Morgan Productions A-2 (Autographed by Col. Morgan, Pilot of Memphis Belle)

Here's one I found interesting:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AUTOGRAPHED...F-THE-MEMPHIS-BELL-A-2-SIZE-42-/311672440951?

From what little I found out through the listing, and Google-Fu, Col. Morgan sold these jackets through his own Morgan Productions label at various air-shows across the US from the 1960's to 90's. A couple of references I found stated they were made of horsehide, and have Talon zippers, which looked to be the correct mid-1940's style (more than likely early repro). Another A-2 jacket source stated they were good 'budget' A-2's made in China, while being critical of US Authentic, W&G, and others. http://www.geocities.ws/ronin4hire2000/A2.html

The label ID's from J.A. Dubows final contract W33-038 AC-1755 (11631), and to my eyes shares characteristics with Morgan's collar, and epaulets. With Col. Morgan's signature in the lining, and leather name-tag on the chest, this would make for a relatively inexpensive display jacket, or knock-around wearer IMO...

BTW: I did find from the seller, that the tagged size 42 is the actual chest size of the jacket, and should fit a 38-40.

If anyone here owns one of these, or can share more info, I would be interested to read more about it.

EDIT: I ran across this wartime pic of Col. Morgan, in which the pocket flap shape looks very similar to his Morgan Productions A-2. I can't readily ID the jacket though....

UPDATE:

I have been in contact with the late Col. Morgan's Wife, Linda Morgan. She assures me that Col. Morgan has NEVER sold ANY leather A-2 jackets at airshows across the US, or anywhere else for that matter.

However, Col Morgan did authorize high-quality reproduction A-2's made in Tokyo, Japan by a company named Nakata Shoten. The Morgan's (Col. Morgan & his Wife) made 3 trips to Japan for Col. Morgan to sign the linings in the mid-late 1990's. From what I gather these were sold by the Japanese company.

I am glad that the jacket I linked above was not purchased by anyone here. Mrs Morgan looked over the pics, and has no idea where it originated from, and cannot confirm the lining signature as Col. Morgan's. I am going to notify the eBay seller of my findings, and hopefully they will revise the listing, although I'm not holding my breath on it..

Mrs. Morgan is going to send me pics of one of the Japanese reproductions still in her possession within the next few days. I will post them here when I receive them.

Nice research and some great info. Post the pics when they arrive.

Looks like the signer misspelled "Belle." Hmmm.

I have looked closely at the picture of Morgan wearing his A2. It appears to a Dubow 20960. I have seen other shots of the jacket in the Memphis Belle film and it has the typical pointed Dubow collar.

for reference, this is a patch col. morgan signed for me

I haven't had any further to post, since I have not had a reply from Mrs. Morgan. I will send another requesting pics for the Japanese jacket tomorrow. Hopefully, I will get a reply this time. She initially offered to send some pics, then, nothing.... It certainly has been interesting, and I'm wanting to see what the 'high quality' Japanese repro looks like.

OK.... I just heard from Mrs. Morgan again. It turns out that the above linked eBay jacket is indeed one of the Japanese-manufactured Nakata Shoten A-2 jackets. Upon closer examination of the eBay seller's lining pic, Mrs Morgan feels that 'the signature sure looks like Bob's', and if I were interested in purchasing the jacket, to go right ahead. Mrs. Morgan was suspicious of the seller initially because of neither her or Col. Morgan selling A-2 jackets at airshows, as stated in the auction listing.

Well, the jacket is confirmed as being a nicely done Japanese repro from the 1990's, authentically signed by the Pilot of the Memphis Belle. I wish that it would have been in a 44 or 46. It would be quite a nice display jacket for the reasonable price though..