Need opinion for genuine N-2B parka!

[eamenos]

Hi guys,

Heavy Winter is coming to Spain and I'm focusing on buying a genuine N2B USAF parka, the ones that were made before 1972 (real fur and wool insulation).

I've seen that depending on the manufacturer, there are some jackets that are 60% wool 40% cotton, and other ones, specially the black labeled ones, 100% wool insulation.

For which one you will bid? Which of both is more warmer? Is the nylon shell the same quality in the white and black labeled N2B's (pre 1972)???

Thank you for reading.

 

[Dany McDonald]

Hello Eamenos,

From my personal perspective, I am naturally more attracted to the original Nylon directive, derived from the end of the 40's up to the Korean war/mid fifties. In broad lines, 100 % wool or alpaca insulation and Nylon outer shell.

The earlier ones are also more collectable and some say warmer or more performant. A combination of zippers (Crown, Talon and Conmar) and natural coyote fur is also more desirable and nicer on the earlier N-2/N-2A.

There is also the question of color, early olive ones tend to have an aura of desirability over the blue ones... Personally I also like the early grayer hue found on some N-3B's like Southern Athletics 1955 contract.

Hope I answered some of your questions.

What's your size as there is a very nice Reed N-3A on ebay right now in Large.

See here: https://www.vintageleatherjackets.o...-reed-n-3a-in-superb-condition-on-ebay.28377/

Dany

 

[bn1966]

I’ve got a 50’s N-2A and a 70’s N-2B, both have quality thick nylon, natural insulation and are very warm (don’t find any perceivable difference between the two). I also have a 90’s N-2B which has the poly fill and not such thick nylon & is much lighter.

 

[Dany McDonald]

I've just realized that the question is about N-2 and not N-3....

Sorry about that, forget the link but the overall idea sticks as N-2 and N-3 were manufactured and designed in the same phase.

Dany