1941 Aero B-3 Saved from Trash Pile - Suggestions?

[NorthBayRay]

Hello good people! I was shocked to recently find what appears to be an original WW2 Aero B-3 air crew jacket sitting in a pile of discards about to go to the landfill. Fortunately, I was able to pull the jacket from the heap and bring it home with me, but I have no idea if it is truly trash or if it can be resurrected. The jacket has an intact label in remarkably nice shape with contract ID AC18909 which I've traced to 1941 after some googleage. Most of the leather is in decent shape, although quite stiff and cracked in a few places, and the wool is quite soft and fluffy. However, massive exception is the shoulders which are a complete wreck - the leather has deteriorated to the point where just the wool is keeping the jacket together. The zippers and hardware all appear to be original to the item and are in good order. I'm sure whoever tossed it figured it was worthless with the back panels in this condition.

So what should I do with this jacket? Is it worth saving in this condition? I don't think the shoulder panel(s) can be restored but can they be replaced? Note, there are no markings or paint of any kind on the jacket, it's just plain leather all the way around. A few pictures attached, sorry I can't lay it out better but the stiffness and the shredded shoulder area make it impossible to lay flat. Any input gratefully received, thanks in advance!

 

[B-Man2]

With some time, materials and patience, this jacket could be put back together, but it would only be for display purposes. It could never be worn.

 

[Spitfireace]

I'm so sorry about the condition, but never throw something like that out. Never throw it out.

 

[Dumpster D]

Thank you for saving this!!! Wonderful!!!

Just the story of how you saved it is what I like to hear!

I don't know if you're thinking of working on this as a project but please keep me in mind if you're ever looking to find it a loving home. : )

It's got 'redskin' cuffs so it's worth saving for sure!!! wow! It doesn't look like it was very worn, doesn't look like it was even broken in.

The panels might be glued and patched sympathetically at this point, to save what's left. Poor thing. what a mess!

Definitely an awesome project!

It would be a major resto but worth it IMHO, probably some different ways to stabilize the rot that would require some ready skill.

Nice find!!

Here's one that's straight out of the dumpster from an estate sale bin that someone else saved and gave to me many years ago, that I worked on.

In this case the leather on my jacket was still soft enough to mend by hand stitching to hold together enough for display and preservation, however your's might be a little too crispy for hand stitching, and may need some research and careful planning to piece back little by little, in a different way, as it's a much more fragile and critical state, you did save it before it got worse though.

It's blown out, missing a few chunks, but she's still all there to put poor Humpty together again.

Dont 'part it out' either, gotta bring it back to life!!

 

[NorthBayRay]

Thank you for saving this!!! Wonderful!!!

Just the story of how you saved it is what I like to hear!

SNIP

Thank you! Honestly I don't even know what I'm going to do with it - that's why I'm here. It's odd that the jacket is in such reasonably good shape except for the shoulder area. The position it's in makes me believe it was folded in a box for years, maybe someone's cat thought it would make a good scratching post? Who knows. There's a leather restoration shop not too far away, maybe I'll reach out to them to get their thoughts.

Wow, looks like your dumpster find had some similar damage - were you able to repair that? I'd be interested to know how you did it if so.

EDIT: Just saw your note about hand-stitching. Unfortunately the shoulders are too far deteriorated to sew. I don't know if there are ways to patch this kind of damage, I suspect a leatherworker would want to stitch in fabricated replacements.

 

[Dumpster D]

Time and poor storage conditions really brought her down. Likely stored improperly and was kicking around after it was already in a fragile 'dry rotted' stage for years. Could have been overlooked, left behind at an estate, or discovered in someone's basement, attic, or garage, shed, barn, trunk of an old car? Who knows...good thing looks like there's no moths or mouse damage at least. Good lord knows I've been there and back a few times.

Generally someone who had a collection that got out of control and these kinds of items didn't make the grade for an estate sale/auction, and find their way to the bin, all too easily.

Again, you did the right thing by saving it and researching the tag on it!!

The repair on my jacket was done with carefully hand stitching the tape and seam, and the panel back together gradually.

However, keep in mind, the leather on mine was not as deteriorated as yours.

Your Jacket will require some skills and different approaches to repair it other than stitching and sewing.

Yours may require *Some* loose hand stitching *Possibly* in some spots. Though it truly calls for some kind of epoxy and some well placed and very careful patching by someone with a bit of skill and know how to stabilize it. Needs an artists touch to shape and visualize the areas that need patching done. (You can't rush art, seriously it can wait!)

I would spend some time researching how it could be repaired, there's probably a few ways to go at this point, I like to preserve the originality as much as possible without doing anything too invasive to the jacket.

Again, yours will have some areas on the leather fragile as tissue paper at this point and hand stitching will not be practical.. some areas are too dry, and continue to split and crack easily unless it's kept as a display piece only. Swaddle it like a baby, and really be gentle until it's all patched back together like a broken tea cup.

Personally I'd look for some sheepskin hide from a repair shop and make my own patches, by shaving down the fleece and then glueing all the broken bits together and then assess those areas to cut nice fitting patches, that's one way, but lots of hours into it are required. Patience and more patience.

