on the original B-3), Rough Wear contractor and size labels, with correct collar shape and size, and all-cotton olive drab thread used in the assembly. These early jackets saw action throughout the war, particularly with the 8th AF. Sumptuous, beautiful and unique history at its finest - never to be matched elsewhere. There’s nothing more unique than a hand-dyed “redskin” jacket – no two are the same. Express your individuality in our Rough Wear B-3 Flight Jacket!

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 chrome-tanned, 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, 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 Flight Jacket is a uniquely styled flight jacket, made all the more unique due to the very low production of this item from 1939-43; extant original examples of the post-1941 B-6 Flight Jacket in nice condition are extremely scarce and valuable today, and extant original pre-1942 B-6 Flight Jackets in any condition are virtually unobtainable.

This reproduction is from the Eastman Leather Original-Maker series, copying exactly the pre-1942 B-6 Flight Jackets in a 1941 contract. The pre-1942 sheepskin items were almost always produced from hides with a distinctly reddish hand-dyed outer finish and a deep-hued wool color, lending the name “redskins” to these items in the collecting community. The Rough Wear B-6 Flight Jacket is much more costly because of its use of vegetable-tanned, hand-dyed russet brown sheepskin, as found on the Rough Wear 17756 B-3 Flight Jacket; however, the fleece depth is much shallower, being the correct 1/4”-depth wool used on all original B-6 Jacket production. Our B-6 Flight Jackets may be the only ones 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). The basic design of this pre-1942 B-6 Flight Jacket (i.e. panel configuration) is identical to the post-1941, dark brown B-6 Flight Jackets that followed, (unlike the post-1941 B-3 Flight Jackets). Other than the hide color, wool color and tanning method of the sheepskin, details unique to this contract are: nickel-plated chain hanger at neck, all-cotton olive drab thread, the Rough Wear label.

As with the original jackets it copies, you’ll find this B-6 Flight Jacket practical, comfortable and versatile due to its light weight and double-pleated, bi-swing back. Features common to this jacket and our standard-edition, post-1942 B-6 Flight Jacket include: two slash, internally hung pockets made of heavy all- cotton off-white twill, 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 a precise copy of the 1941 CROWN spring-loaded zipper.

This is a perfect jacket for most climates, and can be made all the more versatile by adding or subtracting layers of undergarments. There’s nothing more unique than a hand-dyed “redskin” jacket – no two are the same. Express your individuality in our Rough Wear B-6!

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

Reissue A-2's are jackets that went back into inventory after active service use and after having gone through a refurbishment process to give them further serviceable life.  This refurbishment could include such things as replacement of the lining, knit cuffs or waistband, zipper, and almost always included a re-coating of the leather shell with a very dark brown lacquer dye to give the garment a new uniform appearance; the lacquer dye was applied with a brush or cloth.

The re-dye process was performed with greater attention to speed and haste than art and neatness, thus select hard-to-reach areas such as inside the pockets, back of the wind flap, under shoulder straps, etc., were not dyed or just partly dyed, leaving a telltale line of demarcation between the original dye and the new dye or a mottled shading and varied texture.  Once the garments went back into service, the painted coating proved to be far less permanent than was originally envisioned.  The finish would wear off in irregular patterns bearing the lighter shade of worn leather beneath, giving a distinct contrast between those areas and where the new coating remained.  All of this, however, is what has given these garments their latter-day vintage appeal.  Indeed, nowhere was this look more immortalized than on the jacket worn by Steve McQueen as Capt. Virgil Hilts in the movie "The Great Escape."  McQueen’s jacket was an original re-issue A-2.

After careful analysis of many original stills from the movie, we have been able to confidently identify the jacket he wore as one made by the Rough Wear Clothing Company, most likely under contract number 16159, thus our re-issue A-2 is made as this model.  As part of the reissue process that his jacket underwent, it can be seen that the original zip, which would have almost certainly been a Talon with rectangular puller, has been replaced with a Talon with bell-shaped puller - a detail replicated on our product.

We have recreated this model in the most discerning method possible:  actually repeating the steps of production right through to the hand-dyed reissue finish, bringing you a garment of stunning vintage authenticity.  First, we produce the garment as a factory fresh original maker Rough Wear 16159, which is made in an aniline-dyed, Havana Brown, veg-tanned horsehide.  We then re-coat the garment with the correct shade of dark brown lacquer (just as they did at the the Air Service Depots - by hand, with a brush), after which the garment is put through an extensive, specialized TimeWorn® process to re-create the high-contrast, distressed-wear look of a classic vintage original.  This all requires a tremendous amount of hand-done work, but it is the only way this standard of authenticity can be achieved.

In accordance with AAF regulations of that time, re-issue A-2's had a mandatory Army Air Forces decal applied to the shoulder, as well as a stamp to the lining.  These stamps were generally randomly positioned somewhere on the back panel, no doubt due to haste, and not centered and perfect, so our recreation is done exactly the same way.

This garment is presented, first and foremost, as a plain re-issue A-2, so it comes in standard form without any insignia other than the mandatory shoulder decal; however, one can order the jacket with the "V. HILTS spec." as worn by Steve McQueen in "The Great Escape."

Beyond the special details that make this A-2 Jacket a true, re-issue configuration, please take note of these authentic features:

• Exact copy of the original maker’s label produced on a vintage shuttle loom

• Contrasting mid-brown, all-cotton thread construction as found on many vintage flying jackets originally produced by Rough Wear Clothing Co.

• Collar assembly featuring a leather collar ring, exactly as found on all vintage A-2's originally produced by Rough Wear Clothing Co.

• Correct USAAF spec. 3-ounce weight, pure aniline-dyed, vegetable-tanned Vintage War Horse® leather outer shell

• 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 original vintage Rough Wear Clothing Co. A-2's

• Metal collar clip custom manufactured to the original USAAF spec. and finished in correct semi-matte nickel plating, including backing washers on the rivets as found on original jackets of this contract

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

• Shoulder straps exactly matching the shape, size and stitch style found on original vintage Rough Wear Clothing Co. A-2's

• Two snap-down exterior pockets with stitching and pocket flap configuration exactly matching the style found on original vintage Rough Wear Clothing Co. A-2's of the 16159 contract

• Snap-down collar exactly matching the shape, size and stitch style found on original Rough Wear Clothing Co. A-2s of the 16159 contract

• AAF inspector’s ink stamping on cotton lining, exactly matching the individual number associated with original Rough Wear Clothing Co. A-2's of the 16159 contract

• 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 Rough Wear Clothing Co. A-2s

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

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