ID this A-2 in photo

[Wright Field]

i came across this photo of then-Capt Homer Boushey wearing an A-2 that’s a dead ringer for what I modeled my jacket on. Can you tell from the photo what contract this likely was? The photo is dated January 1940.

 

[Wright Field]

this is my version, an ELC Werber 1729 with a custom painted (from one of rye members here) Wright Field spearhead patch & nameplate. (This is a screenshot from a Facebook live event I did on Friday, giving a tour of the McCook Field site in Dayton, the predecessor for Wright Field

 

[B-Man2]

I initially thought the jacket in your photo was a 1st contract Rough Wear however you’re photo pre dates the production date of all Rough Wear contracts . So , I’m stumped as well. Sorry .

 

[2BM2K]

Taken everything into account maybe an Aero 3785

 

[Brettafett]

I'd second the above...

 

[YoungMedic]

(Amateur opinion) Looking at the date, epaulettes and the collar hook sticking way out I think a 39 Werber is a solid guess

 

[Enigma1938]

(Amateur opinion) Looking at the date, epaulettes and the collar hook sticking way out I think a 39 Werber is a solid guess

I think in this case we should see a visible seam around the sleeve where the cuff is attached

 

[ausreenactor]

(Amateur opinion) Looking at the date, epaulettes and the collar hook sticking way out I think a 39 Werber is a solid guess

Collar Hook out there screams 1939 Werber. Pocket flap contours are still making me wonder..

 

[ausreenactor]

I think in this case we should see a visible seam around the sleeve where the cuff is attached

I think the folded leather, visible as a thicker section above the wrist knit supports the 1939 Werber argument. Dimensions look similar to the repros out there..

 

[ausreenactor]

Aaargh. Is that one or two stitch lines up the epaulet? Single stitch and an internal leather crease would have me thinking Werber 33-1729.

Position of the inner collar stud/cover that far back into the body of the jacket also supports the 1729 with the 39-2951P Werber having the snaps closer to the zipper...

 

[YoungMedic]

Another thing that makes me think 39 is the condition of the jacket in 40 particularly the shoulder seams look like they are 1 year old and not potentially 6

 

[Brettafett]

39-2951P Werber is a good go... Still, those pockets...

 

[Wright Field]

A couple of points about Homer that could help. He started flying for the USAAC in late ‘32 and graduated in ‘33. Could this have been his first jacket, a Werber 1729? I’d think it would’ve looked more worn. On the other hand, he was assigned to Wright Field in 1939, at which point he could’ve gotten a new jacket, along with the patch.

 

[B-Man2]

Great analysis going on ..., just one suggestion , the 1729 Werber had much lighter Carmel knits. These seem too dark .

 

[ausreenactor]

Great analysis going on ..., just one suggestion , the 1729 Werber had much lighter Carmel knits. These seem too dark .

Would have worn out in that time.. like Eastman knits..