Restoration Project: original Aero 21996

[Mike Littlewolf]

collars don't match.

I have seen three original 21996 jackets.I chose my favourite collar and pocket.Collar is large or small.pockets are round and square.up to you.

 

[Spitfireace]

They vary that much?

 

[Thomas Koehle]

A peek behind the wizards curtain! I can't wait to see it finished

Me too

 

[Thomas Koehle]

View attachment 134537

That’s one outstanding jacket mate

Congratulations!

Looks like a 46 size wise???

 

[Mike Littlewolf]

They vary that much?

The curvature of the collar angle can be circular or sharp. The width will also be different.My English is poor.I'm not sure if my description can help you understand

 

[Mike Littlewolf]

That’s one outstanding jacket mate

Congratulations!

Looks like a 46 size wise???

size 44

 

[mulceber]

More photos from Steve. Everything’s now installed, and the jacket has mostly been conditioned/dyed. The only parts that are left are the back and one of the arms:

 

[Chandler]

Whoa -- what sort of abuse (do you think) caused the back to wear in one spot?

Looks like a bear tried to scratch its back on an oak tree!

I keep thinking of Hilts leaning up against the cooler wall and sliding down to a seated position -- over and over!

 

[Silver Surfer]

outstanding!

 

[Nickb123]

Whoa -- what sort of abuse (do you think) caused the back to wear in one spot?

Looks like a bear tried to scratch its back on an oak tree!

I keep thinking of Hilts leaning up against the cooler wall and sliding down to a seated position -- over and over!

Removed back artwork?

 

[Chandler]

Removed back artwork?

Good theory.

I was thinking a very attentive fighter pilot.

 

[B-Man2]

Probably Nicks theory is a good one . Maybe it had a naked woman painted on the back and while it looked good in theater, it may not have impressed the ladies back home .

 

[Chandler]

Probably Nicks theory is a good one . Maybe it had a naked woman painted on the back and while it looked good in theater, it may not have impressed the ladies back home .

Or mom.

 

[Silver Surfer]

I doubt that anything was painted on the back, as the wear on the back is consistent with the wear on the back of the left sleeve. also, if there was anything painted on the back there would be tell tale signs of paint, or oil shadows from the paint, due to the paint used would have been oil based. any of us who have handled original a-2s have seen unusual wear patterns rather often. front, back, sleeves, collars, you name it.

 

[mulceber]

It looks to me like it could just be the result of regularly having a parachute harness hanging from your back.

 

[Chandler]

It looks to me like it could just be the result of regularly having a parachute harness hanging from your back.

Didn't most parachute harnesses hang low -- so you could use them as seat cushions? Or was that only in fighter planes?

Thinking about it, I guess the harness proper still has to strap around your torso.

 

[Thomas Koehle]

i think that spot is that prominent only because it is not treated yet ...

incredible difference of before and after treatment

 

[Silver Surfer]

agreed, Thomas.

 

[mulceber]

i think that spot is that prominent only because it is not treated yet ...

incredible difference of before and after treatment

How it started:

How it's going:

 

[Thomas Koehle]

WOW