M422/M422a related question

[Erwin]

Hi folks,

What is your opinion about non-snap fastener chest pockets on early M422 [like for example SWITLIK PARACHUTE AND EQUIPMENT CO. M-422]? As far as I spotted this correctly, the pocket doesn't have a snap fastener. I've seen this also on one early USN flight jacket [so sorry for being not specific, just don't remember right now if this was M422 or M422a].

Is this a well-known exception to see chest pockets without snap fasteners on early USN Jackets, m422/M422a types?

Thanks for your help!

 

[mulceber]

Haven't examined an original Switlik in person, but my GW Switlik M-422 has a snap on the interior pocket. It's just built into the leather facings, and thus isn't visible in most pictures. I have trouble believing John would add one if it wasn't there on the original.

 

[YoungMedic]

Very trick!

 

[mulceber]

Judging by how the edge of the pocket is getting pulled toward the outer edge of the jacket in this photo of Dave Sheeley's original, I'm pretty sure his original has a snap too. Otherwise, the pocket on this jacket would be gaping open a bit, rather than sitting tight like that.

 

[Erwin]

Hi!

Thanks a lot for this very valuable comments with pictures.

 

[Erwin]

Honestly, I asked about this non-snap chest pocket, as I'm waiting for my recently purchased jacket. This jacket looks very promising [in my opinion] - attached are pictures from the auction [in transit from France, from 1960 in one collection, additional insulation was added]. I'll post more pictures when I got this interesting piece. I'm waiting to compare this jacket to my other flight jackets [only G1s]. As I indicated, I'm new to this hobby.

One more time thanks for sharing your opinions and experience.

 

[Chandler]

The lining looks to have been replaced.

 

[Erwin]

As I discussed with the ex-owner [jacket was purchased originally in 1960 in France] the insulation was already added at that time. Looks like alteration was done - on the lower part old lining is still visible. If I'm lucky enough maybe a label/tag can be found, who knows? In the next few days, I should receive this jacket. Will definitely need forum users' help regarding this item. This jacket in my opinion looks very promising. I'll post more detailed pictures in the next few days [hopefully].

 

[STEVE S.]

As I discussed with the ex-owner [jacket was purchased originally in 1960 in France] the insulation was already added at that time. Looks like alteration was done - on the lower part old lining is still visible. If I'm lucky enough maybe a label/tag can be found, who knows? In the next few days, I should receive this jacket. Will definitely need forum users' help regarding this item. This jacket in my opinion looks very promising. I'll post more detailed pictures in the next few days [hopefully].

Looks to be a W&G.

 

[Erwin]

Hi,

The jacket arrived today, if you want I can create a new post to show you how it looks in detail. This is a great forum, a massive thank you to one of the moderators who provided detailed information regarding this civilian-made jacket [hopefully as close as possible in design to m422a].

I'm really glad to find this interesting jacket, in comparison to some of my G1 jackets.

 

[B-Man2]

Guys …. I’m not sure why we are posting thumb nails again . I thought most of us had agreed to stop doing it and simply make it easier on everyone by posting a full size photo ??
Like this one !!

 

[JonnyCrow]

Guys …. I’m not sure why we are posting thumb nails again . I thought most of us had agreed to stop doing it and simply make it easier on everyone by posting a full size photo ??
Like this one !!View attachment 97329

 

[Erwin]

Good to know that forum folks had agreed to not post thumbnail pictures, It really makes sense, so sorry for this mess. I will remember about proper post-editing. Thanks!

 

[Maverickson]

Hi All,
My set of original Switlik M-422 jackets. Arguably the most rare USN jackets made. In fact something less than 250 made in total.

The jacket to the left is a size 36 and the one on the right is a size 40.

Exactly what I used to derive my reproduction design. Notably it takes more than one size jacket to crack the code for correctly grading a particular size from a given maker.

Likewise I used 3 original Monarch M-422 (sizes 36, 40/42 & 46) to crack that code. The more jackets in a given size the easier it is to break the code. With my Monarch M-422 design all I had to do was fill in he blanks.

Cheers, Dave

 

[mulceber]

@Maverickson does the inside pocket have a snap closure? I did some sleuthing with photographs to try and get the answer, but you're probably the only active member on the VLJ who can say for certain.

 

[Maverickson]

Hi Jan,

Yes, a map pocket snap is present. Part of the USN's March 1940 M-422 bidders spec sheet. As I have that spec sheet for the bid. Compliments to the National Archives.

A unique set up that is all internal. I will get a pic.

Cheers, Dave

 

[Erwin]

Hello @Maverickson and the rest of the folks here,

Thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge and experience, much appreciated! A quick question, if possible, are there any online available mil-specifications [complete ones] for USN flight jackets from WW2 until MIL-J-7823D?

Thanks a lot!

 

[mulceber]

Seconded - I'd also be interested in reading the specifications.

 

[Maverickson]

Hi All,

Yes, I'm certain that you can find all the info you want at the National Archives. But those post WW-2 type are not my interest.

It would probably take you several days to find the booklets containing that info. It has not been but so recently that the Archive has opened back up.

Short of going there I believe that there are folks that specifically work for an hourly rate doing that kind of research for money.

You can pay them to do your research. But I dout that will come cheap.

Cheers, Dave

 

[Erwin]

Fantastic looks like in the case I'm in the USA this would be another place worthy of visiting. A few years back I had the real pleasure to exchange or more to receive a piece of great information from the key person who is in charge of the military historical department. At that time I was researching pieces of information related to Natick Labs on development for their test field jackets [which finally gave cold mans field jacket aka "m65"]. Sadly some resources are not available online, as in the Library of Pentagon.

Best regards