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

[Enigma1938]

An interesting piece for sure. Not only the red skin cuffs but also the mixed batch sleeves.
The insignia flaps on the shoulders are sewn on and there has been a nametag.
That's not a ordinary B-3, this one is more special and worth to be saved.

 

[Dumpster D]

That's not a ordinary B-3, this one is more special and worth to be saved.

Big time. Trash picked original mixed batch B-3 Jacket? Oh man, That's exciting! I love projects, but this one really takes the cake!!!

Thank you once again for saving this Aero Jacket from Oblivion!!

 

[AeroLeatherBeaconNY]

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!


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Hi ! i’m wondering where this original beauty is now - I saw a reference you may have traded it to John to make a new one? I am working on a project relating to Aero leather Beacon NY - the new one looks amazing/ but would really love to display the old one in a history archive !

 

[NorthBayRay]

Hi ! i’m wondering where this original beauty is now - I saw a reference you may have traded it to John to make a new one? I am working on a project relating to Aero leather Beacon NY - the new one looks amazing/ but would really love to display the old one in a history archive !

Hi there - correct! I traded with John and he patterned the original and now has it in his collection. Here's some detail on the repro. The great thing is that he was able to keep the original jacket completely intact and undamaged so it can be displayed in the future. If you have questions about the original, you may be able to reach out to him directly.

I'm curious about your project - are you researching the history of Aero Leather?