New 1930s A-2 Discovery

[gunnarthefeisty]

While browsing through a militaria sales site to see if there was anything interesting, I came across this. I believe it is a very early (1931?) A-2. It has very close details to the Goldsmith A-2 but with a lower button- and what I can only assume must be a loop underneath the collar. It also has two Rau Fastener snaps on the bottom. I believe this is the same jacket worn by Hap Arnold, you can very faintly see what looks like the two snaps at the bottom. Could this be an unknown contract?

 

[bseal]

Looks a bit like a Headwind.

 

[gunnarthefeisty]

Looks a bit like a Headwind.

It's an original for sure. Headwinds don't have the snaps.

 

[Chandler]

Pretty sure no government contract A-2 ever had a 2 piece back.

 

[gunnarthefeisty]

Pretty sure no government contract A-2 ever had a 2 piece back.

For the early ones (E.G. Goldsmith) there aren't photos of the back. But it could be just a civvy piece.

 

[Chandler]

But it could be just a civvy piece.

Pretty sure.

 

[Shanghai-Mayne]

Arnold’s jacket, it’s pocket flap close up by ordinary button.

 

[buzzthetower]

Civilian S.H. Knopf jacket, made at some point between 1942-1945, most likely purchased through an aviation catalog.

 

[Silver Surfer]

Aha

 

[gunnarthefeisty]

Civilian S.H. Knopf jacket, made at some point between 1942-1945, most likely purchased through an aviation catalog.

Interesting. This one only has the one button with a zipper. Pretty neat!

 

[Juanito]

Pretty sure no government contract A-2 ever had a 2 piece back.

I am not sure that is a two piece back. I think it is a storage fold since the "seam" appears to extend to the sleeves.

 

[Chandler]

I am not sure that is a two piece back. I think it is a storage fold since the "seam" appears to extend to the sleeves.

It's a little too distinct to be a storage crease, to me.

I think it just matches up to the vertical seam on the sleeves. I have jackets built that way.