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Jimmy Stewart's RW1401 A-2 video
- Thread starter Brettafett
- Start date
Silver Surfer
Well-Known Member
He was issued a size 40 rw……which kinda fit his basic shape, except that a size 40 rw was for a guy 135-145 lbs, and about 5’11” max. Stewart was 6’1” or a bit taller. Look at original ww2 pix of Stewart wearing his rw, and that should put an end t “how an a-2 should fit”. Big deal Hollywood star gets what the quartermaster gives……..and true to his character, doesn’t beef.
mulceber
Moderator
Every time I see him in that jacket, I find myself thinking "he was making short films promoting the AAF, and they couldn't get him a jacket that fit properly?!?" Not that I suppose it made much difference in the end.
warguy
Well-Known Member
A remarkable leader, absolutely everything I read about him reveals a man who understood the importance of leading through example, inspiration, and influence. I have never read anything suggesting he wanted or accepted any kind of special treatment. I always liked him as an actor, but after reading about his war service, I admire him even more as a man.
ZuZu
Well-Known Member
I kind of disagree with the whole "his jacket didn't fit him" idea. Like you say- he was a big Hollywood star and I certainly don't think the old "quartermaster threw it at him" trope applies here. ( I think the USAAF wanted to have their men wear clothing that fit so I really wonder about these inept quartermaste legends.) I think Jimmy liked the jacket- and as my father (who was 6'1" 140 lbs. and wore a 40 all his life) and me to a lesser extent discovered in our life- if you're skinny and have long arms you get used to short sleeves. Maybe he thought it was his lucky jacket or maybe he thought it fit just fine a la Hugo Boss emphasizing his tallness.
Clark Gable also had A-2s and at least one was probably made by his own tailor. It's very short and emphasizes that 40's gigantic pants with tiny jackets look. I think Jimmy Stewart was probably going for that too.
Jacket when new (seems to fit fine to me!)
Jacket in a movie- it obviously meant something to him. Fits great bodywise...
Pilot
Well-Known Member
First thanks for bringing this up… and I really like Jimmy Steward, what a great actor and personality!.
Secondly I still believe that war time A-2 sizing was more generous in dimensions than our todays repros are. I am 1.75m and 75kg and I need a GW , ELC, BK , BR , TRMCC’s 44” or 46”.
I sold a named WW2 38” A-2 Bronco with a pit to pit of 55cm.
( was also offered here some times ago ).
My other WW2 44” Bronco A-2 with a pit to pit of 62-64cm was too baggy on me… (also sold…).
I had a WW2 Cable A-2 in 40” which I could wear with a pit to pit of 56-58cm but was a bit snug.. so it also went…
My experience with WWII A-2 sizings vs GW or other makers repros .
Secondly I still believe that war time A-2 sizing was more generous in dimensions than our todays repros are. I am 1.75m and 75kg and I need a GW , ELC, BK , BR , TRMCC’s 44” or 46”.
I sold a named WW2 38” A-2 Bronco with a pit to pit of 55cm.
( was also offered here some times ago ).
My other WW2 44” Bronco A-2 with a pit to pit of 62-64cm was too baggy on me… (also sold…).
I had a WW2 Cable A-2 in 40” which I could wear with a pit to pit of 56-58cm but was a bit snug.. so it also went…
My experience with WWII A-2 sizings vs GW or other makers repros .
Flightengineer
Well-Known Member
Damn, I remember when I first visited this wonderful place many years ago and stood near the windows with this and other A2s ...only then I found out that the guy who starred in Wonderful Life and The Spirit of St. Louis and the pilot who owned this jacket - is the same person.
Greg Gale
Well-Known Member
Epic indeed! I love the color.
On a sidenote, we like to assume around here that whatever the quartermaster gave you, you were stuck with it.
I’m reading ‘Ace in a Day’ by Wayne Blickenstaff - great book - and in one of the early chapters he mentions how they were told to go to the QM, get and get their stuff. It went something like this:
‘If you’re unsure about the size, the people working there will help, they’re experts at their jobs. And if it doesn’t fit, you can return and exchange it later. ‘
Can’t give you an accurate quote because it’s an audiobook and I don’t know where this part was.
On a sidenote, we like to assume around here that whatever the quartermaster gave you, you were stuck with it.
I’m reading ‘Ace in a Day’ by Wayne Blickenstaff - great book - and in one of the early chapters he mentions how they were told to go to the QM, get and get their stuff. It went something like this:
‘If you’re unsure about the size, the people working there will help, they’re experts at their jobs. And if it doesn’t fit, you can return and exchange it later. ‘
Can’t give you an accurate quote because it’s an audiobook and I don’t know where this part was.
Kermit3D
Well-Known Member
Interesting point of view.
I tend to agree. James Stewart probably chose to wear a size 40 and this jacket suits him well.
Look at the German pilots, they wear very small, tight-fitting cycling jackets, whose sleeves are often too short (for today's tastes). But it reinforces the "long legs" effect that was, I think, fashionable in the '40s.
Nickb123
Well-Known Member
I know we all are conscientious of making sure our $1000+ A-2s fit, but it’s liberating knowing that if we receive a jacket with sleeves an inch or so too short/long, we can feel a little more carefree about it if we wish, because we have cool guys like Stewart totally wearing them in such a way. I think it gives me some pause if I’m in the spot wondering whether to return a slightly short jacket or not.
Note: I will not be buying a Platon Dubow,that is just too short. But is it?
Note: I will not be buying a Platon Dubow,that is just too short. But is it?
ZuZu
Well-Known Member
Thanks for that- I really don't think that ill fitting jackets- especially flying clothing- would have been tolerated as much as our Legend of the Quartermaster would have it.
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Exactly Nick which is why I love the fit of the original Aero on me, being a size 40-42 chest and 32 waist though, I can get away with a lot
Nickb123
Well-Known Member
Jonny, I saw the backstory of your Aero but didn’t quite comprehend it. It was bought from Japan? And around $200? Did I read that right?!
Japan, Buyee Yahoo auctions 76 euros! Yes 76 euros only not 200 dollars hahaJonny, I saw the backstory of your Aero but didn’t quite comprehend it. It was bought from Japan? And around $200? Did I read that right?!
quite a feat huh? I posted a screenshot of the auction won81.37 bucks but I paid 40 bucks express shipping, came in less than 5 daysJonny, I saw the backstory of your Aero but didn’t quite comprehend it. It was bought from Japan? And around $200? Did I read that right?!
Nickb123
Well-Known Member
Did you play the lottery afterward?
Damn I should have haha
Nick with this Aero I felt I won a lottery haha
