i had an original some years ago. it was sold to a collector in japan. as jc mentions on his site, it is often thought that they were made by fried osterman [spelling?]. the jacket is cut very much like a m-422, in that they were trim, and longish, with longish arms. besides the collar construction, the construction at the front zipper starter tabs is unique, as well. my original was in a darker brown, not russet, and not quite the seal brown we see in the navy jacs. the hides were thick, with matching graining. a very flattering a-2, but not for fat guys. i am unsure of the actual war time production numbers, but i suspect that only a few were made, possibly as a sample jackets. they were obscure, and originals are some what rare.