A-2 find: American Eagle Leather, H. Chait

[Banzai]

This might be the best EBay score I’ve ever had. It’s an A-2 from “American Eagle Leather, H. Chait, Maker”. Found it for a steal in near mint condition.

This is nearly the nicest goat I’ve ever handled. Weighty, solid, but not too much. Very “crunchy” or “crispy”, and very grainy. Lots of character.

I don’t know that it’s a replica of a specific contract, but the fit is very WW2-repro…it’s a size 40, and not baggy on my 38-39” chest. Collar stand, scalloped pockets…all the period-type details. The only thing I don’t care for is the synthetic satiny lining.

Whoever this guy was, he made a heck of a jacket. I can’t find anything about him online.

 

[Banzai]

Snaps are modern. The zipper is some model of Talon, but not like the art-deco one on most repros.

For the thread-counters, it’s about 8 per inch, which is much tighter than the 6 per inch that some repro makers do.

 

[Banzai]

Bad thing about the old-style hanger loop is that i bet getting the lining redone is a pain.

 

[B-Man2]

Bad thing about the old-style hanger loop is that i bet getting the lining redone is a pain.

No need to worry about replacing the lining .
It won’t need to be done in our lifetime

 

[B-Man2]

BTW … if you don’t mind saying .. what did you consider as a steal price ?

 

[Banzai]

BTW … if you don’t mind saying .. what did you consider as a steal price ?

The seller accepted my offer of $169

 

[B-Man2]

The seller accepted my offer of $169

Nicely done !!

 

[B-Man2]

Would love to see some fit pics when you have a chance .

 

[mulceber]

Nicely done. Looks like a great wearing jacket, and some of the details are nice.

 

[Banzai]

Would love to see some fit pics when you have a chance .

Going to do that soon. I'll say though that the fit is just terrific. I couldn't have gotten much better with a custom job.

This jacket is honestly one of the best that's passed through my possession. With the sole exception of that lining, it is just top-quality work and materials. I wish I knew more about the person who made it.

 

[B-Man2]

Going to do that soon. I'll say though that the fit is just terrific. I couldn't have gotten much better with a custom job.

This jacket is honestly one of the best that's passed through my possession. With the sole exception of that lining, it is just top-quality work and materials. I wish I knew more about the person who made it.

This is the right place to find the guy.
A lot of experienced and expertise here . Give it a few days and someone will pop up with the info on the maker .
And don’t worry about how the lining looks . No one sees it when it’s on and the lining would cost more to replace than you paid for the jacket ….. Almost.