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.
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Need help recreating my grandfather’s ww2 jacket
- Thread starter seabees07
- Start date
Grant
Well-Known Member
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
Well-Known Member
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
Moderator
Unfortunately not. A-2 jackets didn’t have a set pattern, so the dozen-plus companies that made them each had their own pattern with its own idiosyncrasies.
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Kermit3D
Well-Known Member
Grant, that jacket is gorgeous.
I think the specific choice of lead-based enamel paint makes all the difference. It looks awesome !
Saint-ex
Well-Known Member
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 !
Sorry for the delay, trying to respond to you guys now that I’m home from work. I’d figure I give you guys an update after a busy day.
Reading some of the input over jacket manufacturers and looking into time frames etc* it very well could be any contract vendor at this point. Being my grandfather was born in Massachusetts, going with star sportswear just feels right seeing they were based in mass, just a nice little detail you know?
While John over at goodwear is the overwhelming recommendation, as we all know time is our worst enemy. More true for me now than ever, my father will be 67 in 2 weeks and not to be pessimistic on the topic but you get where I’m coming from. I’ve spent years trying to locate the original, blindsided by the idea of a recreation due to not knowing there’s people readily accessible to handle that task (thanks to you amazing people). I would be devastated if I were to go the possibile 12+ months wait to make this happen and fall short on the reason I’m doing this in the first place. To bring a sense of closure to the man that deserves it most, my father.
I’ve come to this conclusion after receiving some positive news. Eastman leather has reached out to me this morning stating that they have a star sportswear A-2 in the correct size I need, in stock and ready to ship. Sign from the gods? Maybe so. While I truly hope I’m not letting any of you down by going with this option over goodwear, I do feel like this is the best option in terms of quality and most importantly, time.
Since you all have been very involved and extremely helpful throughout this process I wanted to have the ones involved, be involved. Sean Collin’s has accepted in helping me create the 492nd eager beaver patch and all details/payment were completed this morning. I’ve also had a conversation with @ties70 this morning and asked if he would like to recreate the 7th BG patch. I feel like it would be an honor having the highly recommended members, by members, both have a contribution and a part of this project.
Once again I thank you all for your help, suggestions and recommendations that brought us up to this point. I look forward to continuing to provide you with updates as we go along!
Reading some of the input over jacket manufacturers and looking into time frames etc* it very well could be any contract vendor at this point. Being my grandfather was born in Massachusetts, going with star sportswear just feels right seeing they were based in mass, just a nice little detail you know?
While John over at goodwear is the overwhelming recommendation, as we all know time is our worst enemy. More true for me now than ever, my father will be 67 in 2 weeks and not to be pessimistic on the topic but you get where I’m coming from. I’ve spent years trying to locate the original, blindsided by the idea of a recreation due to not knowing there’s people readily accessible to handle that task (thanks to you amazing people). I would be devastated if I were to go the possibile 12+ months wait to make this happen and fall short on the reason I’m doing this in the first place. To bring a sense of closure to the man that deserves it most, my father.
I’ve come to this conclusion after receiving some positive news. Eastman leather has reached out to me this morning stating that they have a star sportswear A-2 in the correct size I need, in stock and ready to ship. Sign from the gods? Maybe so. While I truly hope I’m not letting any of you down by going with this option over goodwear, I do feel like this is the best option in terms of quality and most importantly, time.
Since you all have been very involved and extremely helpful throughout this process I wanted to have the ones involved, be involved. Sean Collin’s has accepted in helping me create the 492nd eager beaver patch and all details/payment were completed this morning. I’ve also had a conversation with @ties70 this morning and asked if he would like to recreate the 7th BG patch. I feel like it would be an honor having the highly recommended members, by members, both have a contribution and a part of this project.
Once again I thank you all for your help, suggestions and recommendations that brought us up to this point. I look forward to continuing to provide you with updates as we go along!
This is awesome, and a great looking jacket. Good to hear someone else had the same project in mind and made it to the finish line.
Pa12
Well-Known Member
Can’t wait to see it finished. Awesome idea.
Pa12
Well-Known Member
Yes. Didn’t get my first gw until I was 62That’s a good decision considering all of your concerns. Once again .. I commend you for this undertaking.. Just one favor ….
Could you not talk about 67 being old ?
You’re freaking me out
CK90
Well-Known Member
Eastman make a fine jacket Seabees, the right option I think when all things considered and when it's all patched up, it's really going to look the business.
Just look at Grant's example above!!
Please do share that progress with us. Looking forward to seeing the final piece!!
Just look at Grant's example above!!
Please do share that progress with us. Looking forward to seeing the final piece!!
mulceber
Moderator
Totally understand your reasoning, @seabees07 , and FWIW, Eastman makes a very smart-looking Star Sportswear. My one bit of advice would be to double check your measurements before hitting "buy." The last thing you want is to get it and find it doesn't fit. You want the chest measurement of the jacket to be 4-6" bigger than the chest measurement of the person wearing it.
Pa12
Well-Known Member
Will the size be good for you or your dad? Seeing as you’re getting a brand new jacket it would be great for guys to get some wear out of it. Pay homage to granddad and the jacket will just keep getting better. As you see, these things can last for generations.
yeah so for the sizing me and my father are very similar yet both on the fine line of between sizes in opposite directions if that makes sense. His chest circumference was at 42 or rather just under at 41 and 6/8ths as mine is at 42 and 1/4, with tape measure snug, not too loose and also not pulling tightly conforming to the body with a t shirt on. shoulders were about an 1/2 difference at 17.5. Arm length measurement is a bit confusing. history preservation (eastman leather dealer) has a pretty in depth measuring guide for the star sports jacket specifically and going off of there guide it says for SLEEVE LENGTH to divide the shoulder width by 2 and add to the arm length measured from shoulder to wrist, yet sleeve length is not listed as a measurement for jacket sizing. Unclear on how exactly to get arm length we measured wrist to edge of shoulder and got close enough to 26 for him while im just shy of 26 1/2. to put these numbers in a bit of context im 5'11 195lbs with more of a "i lift weights to try and impress the ladies" build while my father is 5'9 180lbs " im an agile marathon runner that could put Forrest Gump to shame" type of build. our broadness matches when it comes to shoulder width, our chest circumference is what sets us apart with at most a half inch in arm length.
all in all if my understanding is correct, per the history preservation site it is recommended to go up one size in this jacket. I feel like size 44 would be the better fit for him, while maybe a bit on the snug side for me. setting all selfishness aside, a better fit now for him but a snug fit for me in the future is something i can live with.
hahaha my apologies B-man! 67 is the new 35 from what i hear anywayThat’s a good decision considering all of your concerns. Once again .. I commend you for this undertaking.. Just one favor ….
Could you not talk about 67 being old ?
You’re freaking me out
