I Need ID Help On This Aero A-2

[Jaydee]

I was thinking a 42-15142-P but the color is more dark russet than seal and the collar seems a bit wide. Can anyone identify?
Thanks! -Jay

 

[deeb7]

I was thinking a 42-15142-P but the color is more dark russet than seal and the collar seems a bit wide. Can anyone identify?

I don't think you can get much further than Aero, Jay ...

The dark russet colour is typical for the later contracts, seal would have been more likely a depot respray, and collar variations would exist more from jacket, to jacket, than between contracts.

Acme Depot states that most of the 42-18775-P contract had regular brown knits, so the 42-15142-P, or the W535-AC-21996 seem the most likely.

 

[Roughwear]

That's a very fine Aero you have there, with much of the original finish in tact. It is one of two contracts, either the earlier W535ac21996 contract or the subsequent 42-15142-P. It is known that some of the last production jackets from the earlier contract were badged up with the 42-15142-P label whilst the earlier one was underneath. Both contracts were identical with berry knits and a seal finish. What size is the jacket?

 

[Robman]

That is a seal jacket that has faded. Looks like 21996 or 15142.

 

[Roughwear]

That is a seal jacket that has faded. Looks like 21996 or 15142.

Sure it is a seal jacket, but there is little loss of the original surface on this one. I always like the reddish undetones on these Aeros-the more surface wear, the more reddish undertones appear!

 

[bazelot]

Beautiful jacket. Truly amazing. What size is it?

 

[TankBuster]

I'm pretty sure it's a 21996. I have 2 that are nearly identical in appearance to this one shown.

 

[Jaydee]

Thanks for all the comments guys! The jacket is small. The pocket tag says 36. Condition is great, knits and liner are nearly spotless and it has some wonderful depth of color to the horsehide. It don't fit me so it will most likely be listed on ebay soon. - Jay

 

[Roughwear]

The 21996 contract was a large one and there are minor difference between jackets of this contract, such as the shape of the bottom of the pockets, collar points and positioning of the collar latch. Here are some pics of one of my jackets from this contract. It's a size 42 and you can see the reddish undertone where the seal finish has worn off in places. The waistband is original, but the cuffs are ELC bought replacements. This is one of my favourite jackets because I like the contrast between the shell and the berry knits. It has a wider back than many size 42s and is very comfortable to wear. There are no issues with the leather, which can be a problem with this contract.

 

[TankBuster]

Very nice jacket Andrew! I agree, the Aero 21996 is one of the best looking jackets.
I like the way most of them get the reddish undertone. With the rust knits, it looks
very sharp.

 

[bazelot]

Here is a pic of my Aero. Knits are not as red. Leather is truly amazing. Named to a B-17 squadron leader (I have a detailed report of all his missions over Europe (35))

 

[Roughwear]

Very nice Aero Tom. Which contract is it from?

 

[bazelot]

Don't really know. The label is a replacement from Aero Leather. I wish I knew the contract number though. This jacket is the only A-2 I have left and it is really beautiful. The picture does not do justice to the patina of the leather and its sturdiness.

 

[Roughwear]

It may be from the last Aero contract (18775-P) as the pocket flaps have a little more curvature than normally found on the two preceding contracts. The colour of the leather is typical of mid war jackets such as Poughkeepsies and this was a characteristic of the later Aero contract. You might like to check this out by way of comparison, Tom.

http://www.acmedepot.com/a2jacket/a2detail2.html