Cable Raincoat A2 contracts

[Roughwear]

Cable Raincoat A2s have always been among my favourite A2s. The russet spray finished leather combined with the larger collar and elongated box stitching on the epaulets appeals to me.

Cable was awarded two named contracts, the late 1941 W535 ac23382 contract and the 42-10008-P contract from early 1942. Later in the spring of 1942 they started to produce A2s under the no name W535 ac27753 contract.

AC 23382

Two jackets from the ac27753 no name contract.

Jackets from their first and third contracts were made from russet horsehide, whilst those from the 42-10008-P were produced from goatskin. Until today I have only seen goatskin jackets from this contract. However a very nice minty painted Cable from this contract has just appeared on Ebay ($6,000 BIN!) and it is made from horsehide. Apart from the label it is identical to the later no-name contract and even has the familiar Conmar zipper, found on most 27753 jackets. Here are some pics from the auction.

My question is approximately what proportion of Cable Raincoat A2s from the 42-10008-P were made from horsehide rather than the common seen goatskin versions?

 

[Anonymous]

still can't find this auction

 

[Roughwear]

Here we go:-
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221010548571? ... 1423.l2649

 

[ButteMT61]

So Andrew, what's your take on the price? I get it's a rare version and all...?

 

[Roughwear]

I think $6k, although the seller is open to offers, is too high. It is likely to appeal to those who collect painted A2s, but these usually sell for quite a lot less than this amount. There are exceptions of course. I would think it should sell if it were price in the $4-$4.5k price range. And no I'm not bidding as I have a couple of really nice painted A2s!