91st BG (H) A2

[Micawber]

This jacket was transferred to my ownership in the late 1990's direct from a good friend and veteran who owned and painted it during the latter stages of the war back. Since that time it has been on loan and display in a museum up until recently when it was withdrawn and returned in order for a condition assessment to be undertaken.

The gentleman in question painted the entire crew's issue A-2's using paints obtained from Tony Starcer who was the principle noseart artist in the group.

This jacket was a replacement for his issue A-2 which was taken, along with lots of other gear, from his locker when his crew was listed MIA after the plane lost two engines and had to put down on the continent while repairs were made. He states in a latter that this jacket was "obtained from supply on the field" and painted by him using paints, thinners, brushes etc from Tony Starcer with whom he had become friends. He says he didn't pay attention to the fact it had no manufacturers label.

Unfortunately the jacket was quite frail on receipt all those years ago, he attributed this to it having been displayed on board a ship before being withdrawn and sent to me. I hope it is of interest.

 

[dmar836]

Micawber, It is of interest but please post about yourself in bios, as has become the custom here. We can't ask it only of those who appear to be spamming us(obviously you are not). The hide and three piece sleeves are quite interesting on this one and I hope you have other jackets in your collection to share.
Thanks for dropping in,
Dave

 

[B-Man2]

Hi
Your jacket sure is of interest here. Thanks for posting.
We have a new members Bio Section so please take a section and introduce yourself . I’m sure more members will be along shortly to comment on your jacket. We are a collective of international hobbyists who have an interest in these type of items. Welcome to our group.
Cheers
B-Man3

 

[Micawber]

My apologies. Long time lurker here so took it for granted. Off to post in the bio bit....

Edited to add that I could have sworn I had posted here before - not to worry!

 

[Steve27752]

Nice art, the leather looks like elephant hide.

 

[Brettafett]

Wow. That is one interesting jacket, along with an interesting story.
Thanks for posting, and welcome.

 

[Flightengineer]

Thank you for sharing. An interesting drawing.

 

[Roughwear]

Thanks for posting pictures of what is clearly a private purchase A-2, not an issued USAAF one. Issued ones had two piece sleeves.

 

[Micawber]

Yes indeed, thank you. I am aware of the sleeve construction of issue A-2.

The veteran concerned was adamant that he procured this from supply on the base, my take on that as this was late in the war the jacket had seen prior service and was either turned in or the result of a locker clearance. Of course this is speculation on my part. Fortunately among the huge volume of correspondence with this gent I have a note from him relating the background to the jacket.

 

[B-Man2]

Memories fade with time and timelines get confused . It’s a great looking jacket for sure but questionable as an issued item. Having said that I’d be the first guy in line to have one like this.

 

[Roughwear]

Yes indeed, thank you. I am aware of the sleeve construction of issue A-2.

The veteran concerned was adamant that he procured this from supply on the base, my take on that as this was late in the war the jacket had seen prior service and was either turned in or the result of a locker clearance. Of course this is speculation on my part. Fortunately among the huge volume of correspondence with this gent I have a note from him relating the background to the jacket.

I am pleased you are aware of the sleeve construction on an A-2! It is quite likely that this privately purchased jacket had a previous owner.

 

[Silver Surfer]

late war? post war? civy made of water buff? a replacement for the original? often as not, bombs indicating missions were added during the war, and finalized at the end of the war, or post war. from the look of the paint, it would appear to be enamel of some sort. oh, and welcome to the abusement park, mica.

 

[Greg Gale]

Fantastic jacket, thank you for posting. Here's the same jacket 74 years ago:

 

[Roughwear]

Which of the nine jackets in the photo is the same as the one from the first post Greg?

 

[Greg Gale]

The guy crouching in the middle? At least it has the same group patch, and it's definitely the same B-17. It doesn't have the shoulder paint (yet?) though.

 

[Roughwear]

Yes it has the same group patch but I doubt it is the same jacket as it does not have Dutch painted above the patch.

 

[Greg Gale]

True, it has a leather name tag instead. If it had ever been removed, the stitches would be visible on the one in the OP.

 

[Roughwear]

Very true Greg. There is no sign of empty stitch holes on the one in the OP.

 

[Micawber]

Sorry not that crew. Out House Mouse was a long serving ship [sister to Nine O Nine]. He was BTO on the last crew [Harvey] as seen here in class A's

 

[Micawber]