442RCT
New Member
Looks like the Chinese think there is a market for A-1 flight jackets and are producing them.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Pre-WW2-US-Army-Air ... 27b03a14fa
http://cgi.ebay.com/Pre-WW2-US-Army-Air ... 27b03a14fa
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A-1 Horsehides from Shanghai
- Thread starter 442RCT
- Start date
zoomer
Well-Known Member
Nitpick nitpick nitpick. I'll join in 
My criticism is it's a little short in the sleeves and bod for a 46.
Also: they put Army into the header, then rip off the US-Authentic web page copy that says it was Navy issue.
Also also: you don't want heavy horsehide in an A-1, or indeed, heavy anything.
My criticism is it's a little short in the sleeves and bod for a 46.
Also: they put Army into the header, then rip off the US-Authentic web page copy that says it was Navy issue.
Also also: you don't want heavy horsehide in an A-1, or indeed, heavy anything.
John Lever
Moderator
I think it looks pretty good to me. The wooden buttons are an anomaly, but the leather and the cut look OK.
At the price it's good value, but only 'eyes on ' would tell.
I think they are from Singapore. Spearhead have been going for a while.
At the price it's good value, but only 'eyes on ' would tell.
I think they are from Singapore. Spearhead have been going for a while.
John Lever
Moderator
I contacted them to see if the jacket was available without the arm decal. I hope I am correct in that they would not have had them back in the 1930's.
Here's their reply -
Hi there,
Thanks for your advice, we will not have the decal attached on the A-1 jacket, the USAAF decal is just a free gift, we offer it as a GWP with our B10, B15 jackets and A-2 jackets as well, we always send the jacket with the AAF patch separate. we will have some US army air corps patches available at this April.
Best Regards
Barry
Here's their reply -
Hi there,
Thanks for your advice, we will not have the decal attached on the A-1 jacket, the USAAF decal is just a free gift, we offer it as a GWP with our B10, B15 jackets and A-2 jackets as well, we always send the jacket with the AAF patch separate. we will have some US army air corps patches available at this April.
Best Regards
Barry
zoomer
Well-Known Member
Yes. Major mistake - easy to avoid but difficult to correct unless the collar and jacket seam are flush on both sides (pic).deand said:
FWICS, it doesn't look like it - the collar might have to be taken off and reattached.
Now to the leather thickness. They're shrewd to advertise it in millimeters.
According to this chart, 1.6 mm is equivalent to 4 oz.
The typical high-end A-2 repro is ±3 oz (1.2 mm).
Typically A-1s were cape, and lighter yet.
So this jacket could potentially be WAY too heavy.
m444uk
Active Member
John Lever said:
They make a massive range of stuff but often the details let them down.
The pockets etc. are out of proportion and the camo patterns a bit to bright.
http://cgi.ebay.com/USAAF-Type-A-2-Seal ... 0109690945
http://cgi.ebay.com/WW2-British-Paratro ... 0109673689
zoomer
Well-Known Member
Some more info on the Spearhead products at this Fedora Lounge thread.
John Lever
Moderator
A little fine turning here and there could spell major probs for our favourite makers at these prices.
ausreenactor
Well-Known Member
John Lever said:
I'm with you 100% on that...
Couchy
John Lever
Moderator
I can't see where the made in China is mentioned in the listing.
442RCT
New Member
John Lever said:
That jacket looks like the jacket on this Chinese auction site, right down to the wooden buttons. Also the seller is based in Singpore, so we're guessing the jackets are of Chinese manufacture.
With the thickness of the hide 4 oz., these jackets reminds me of the LW offerings, which many say is too thick, but study and bulletproof. :?
http://item.taobao.com/auction/item_det ... 2c6123.htm
