55-J-14

[tda003]

This is a very nice jacket, but... The label shows it as "55J14(AER) made by Flying Equipment Co. Chicago, 13, ILL" However, I can't find a contract to that company for this type jacket and there is no contract number on the label. The leather and knits are excellent. The mouton collar shows wear at the closure on each side and a small (possibly moth nip) place on the rear. The wind flap is not punched which is correct, but there is a USN

stencil on the collar. The lining is worn/torn at the hanger and there is a large tear on the lining inside the right sleeve. I'm thinking it may have been a private purchase, but that's just a guess.

 

[Chandler]

There's a stencil on the collar?

 

[Chandler]

The wind flap is not punched which is correct, but there is a USN stencil on the collar.

There's a stencil on the collar?

 

[tda003]

Sorry. Typo. NO stencil on collar.

 

[Grant]

There's no stencil or contract number because Flying Equip Co never supplied jackets to the USN. It's a civilian market jacket made well after the 55J14 1947 contract, most likely during the late 1960's. I've also seen their poorly made goatskin A-2 in vintage rag shops over the years.

 

[tda003]

Thanks. This doesn't seem poorly made except for the lining which hasn't held up well. If the lining were intact, it would be a great beater/daily wearer.

 

[tda003]

There was considerable discussion on Fedora Lounge about Flying Equipment G-1 jackets. Even John Goodman offered one for sale as a civilian purchase. You can Google it. I still believe this to be a civilian purchase G-1 from the earl 50's. Why put a blackened Talon zipper on a late 60's cheaply made repro?

 

[tda003]

FWIW, here's that thread.

Anyone heard of Flying Equipment Co. G-1

Hi everyone, I came across a minty example of a 1950s G-1 made by Flying Equipment Co. Chicago. Label is gold on black and resembles the Werber or Dubow G-1 labels (thin rectangular) in style but there is no reference to USN, BuAero or anything military in the label. The contract no is 261953...

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