H.L.B Corp B-3 contract 1941

[Snackson]

I got lucky and found myself a new project in the form of a 1941 HLB Corp B-3 in a size 42R. Although she looks a little tattered and worn, the leather is surprisingly strong without any obvious weak spots in the shoulder and sleeve areas.
The tag is original too, torn in half, but still legible:

AC DRAWING N33H 5595, ORDER NO W535 AC-17811, HLB CORP N.Y

which dates back to 1941 according to what I could find on the web. There are a few flaws obviously: the zip appears to be a later replacement, a CONMAR, possibly from a more recent and different style jacket?
The leather side straps have come undone but it appears to be the stitching that has dissolved over time rather than any ripping or cracking.

The back panel construction is a little different from some of the other B-3's of H.L.B that I can find on the web. It is a 2 panel back where other ones have a horizontal seam running from armpit to armpit.

Thought you might like to see some pictures, hope you like! Any comments and info appreciated!

 

[flyincowboy]

Nice vintage B3 good to see one in excellent condition Yes the zipper has been changed. Quite sure that you can source the leathers straps and buckles from a a wrecked one and have them sewn on the jacket...

 

[FreddyF9]

Nice catch!

Besides the zipper, it’s an all original 1941 HLB. The zipper seems to be a 1950’s Conmar, similar of those that you can find on MA-1s.

Be careful, those jackets’s sheepskin can be brittle. Even if the leather is solid, the cotton thread sometimes rots and it’s easy to rip the stitches apart.

Still, it’s always great to see an original in good shape!

Thank you for sharing

 

[mulceber]

Great find! What are you planning to do for the restoration, and who are you going to send it to?

According to the list of major war supply contracts, this contract was awarded in March of 1941 and completed in December. The total cost was 172 grand.

FWIW, the three originals I’ve seen of this contract all had Talon zippers. You’d probably want a Talon M-39 as a replacement.

 

[Snackson]

Thanks Jan, that's good info. I am not sure yet what I'll do with it, I started cleaning it up and will probably have the waist straps fitted, maybe source a Talon zip.
If the transformation is worth while showing, I'll post some more pictures at some later stage!

 

[pj_odin]

Are its trim strips and pockets and patches on the arms made of different leather?

Looks like the patches on the pockets and arms are goatskin

The trim is horsehide?

 

[mulceber]

Looks like the patches on the pockets and arms are goatskin

According to JC, goatskin was common for HLB B-3s. https://www.goodwearleather.com/pages/sale_b3_0004.html

 

[pj_odin]

According to JC, goatskin was common for HLB B-3s. https://www.goodwearleather.com/pages/sale_b3_0004.html

It seems so, I saw a similar claim in FULL GEAR, but the book doesn't mention what leather the trim strips are made of.
H.L.B is a fascinating model that has a lot of unique features.

 

[Snackson]

Are its trim strips and pockets and patches on the arms made of different leather?

Looks like the patches on the pockets and arms are goatskin

The trim is horsehide?

Yes, I think you are right. The patches and trim strips are a lighter brown leather that is different from the pocket and arm panels. Could well be goat, it feels thinner and more pliable than horse.