Original Aero 42-18775-P

[Roughwear]

This jacket is from Aero's last Wartime contract for A2s, awarded on 25th May 1942. The contract was for 50,000 and I wonder how many have survived to this day. As with Aero's preceding two contracts cowhide was used in this contract. Some jackets had rust knits and others a mid brown. This jacket had moth-eaten knits so I replaced them with the ones shown below. The rest of the jacket is original. The leather has developed a beautiful patina and remains strong, yet supple. The M-41 Talon zipper is perfect. My question for you guys is what size do you think it is?

 

[Steve27752]

Very nice and it is a 42".

 

[Roughwear]

It's a great guess Steve, but it is not tagged a 42.

 

[Silver Surfer]

tagged a 46, but fits as a 44. the replaced knits look pretty damned good, andrew, where did ya source them from?

 

[STEVE S.]

I've got one in a size 44. Tag is long gone but been looking for a few yrs now for a replacement. I have the full history of the original owner on this one.

 

[CBI]

Really nice and Andrew, I love this contract!!!!

 

[CBI]

Steve - looking nice as well. I have an original Aero size 44 as well that I really like!!!

 

[Roughwear]

tagged a 46, but fits as a 44. the replaced knits look pretty damned good, andrew, where did ya source them from?

Thanks Vic, but the pocket tag does not say 46. I sourced the knits from a guy in the USA who sells them on Ebay. I think we discussed him last year.

 

[TOMG1401]

Amazing, 3 large AERO contracts used cowhide, when for so many years the argument raged on these Forums that Cow was never used, Voila', now no problem with accepting more were probably Cow than Horse. I still don't understand how one can distinguish if a single jacket is Cow or Horse, what has changed ????????? Andrew , how in particular did you ascertain that particular jacket is Cow? I don't doubt it, just curious.

 

[TOMG1401]

Andrew. can you tell me how one would distinguish cow from horse

 

[Roughwear]

Yes, carry out a DNA test on the leather! It is the only sure way. Gary Eastman's book has the evidence for DNA testing of A2s. We know that even before the US entered the War cow hide was permitted for A2s in order to fulfil contracts.

 

[TOMG1401]

Why do you think this was debated for so long, it always made plain common sense to me that cow would have been used, I always viewed it as a case of why not, not why. Be interested in your opinion.

 

[Silver Surfer]

many, many years ago, i was pilloried for suggesting that cow was used to make a-2s. to me, the most obvious examples were aeros, as the ones i had, and have handled, were often heavier and felt different then most other originals. when i discussed this with chappy, he said that indeed, there were letters to and from contractors, and the aaf discussing cow. that was good enough for me. gary [elc] had several hide samples, from several originals tested [see his book for the actuaries], and yup, cow, and plenty of it was used, and by different contractors. are all aeros cow? probably not, are all ??? horse? with out proper testing its guess work unless there is something that really feels different, and is kinda chunky in weight. as noted above, it only makes sense that cow, goat and horse were used during wwll.

 

[Roughwear]

It's tagged a size 40 in the pockets.

 

[Silver Surfer]

hahahaha, a monday morning made aero.

 

[Roughwear]

Or a Friday afternoon one Vic! It fits me like a typical Wartime 42.

 

[Silver Surfer]

too bad, too small on ya, andrew. a nice one though, real nice.

 

[Roughwear]

too bad, too small on ya, andrew. a nice one though, real nice.

Ha ha ha Vic!