Early A-2 ID?

[Roughwear]

That is what I have put on my Werber, a 1932 size 7 Talon. It works a treat too.

 

[Dr H]

I came across this photo from April 1934 while doing other research. Anyone know which jackets they are? Presumably one of the first contracts for an A-2 given that they have a zipper but use buttons on the pockets.
View media item 487

It’s quite marked how the silhouette of the A-1 really complements the jodhpurs, whereas the A-2 just doesn’t quite work until it’s paired with the pinks.

Equally, the A-1 doesn’t quite work with conventional trousers.

 

[Dr H]

See below

 

[Persimmon]

Ian
Do you have a close up picture of the squadron patch ?

As for the chap in the middle - “ I am not wearing of those new pesky A1 jackets when there is a good warm overcoat to hand “

 

[Roughwear]

Does this mean that ELC's use of the name "Hookless" on their Werber 1729's zipper is (historically) incorrect?

Here is a picture of an M-32 Talon on an original Werber 1729.




Eastman's Hookless zipper, which is far from identical to the original Talon.

 

[Lorenzo_l]

Oh well, I should have read the previous post before asking!

Here is a picture of an M-32 Talon on an original Werber 1729.

Thanks, Andrew. The zipper puller's shape is very similar to the Hookless puller on ELC's Werber but it says "Hookless" instead "Talon". I wonder why ELC decided to go for the "Hookless" name instead.

 

[Dr H]

Ian
Do you have a close up picture of the squadron patch ?

It’s this one, Alan.

 

[Roughwear]

I understand that Eastman bought the copyright to Hookless zippers and were able to commission repros but Talon was not available to use as this article shows.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talon_Zipper

 

[Wright Field]

Ian
Do you have a close up picture of the squadron patch ?

As for the chap in the middle - “ I am not wearing of those new pesky A1 jackets when there is a good warm overcoat to hand “

Check his rank. He’s likely the squadron commander. In the interwar period pics, I’ve rarely seen a CO wearing an A-1, at least when posing.

 

[Persimmon]

Check his rank. He’s likely the squadron commander. In the interwar period pics, I’ve rarely seen a CO wearing an A-1, at least when posing.

It was a jest ....

 

[Skyhawk]

Here is a picture of an M-32 Talon on an original Werber 1729.




Eastman's Hookless zipper, which is far from identical to the original Talon.

True in this case but Talon did make a zipper with just Hookless in the 1930's.

So I guess it could happen.

-Jay

 

[Lorenzo_l]

Here is a picture of an M-32 Talon on an original Werber 1729.




Eastman's Hookless zipper, which is far from identical to the original Talon.

There are some pictures of a 1933 size 40 1729 Werber reproduction by Goodwear on their website's photo section (http://www.goodwearleather.com/photos/1933_Werber_40/). The jacket is not part of the contracts offered by GW for reproduction. Either a a test article or a one-off?

This photo of the zip puller caught my attention:

Same "Hookless"-named zipper as ELC's 1729 Werber and thus historically incorrect. Zips probably sourced from the same supplier as ELC?

 

[Skyhawk]

Again with this jacket being from 1933, and the "Hookless" marked zipper being produced by Talon from the 20's into the 30's, I believe it is at least period correct. There most likely were still "Hookless" marked zippers around when this jacket was produced in 1933. As seen on the left side puller in the photo. Whether or not they were ever used on an A-2, I don't know.

 

[dujardin]

thanks for all those informations

 

[B-Man2]

I really like this forum!!.....So very informative.

 

[Grant]

Not to geek out on Hookless zips, here are some pics from Aota's book. There are also lots of pics of Hookless zips in 20's - early 30's workwear and sportswear but no A-2's.

 

[zoomer]

It’s quite marked how the silhouette of the A-1 really complements the jodhpurs, whereas the A-2 just doesn’t quite work until it’s paired with the pinks.

Equally, the A-1 doesn’t quite work with conventional trousers.

What looks really awkward is grommeted service caps (with any flight jacket).

The 50 mission crush was unheard of then but here, in 1931, is Maj. Gen. James Fechet, then Chief of Air Corps, in a soft-sided cap and without a Sam Browne belt. Perhaps not authorized for just any flier!

 

[Geeboo]

what is the use of the little clip on top of the 30's talon slider ?

 

[zoomer]

The one pictured at right has a locking pin that fits in the teeth. (ELC's Hookless replicates this but their pull is too loosely attached for it to work very well.)
The one at left (circled) I have never seen so don't know.
.

 

[zoomer]

Another early crush cap, worn by the officer standing in back of Bebe Daniels and Hap Arnold as they observe maneuvers at Long Beach in October, 1932.