Sourcing the right material will take a lot of work.

It might cost a lot to have it repaired professionally, but you can ask around for quotes, there's people on this forum who would probably be able to do an incredible resto on this beauty.

You have a beautiful Jacket!

Again if you're looking to find a home for it, please keep me in mind!

 

[Dumpster D]

I don't know if there are ways to patch this kind of damage

Maybe some kind of Glue to start, expect to use different kinds of glue in different stages.

I haven't tried the 'glue' method myself. I've seen it done with some limited success, but haven't seen anything tried on a Jacket with this kind of extensive damage. I know something like that could be done if that's what is called for in this case.

Sometimes a patch can be done from the inside and glued, but your Jacket is just too blown to come at it from the 'fleece' side I would say.

Hopefully you can find info on here, other people here with experience will know the right way to approach this kind of job better than me.

It would probably need some patches, different kinds of shapes and types of patches, some to fill the missing chunks and some to cover over and hold areas together.

That is where a true artist will need to use their best Judgement to shape and fit the patches.

Finding the correct material will take time, and good judgement. Don't underestimate the amount of patience it will take to start and finish this kind of project, but do it as a labor of love.

One method that I've used is to shave down sheepskin patches and then glue them and loosely hand stitch them over some 'blown' areas.

Again LOT of hours of work, lots of patience, but it could be done, if you really take your time and plan it out first, and study and think it through carefully before hand. It's what I call a serious restoration. No messing around.

If It was my project, I would work up to it in small steps as it's a bit overwhelming at first.

To look on the bright side, I've seen a few Jackets in way worse shape, there is still hope!

 

[Dumpster D]

One thought I just had is you could find someone who could make some patches for you, and help match the material to something that will blend and shave down some sheepskin so it can be glued/sewn down on top of the worst spots, once you've stabilized the blown areas that are all shattered pieces.

Again, research the best glues and methods, hopefully there's some information enough to give you a bit of an idea how to approach this whole thing.

You might have to 'stabilize' the blown chunks with some glue maybe? You could carefully make some templates for patches once the glue is holding it together enough to measure out some different patches next. Hand trace some patch shapes and sizes (A bit Like how you would make a 'sewing pattern') to make a proper reinforcement to cover over the worst areas.

Maybe send those 'pattern' shapes in to someone who could help make some patches for you? Maybe something to think about at least.

It might be an expensive repair otherwise and I'm not sure just anyone would be willing to tackle this project, you may have to find a way around the hard parts of the restoration that are out of your comfort zone/skill level with a bit of help. While possibly doing some of the work yourself if need be.

I'd be all-in with this restoration.

I ain't kiddin ya. It's a righteous project to save this Jacket!

 

[flyincowboy]

A lot of work will be involved to fix such damage on the jacket! found mine in this kind of worst condition completely blown away and with some brittled leather. ( Just because of this i had the jacket copied and custom made with new shearling leather. The original jacket stay in a museum layed flat under a glass case).
1ST i will try the blind stitches fleece can be stitched .
2nd replacement patches glued and overlay tapes. Think it will be tricky to find the same tanned leather.

3rd replace all the damaged leather and use the most original parts as possible. straps buckles dot snap zipper sleeves and pocket Hem tag... a lot of work time and skill invoved ! Guess that you have a good sewing machine if you want the restauration done by yourself.

 

[Dumpster D]

3rd replace all the damaged leather and use the most original parts as possible. straps buckles dot snap zipper sleeves and pocket Hem tag... a lot of work time and skill invoved ! Guess that you have a good sewing machine if you want the restauration done by yourself.

I think what flyincowboy means, is to replace an entire panel of sheepskin? That's been done successfully by a professional here.

There is a thread in this forum with photos of that Restoration, but I can't remember where off hand.

***Could someone please post a link if they know which thread has the B-3 Jacket sent in to have the blown out panels replaced?***

That turned out good, but in this case that might be a bit overkill, as the jacket is not for wearing at this point, it's a rare keepsake piece of history to preserve.

It doesn't need all the straps and buckles re-done! They are actually amazing, the horsehide reinforcements on your Aero jacket are awesome!

Just Worry about the blown bits and call it good. Keep the originality intact as much as possible.

The Jacket would be referred to in the repair industry now as 'a period piece'

Yeah, might have to adhere the pieces back together with some special tape/glue, then patch over them.

Delicate work.

Like flyincowboy says, it will be hard to find a matching sheepskin material to make patches with, just take your time looking around and asking. Could take a long time to source the right sheepskin material.

Someone might have some scrap sheepskin leftover from a Jacket/trouser that fell apart if you check Ebay religiously. I've seen a few spare parts coming off B-3 jackets up for auction a few times sadly. Shame to resort to that. (Please don't get any ideas to cut up or recycle a good pair of Trousers/Jacket, there's definitely some original Scrap sheepskin floating around out there in the wild, in people's personal collections stashed away, ask me how I know)

Even then, trying to shave down, and make patches from some precious original 80 year old sheepskin?

