All A2's are the same....

[John Lever]

Just to point out-
I have never owned an A2 and at present have no plans to buy one.
Complete novice.

 

[B-Man2]

John
I’m not trying to sound like an asshole here, but the best way to learn everything you need to know about A2’s is right here in the forum archives.
Otherwise with all the information you’re asking for …. We are reinventing the wheel again.

 

[Erwin]

I believe that this statement that all A2 can be also added to any G1 or furry flight jackets, which can look the same for any person not interested deeply into this weird hobby. Just leather jackets for any normal person

 

[coolhandluke]

Heresy!

I don't know whether to reach for a torch and pitchfork, or the tar and feathers first.

 

[B-Man2]

Obviously this thread is going to prompt a “Whole Lotta” discussion so let me get in here early.
So here’s some thoughts .
1. To say that all A2’s look alike because they have certain similarities …would be like saying that all cars look alike because they have certain similarities . It’s just not so .
Try comparing a Knopf with a DuBow . Yeah they all have a front , a back , sleeves , pockets and a collar … just like a car has 4 wheels, front fenders , headlights , doors , a roof and a trunk …. But compare a 37 Ford with a 2024 Ford … it’s a dumb analogy but it serves the purpose for our discussions here.
2. The hides and tanning process are different with the age of the jackets .
3. The styles of the pockets, epaulets , collars , inset sleeves vs non inset sleeves , pocket scallops … all different.
I could go on to the linings and zippers and a bunch of other stuff but it would take a lot of time and space here so … that’s it for now .

 

[Lord Flashheart]

It's just another jacket isn't it?

Much like an airplane was simply another weapon when the AAF came into being?

 

[B-Man2]

As was mentioned previously … no need to repost years of details about the A2 .
Simply start here and that’s all you need to know .. you’ll figure the rest out .

The Mighty A-2: A Guide to the Army Air Forces’ Leather Flying Jacket

Introduction: One of the first things that any newbie stumbling onto vintageleatherjackets.org (VLJ) and looking to buy a flight jacket learns (besides “it costs how much?!”) is that there was not one A-2 jacket, but countless different combinations of patterns, leathers, zippers, thread and...

www.vintageleatherjackets.org

 

[blackrat2]

You could say the same about Irvin’s..take earlier examples , all look very similar but certainly I know someone like yourself John can pinpoint them to a maker..the grater population could probably only distinguish the ever growing amount of seams from early war through late war that they could pick up on and ask if it’s still an Irvin

 

[CBI]

Not to worry - John loves sheepskin and A-1's. He's probably kinda tired of all of the A-2 talk most of the time on this forum. I kind of zone out with all of the A-2 details talk myself sometimes. There's so much to cover in WW2, aviation. etc. that pointed vs. curved A-2 pockets can only keep my interest for a moment. That said, love that folks like JC and ELC are nius about these details so we can own great looking products!!!!

 

[John Lever]

Not to worry - John loves sheepskin and A-1's. He's probably kinda tired of all of the A-2 talk most of the time on this forum. I kind of zone out with all of the A-2 details talk myself sometimes. There's so much to cover in WW2, aviation. etc. that pointed vs. curved A-2 pockets can only keep my interest for a moment. That said, love that folks like JC and ELC are nius about these details so we can own great looking products!!!!

Buy that man a cigar

 

[John Lever]

Should I buy an A2 ?
If so which one....?

 

[CK90]

Should I buy an A2 ?
If so which one....?

Yes you should Mr. Lever. I feel you'd look particularly dashing in a Rough Wear contract.... 1401-p perhaps?

 

[B-Man2]

Should I buy an A2 ?
If so which one....?

A used Good Wear John … doesn’t matter which one …I know that you’re an ELC man but GWs are the way to go with your first one. If you buy anything else you’ll be waisting money because eventually you will get there and want one . Take my advice and make a GW your first and an ELC your second one. You’ll understand later on .

 

[John Lever]

No good they are bespoke fits when used and I am incredibly inpatient, though I'm sure they are the very best to be had when bought new.

 

[CK90]

A used Good Wear John … doesn’t matter which one …I know that you’re an ELC man but GWs are the way to go with your first one. If you buy anything else you’ll be waisting money because eventually you will get there and want one . Take my advice and make a GW your first and an ELC your second one. You’ll understand later on .

Preach, B-Man. Just so happens to be my first... and second... and third... and.............

 

[mulceber]

I think, what with your love of shearling and A-1s, a very early contract from back in the open-cockpit days would be more to your liking. So my vote is a Werber.

 

[B-Man2]

No good they are bespoke fits.

If you know two things you can be successful with your purchase. Know your measurements … and know the jackets measurements . I’ve purchased previously worn GWs for years that way , from sizes 44 to 48 and they all fit perfectly …. You’ve seen them here in “ What jackets “ . Perfect fits all .

 

[John Lever]

I am very skinny and athletic so I doubt any ursd one will fit me.
50 inch shoulders built like a middleweight boxer

 

[blackrat2]

John I would be more than happy to catch up with you and show you my Dubow..let me know if your popping to Guildford and if I can I would be happy to meet

 

[blackrat2]

Shame Cobblers and DrH don’t post up as there fairly local also