L-2B vs MA-1

[watchmanjimg]

Here are a comparison of a B15D(Mod) and two different L-2Bs here which I did just for fun a while ago.

The B15D (mod) is almost identical to the early MA-1 where as the two L-2Bs may have some years apart, but certainly from the later contracts. I have a very early version of L-2b but I haven't taken any picture of it. The B15D is a size 38 while the 2 L-2Bs are medium.

 

[watchmanjimg]

Here are a comparison of a B15D(Mod) and two different L-2Bs here which I did just for fun a while ago.

The B15D (mod) is almost identical to the early MA-1 where as the two L-2Bs may have some years apart, but certainly from the later contracts. I have a very early version of L-2b but I haven't taken any picture of it. The B15D is a size 38 while the 2 L-2Bs are medium.

Is the B-15D an original with that embroidery? The L-2B in the middle is a commercial Alpha. The example at right looks correct and would be from a 1970 or later contract.

 

[colekwok]

Is the B-15D an original with that embroidery? The L-2B in the middle is a commercial Alpha. The example at right looks correct and would be from a 1970 or later contract.

I got the jacket with the embroidery already there. I presume it was done by the vet who owned it and probably did it after his tour. I am pretty sure the (Mod) tag look authentic to me. I have no idea about the origin of the middle L2-B, I have to go back and check the tag.

 

[watchmanjimg]

I got the jacket with the embroidery already there. I presume it was done by the vet who owned it and probably did it after his tour. I am pretty sure the (Mod) tag look authentic to me. I have no idea about the origin of the middle L2-B, I have to go back and check the tag.

I wasn't doubting the authenticity of the D, just curious as it's very interesting with that setup. The aluminum zipper coupled with epaulets and no waist tab is a giveaway that the middle L-2B is commercial as no issued version was produced in that configuration. Aluminum zippers replaced the blackened type in 1970 and were used exclusively thereafter. Epaulets were gone after Fiscal year 1964-65 on issued models.

 

[colekwok]

I wasn't doubting the authenticity of the D, just curious as it's very interesting with that setup. The aluminum zipper coupled with epaulets and no waist tab is a giveaway that the middle L-2B is commercial as no issued version was produced in that configuration. Aluminum zippers replaced the blackened type in 1970 and were used exclusively thereafter. Epaulets were gone after Fiscal year 1964-65 on issued models.

Oh well, I always have doubt about this B-15D here, because the condition of the jacket is somehow too good to be an authentic one. When I acquired it it was purely just for fun. As for the middle L-2B, I can't recall how much I pay for that, but it was dirt cheap anyway and was intended to be worn. The trouble is that the jacket is really really short.

 

[watchmanjimg]

If you're able to post more detailed photos of the B-15D including the label we may be able to sort it out further.

 

[colekwok]

If you're able to post more detailed photos of the B-15D including the label we may be able to sort it out further.

This is a funny label from the B15D, no black/blue tag behind the white tag. I thought this might be a possible repro? The two zippers are actually Talon, which I have not seen before on any B15D.

 

[watchmanjimg]

This is a funny label from the B15D, no black/blue tag behind the white tag. I thought this might be a possible repro? The two zippers are actually Talon, which I have not seen before on any B15D.

I have a known original with just the white label but yours appears to be a repro given the incorrect "Modifyed" spelling if nothing else. Also, I believe zippers on an original should be either Crown or Conmar.

 

[colekwok]

I have a known original with just the white label but yours appears to be a repro given the incorrect "Modifyed" spelling if nothing else. Also, I believe zippers on an original should be either Crown or Conmar.

Well, true, never noticed that tiny 'Modifyed' spelling. haha. I got it for cheap, but seems like an odd repro to me, actually very good quality.

 

[oose]

I would go for L-2b, its my prefered jacket. Here are links to USAF personnel wearing L-2a: https://jetpilotoverseas.wordpress.com/category/l-2a/
L-2b: https://jetpilotoverseas.wordpress.com/category/l-2b/
MA-1: https://jetpilotoverseas.wordpress.com/category/ma-1/

I must update the site, I've a stack of images to upload but work and family are taking a toll on my hobbies!

All the best
Stu

 

[Greg Gale]

BAck to the original question: I’m moving to Bali Indonesia soon. Would it make sense to buy an L2B? It’s very humid and 25-26 degrees at night.

 

[Pilot]

Hi Greg,
staying in tropical countries and SEA for 3-5 months per year...yes! thats one jacket you can wear there. The A-2 over a T-shirt is also OK.
Have fun there...great place.

 

[Greg Gale]

Thank you Brice. The Bronson page specifies "5-15 degrees" - that may be a bit too warm I guess. I think I'll stick to my Levi's denim jacket, and if after a couple of months there I still want an L-2B, I'll have it shipped there.

 

[Pilot]

Hi Greg,
I wore my GW LW FOSTER L 2A in Vietnam ( Saigon) last time in the evening, was perfect. Temps in Bali, Nusa (or Kuta, Legian where the fun is ) are similiar to Saigon, but in Bali you always have a sea breeze...not in Saigon.
Older BR or RMC-J L-2a or b’s are even lighter hence more comfortable to wear.
When are you moving? I am in Jakarta for a week or so in the next few days.

 

[Greg Gale]

Only in April, unfortunately. I'd go tomorrow...

 

[Pilot]

Only in April, unfortunately. I'd go tomorrow...

Thats OK...it will go by very fast...April you have more sunny days since the monsoon rains should have stoped by March.

 

[Pilot]

BTW, there are one or two flight jacket dealers in Indonesia...they have nice stuff mostly BR and RMC-J...nylons and cotton....See them on Greedbay from time to time....Good for you you save the shipping costs and import duties...
..here is one...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Authentic-...534773?hash=item3b2b1f3075:g:zF4AAOSwaP5cZ7UL

 

[Pilot]

See you soon in Bali