Need help recreating my grandfather’s ww2 jacket

[seabees07]

The question is :

Is this jacket dark russet or light seal ?


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This isn’t my grandfathers actual jacket, this is one I had found on a collectors website from someone who was in the 492nd at the same time frame my grandfather was there. With that information along with the one picture I do have of my grandfather wearing his personal jacket, I’m assuming that this would have been the jacket he would have had.

 

[Grant]

Whatever you decide to do in re-creating your Grandfather's jacket, it will bring you great satisfaction. Years ago I decided to paint an A-2 in tribute to my dad's service flying with the 13th BS in Korea. Even though dad never wore an A-2 in Korea (they were available but he always said an A-2 was useless in the cold weather they endured) I had the "Oscar" mascot he had painted on the nose of his plane painted on an Eastman Cable Raincoat A-2. I researched and found an artist who agreed to use lead based enamels that would chip and wear along with the jacket. I'm always proud to wear it in memory of him as I'm sure you will of your Grandfather.

 

[Kermit3D]

This isn’t my grandfathers actual jacket, this is one I had found on a collectors website from someone who was in the 492nd at the same time frame my grandfather was there. With that information along with the one picture I do have of my grandfather wearing his personal jacket, I’m assuming that this would have been the jacket he would have had.

This project is great !

If that's not your grandfather's exact jacket in the photo, then maybe we've got it wrong by deducing that your grandfather was wearing an A-2 Star Sportswear. The color could also be different.
Anyway, if you can afford it, then go for Goodwear. As well as being the best at making authentic A-2s, John (of Goodwear) has an immense knowledge of these jackets... in my opinion, he's in the best position to help you.

And one more thing. John can sometimes take a while to reply to e-mails. He works alone and he's very busy (he's in charge of jacket production, communication, etc.), so don't be disappointed if you don't get an immediate answer. But rest assured, he'll get back to you, and in the end you'll get a fantastic jacket.

 

[mulceber]

I’m assuming that this would have been the jacket he would have had.

Unfortunately not. A-2 jackets didn’t have a set pattern, so the 14 companies that made them each had their own pattern with its own idiosyncrasies.

 

[Kermit3D]

Whatever you decide to do in re-creating your Grandfather's jacket, it will bring you great satisfaction. Years ago I decided to paint an A-2 in tribute to my dad's service flying with the 13th BS in Korea. Even though dad never wore an A-2 in Korea (they were available but he always said an A-2 was useless in the cold weather they endured) I had the "Oscar" mascot he had painted on the nose of his plane painted on an Eastman Cable Raincoat A-2. I researched and found an artist who agreed to use lead based enamels that would chip and wear along with the jacket. I'm always proud to wear it in memory of him as I'm sure you will of your Grandfather.


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Grant, that jacket is gorgeous.
I think the specific choice of lead-based enamel paint makes all the difference. It looks awesome !

 

[Saint-ex]

If that's not your grandfather's exact jacket in the photo, then maybe we've got it wrong by deducing that your grandfather was wearing an A-2 Star Sportswear. The color could also be different.

Unfortunately not. A-2 jackets didn’t have a set pattern, so the 14 companies that made them each had their own pattern with its own idiosyncrasies.

Indeed, and the picture of your grandfather wearing the A-2 doesn't allow a clear identification of the contract !

Yes, we are crazy , we know !