Original United Sheeplined A2

[Wz1999]

My newly acquired original A-2 in size 44

 

[Wz1999]

 

[blackrat2]

Another beaut there Z

 

[Wz1999]

Another beaut there Z

Thanks John

 

[Silver Surfer]

nice one that is screaming, "FEED ME'

 

[blackrat2]

That’s for sure Vic, do you have any ideas on a light restoration or anything on this one Z or will you treat and leave

 

[warguy]

Thanks for sharing, I love to see the originals!

 

[B-Man2]

It just needs a little rejuvenation and hydration but all the parts are there .
Looks great WZ !

 

[Wz1999]

That’s for sure Vic, do you have any ideas on a light restoration or anything on this one Z or will you treat and leave

This jacket is overall in good shape. The leather is still pliable. The only thing that I am concerned about is the Yuma Army Air Field patch on the right which peeling badly.

 

[Silver Surfer]

I would recommend a coupla passes of vaseline rubbed into the hides. let the first soak in, than the next. if needed, a third pass. do it using your fingers, being sure to get in the nooks and crannies..do not get any Vaseline on the knit elements. any excess can be wiped off with a clean soft cloth. the patch is a hard one to suss, as it is original,, and clearly flaking. this may be heresy to some, but in order to keep it from flaking further, you might consider applying a coat of acrylic clear satin sealer. the reason for acrylic is that it is more flexible than oil based, or alcohol based sealer. the reason for satin is that agloss will make the patch look plasticy, and matte will make the patch look dull. try a small area first to see if you are happy with thee results. if you do nothing with the patch, it will continue to flake, especially if you intend to wear the jacket at any time.

 

[Wz1999]

I would recommend a coupla passes of vaseline rubbed into the hides. let the first soak in, than the next. if needed, a third pass. do it using your fingers, being sure to get in the nooks and crannies..do not get any Vaseline on the knit elements. any excess can be wiped off with a clean soft cloth. the patch is a hard one to suss, as it is original,, and clearly flaking. this may be heresy to some, but in order to keep it from flaking further, you might consider applying a coat of acrylic clear satin sealer. the reason for acrylic is that it is more flexible than oil based, or alcohol based sealer. the reason for satin is that agloss will make the patch look plasticy, and matte will make the patch look dull. try a small area first to see if you are happy with thee results. if you do nothing with the patch, it will continue to flake, especially if you intend to wear the jacket at any time.

Thanks for the advice. Appreciate it!

 

[mulceber]

I'll endorse vaseline as well. And less is more! You can always apply another coat, but getting it off once it's applied is much more difficult.

 

[Silver Surfer]

ive got a good feeling about how that jacket will look, and feel when you have done a little tlc on it. the hides at the top of shoulders look as though they may be thinned out a little, so be careful if you intend to wear the jacket. good luck, and keep em flying.

 

[Dom]

Thanks for sharing! My close friend and flying buddy went through gunnery school at Yuma in 44-45 period he would have loved to see this jacket!
Dom

 

[caddyd]

Cool patina on that ole A-2

 

[Lorenzo_l]

Another gem you've got there, Zhi. I concur with others here regarding some tlc on those hides. Wear it, if you decide to do so, in good health!

 

[johnwayne]

I’ve got a Gordon and Ferguson half belt (late40’s I believe) in similar looking condition and I’ve debated with myself many times about treating it! I like the true vintage look and it’s sound to wear but can’t bring myself to treat it although if I did it would be Pecards. I know it’s a debate that’s been mooted here often but I just feel it’s actually made for the job, Vaseline isn’t and technically a lubricant - accepting of course its for the skin, which I guess a jacket you can argue, is!! Nice find/buy by the way!!!

 

[Micawber]

Once again our old friend Mr Leather Treatment Debate has taken up his / her / gender neutral/ centre stage position and is willing to answer questions from the audience.

 

[caddyd]

You've got a lucky survivor there and if it aint broke don't fix it!

 

[ZuZu]

Yes- IMO Leave It Alone!