Hey all,
Thanks for having me, figured this forum might be the one I need for my questions. As a collector of WWII memorabilia, from time to time you also get interested in Army Air Force items and with such, their flight jackets.
At first I was always looking at getting a reproduction A2, however I never found a decent reproduction in my size nor one that was affordable.. So I didn't went through with that idea but after having added some items to the collection of Fighter Pilots.. I started looking at the B-10 Flying Jackets, as it appears most of these men in the 406th Fighter Group used them. What brands are out there who make good to very good reproductions? I know of East Man Leather, Buzz Rickson and Bronson but not sure if there are others?
Of note, I should say that it would be a "daily wear" jacket in the winter as a tribute. So I'm not looking at something that breaks the bank and would be in my size. Which I reckon would be around 48/50. Unfortunately I'm a big guy with a big belly, always enjoying food and beers..
Included are a few shots of some of the men of whom I own some of their memorabilia.
1. 2nd Lieutenant Quentin G. Eymer, Killed in Action on December 27, 1944 over Bastogne, Belgium. Flew with the 512th Fighter Squadron.
2. 1st Lieutenant Arden A. Hitch, recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross. Flew with the 513th Fighter Squadron.
3. 1st Lieutenant Robert R. Kranz, recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross. Flew with the 512th Fighter Squadron.
Furthermore I'd like to know if it would be appropiate to use the Fighter Group or a Squadron patch on the chest? So far I only came across one photograph of 514th Fighter Squadron pilots with the Squadron patch.
Was also thinking about adding a custom paint work of Arden Hitch's plane the "Saucy Suzie". Not sure if that could be "historically accurate"?
Looking forward to hear all of your opinions!
Thanks
Thanks for having me, figured this forum might be the one I need for my questions. As a collector of WWII memorabilia, from time to time you also get interested in Army Air Force items and with such, their flight jackets.
At first I was always looking at getting a reproduction A2, however I never found a decent reproduction in my size nor one that was affordable.. So I didn't went through with that idea but after having added some items to the collection of Fighter Pilots.. I started looking at the B-10 Flying Jackets, as it appears most of these men in the 406th Fighter Group used them. What brands are out there who make good to very good reproductions? I know of East Man Leather, Buzz Rickson and Bronson but not sure if there are others?
Of note, I should say that it would be a "daily wear" jacket in the winter as a tribute. So I'm not looking at something that breaks the bank and would be in my size. Which I reckon would be around 48/50. Unfortunately I'm a big guy with a big belly, always enjoying food and beers..
Included are a few shots of some of the men of whom I own some of their memorabilia.
1. 2nd Lieutenant Quentin G. Eymer, Killed in Action on December 27, 1944 over Bastogne, Belgium. Flew with the 512th Fighter Squadron.
2. 1st Lieutenant Arden A. Hitch, recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross. Flew with the 513th Fighter Squadron.
3. 1st Lieutenant Robert R. Kranz, recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross. Flew with the 512th Fighter Squadron.
Furthermore I'd like to know if it would be appropiate to use the Fighter Group or a Squadron patch on the chest? So far I only came across one photograph of 514th Fighter Squadron pilots with the Squadron patch.
Was also thinking about adding a custom paint work of Arden Hitch's plane the "Saucy Suzie". Not sure if that could be "historically accurate"?
Looking forward to hear all of your opinions!
Thanks
