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New USN M-422 Models at Headwind Mfg Co

Skyhawk

Well-Known Member
We are excited to announce new contracts of the USN m-422 jacket available now at Headwind Mfg. We now have the most extensive range of USN WWII M-422 jackets available with 4 different contracts to choose from. All the jackets were patterned from the original jackets by Steve Sellers at Greatest Generation:

Gordon &Ferguson M422a Contract # NOs 416s
(Note the beautiful color on the blonde mouton we have as an option)
G&F-Collar-2.jpeg

G&F-Collar.jpeg G&F-Front.jpeg G&F-label.jpg G&F-Pen-Pocket.jpgG&F-inside-2.jpg

Willis & Geiger M422a - Contract # NOs 290A
m422a-1.JPG


m422a-11.JPG


H.L. Block M422a - Contract # NSx-5134
Block-1a.jpg


Edmund Church M422a - Contract # NXs-5133
P1020818.JPG


Regards,
Jay
 

Skyhawk

Well-Known Member
Thanks guys! They retail for $800. They are on this page in the 1940's section:
http://www.headwindmfg.com/jackets.html

Yes Cocker, I am looking into a 55J14 Repro. Actually was working on it a bit yesterday. Those Conmar zips are a hard nut to crack. It would be a Headwind Jacket and not made by Steve if we do go ahead with the project. I used to have a 55J14 in my collection but not at this time, so procuring the jacket to make the pattern would be part of the process. Also the labels and a good source for the Conmar zips. I already have the knits, Rayon, and some nice goatskin for the jacket. Hard to say a timeframe but I do have 4 new models that will be released before we would even start putting the 55J14 together. So it would be off in the distant future.

Regards,
Jay
 

Skyhawk

Well-Known Member
That is a great point Grant. I will run that by Steve and see if he can make them with the leather extending over the zipper. Thanks for the suggestion. I am striving for authenticity with our jackets and I will do my best to make all the details match the original jackets.
 

Garylafortuna

Well-Known Member
This is a great thing you are doing Jay, producing M-422A jackets from four different original wartime contractors. As many of us are only vaguely familiar with the subtle differences these jackets have from one another, do you think it would be an idea to offer on your site a paragraph or two, along with a few photos, illustrating the high points of each original manufacturer. For example: shape and color of collar, shape of wind flap, placement of inside pocket, shading of the leather , color of the lining, extras, etc. For a lot of people it is these features that make one maker's jacket m0re appealing than another's and result in a sale. I'm rambling again, forgive me.
 

Skyhawk

Well-Known Member
Thanks Gary! That's the idea for the finished listings but it is taking some time to get them complete. If you click on the picture of the jackets, it will take you to a separate page for each jacket. This page is where the detailed information will be. For now they are mostly pictures. We will be updating the listings and adding more images soon.

Regards,
Jay
 

Brettafett

Well-Known Member
Exciting stuff. I have an HL Block on its way. Steve's been great collaborating with on this jacket.
I did mention to him about the zip/ leather also, he is aware of it and will make adjustments based on customer request. I have also collected a number of pics of original M422/422as and the zipper 'exposure' does seem to vary somewhat....
I seem to recall Steve mentioning that, "On the zip, exposing a little is a good thing. When the leather meets, that zipper pull will rub the edges & create wear over time."... Made sense.
I'm sure that if you want the leather to meet, he can do that, no drama.
Watch this space, will post pics and comments....
 

Ken at Aero Leather

Well-Known Member
Hey Jay,
Great start of reproducing an iconic WWII jacket. Any chance you could tweak the pattern so when the jacket's zipped up there isn't as much of the zipper showing? That's one of the bugaboos that's always bothered me with most repro M-422a's.

View attachment 4648

This is even more common on civvy repros, I'm amazed how few firms "enclose" their zippers.
OK, it is the most difficult part of a jacket of get right but there's a very good reason it was original done with the overlay of leather on each side meeting in the centre, It makes an excellent windbreak, otherwise the wind whistles throught the zipper teeth.
Obviously less important if there is a windflap but visually far superior, not to mention the fact that zipper teeth are hardly the most attractive feature of a jacket
 

Garylafortuna

Well-Known Member
Case in point: take a look at the jacket Thomas is currently showing in the Moto/Utility section. The teeth on the main zipper are completely visible, but the pocket zippers are fully enclosed. This wide open zipper look is akin to a person with their pearly whites forever on display because they have no lips. Shocking.
 
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Skyhawk

Well-Known Member
I have checked in with Steve and he can cover the zippers no problem. It was a choice to install them that way to prevent damage, it's not due to any kind of difficulty whatsoever in construction.
 
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