Very dicey at best.

Tough call.

Another option is to just find some modern material that is a close/approximate match in colour and texture,and kind of accept that the finish on the new material will be somewhat different from the original 'Chrome Tanned' Finish.

I duno, don't let me give you any ideas... figure out how much 'patch' material you need and Call Eastman (They'll be pretty busy and might not be able to help, it might just be worth asking for advice at least) find someone who could make some patches once you have the shapes and size of the patches figured out, I don't know, haha, suppose they might have a couple scraps lying around they'd sell? If I was desperate I'd be beggin for scraps like a hungry dog.

DOwn boy Down!!!!

 

[Silver Surfer]

frankly, it appears to be beyond restoration, to my eyes. the outer hide is brittle and the little white bits in the fur indicate extreme dry rot. I am assuming that with any flexing, the rest of the jacket will fall apart as the shoulder, back and upper front has. if you are a diy kinda guy and want to monkey around with it, it might be an interesting learning curve. I have a bunch of shearling panels that were salvaged from ww2 shearling pants that you can have for the price of postage. I will be back in the us late feb, and arrangements can be made than. regardless of how much work is done, if any, the jacket will only be suitable for display.....maybe.

 

[Thomas Koehle]

The condition looks horrific but i'd leave it to the specialists to decide whether the jacket might be able to be saved ...

As for my expectation either way (part it out or restore) the jacket would not be meant for wearing any more

 

[Kermit3D]

It's great that you saved it. In any case, a jacket like that didn't deserve to end up in the trash.
It would certainly be expensive to have it restored... and in anyway it's absolutely not wearable.
It might be worth exhibiting.

If you're interested in getting a wearable B-3 jacket, then I suppose John from Goodwear Leather could recover all the hardware from this jacket (zipper, strap buckles, buttons, ...), and make you a great jacket at a lower cost, since you provide the hardware.

Fivestar and perhaps AVI could also do it for an even lower price, but with inferior quality.

 

[Dany McDonald]

If you're interested in getting a wearable B-3 jacket, then I suppose John from Goodwear Leather could recover all the hardware from this jacket (zipper, strap buckles, buttons, ...), and make you a great jacket

I was thinking in the same lines... Great find but very, very, very salty....

 

[Micawber]

Depends what you want to achieve as an end result?
Without inspecting in in hand it's a job to make valid suggestions. Ostensibly the thing has, like so many, a case of advanced rot in many areas so repair to display condition will be a difficult job given the apparent lack of good hide to bond or stitch to. Complete panel replacement is a possibility but with the former in mind it may prove to be a game of chasing worthwhile panels to retain and sew to. As mentioned patching is a possibility. As a parts donor for a new shell that may incorporate some original panels is a possibility but is likely to be expensive unless you can DIY.
If it were a garment with artwork / provenance then the investment may be worthwhile but for a seriously damaged Plain Jane? Anything is possible given time... and money!

 

[flyincowboy]

Fivestar and perhaps AVI could also do it for an even lower price, but with inferior quality.

NOPE had my father B3 downsized and refurbished and the 5 star team made a damned god job . Most of the time jacket is thought to be an original .

 

[NorthBayRay]

Thanks everyone, I greatly appreciate the wisdom and advice - what a great forum. Sounds like this B-3 will never be wearable, which is not too surprising. I had hoped this would be a good candidate for static display - I own a 1944 Willys MB and have a number of original WW2 items that I display with it, this would be a great addition. Sounds like it might be a challenge to even get it stable enough for that.

I'm not much of a seamster so it is probably well out of my league to do the work myself, but you have given me some interesting avenues to consider - I really appreciate your experience and guidance!

 

[flyincowboy]

To me the best is to have it duplicated .you can ask to have a good jacket company to copy stitches to stitches and use the original as a pattern. Like that you can wear a Clone of your original B3.

 

[NorthBayRay]

To me the best is to have it duplicated .you can ask to have a good jacket company to copy stiches to stiches and use the original as a pattern. Like that you can wear a Clone of your original B3.

That would be amazing - and practical for winter driving in the Jeep. Well, at least that's how I'd attempt to sell the idea to my wife, ha.

 

[NorthBayRay]

frankly, it appears to be beyond restoration, to my eyes. the outer hide is brittle and the little white bits in the fur indicate extreme dry rot. I am assuming that with any flexing, the rest of the jacket will fall apart as the shoulder, back and upper front has. if you are a diy kinda guy and want to monkey around with it, it might be an interesting learning curve. I have a bunch of shearling panels that were salvaged from ww2 shearling pants that you can have for the price of postage. I will be back in the us late feb, and arrangements can be made than. regardless of how much work is done, if any, the jacket will only be suitable for display.....maybe.

Thanks SS! I really appreciate the offer of the panels and I'm sorely tempted, but I think this is better left in the hands of someone who actually knows what they are doing. I am a DIY guy and love projects and learning new skills, but as noted above, I'm a crap seamster - anything more complex than sewing buttons and I'll likely make a hash of it. I'm going to explore the idea of patterning it, we'll see how that goes.