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Star Sportswear A-2 size 44

Silver Surfer

Well-Known Member
yeah, the stars are falling outta the heavens. interesting to me is that all four members examples are made with the lighter colored hides, as against the darker hides more commonly seen.
 
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jeremiah

Well-Known Member
awesome stuff guys. I wish there were more jackets out there for sale in my size 36-38.
just love the crazy grain and striations on those jackets showcased here.
 

Brettafett

Well-Known Member
Saw thus Star in person at Duxford last year (I'm sure it was this one).... Real class Andrew. Amazing!
Any 42 originals going, let us know.
 

33-1729

Well-Known Member
I bought this Star Sportswear A-2 in 2008 and here are some recent pictures, Star Sportswear had one contract with the USAAF for 30,000 jacket on 18th May 1942 and jackets were either labelled W535 AC28557 or order number 42-18245-P. Star A-2s rarely turn up for sale, but in the near mint condition of the one below, almost never. The jacket is 100% complete and even has its paper pocket tag with the number 484 on the reverse side. The knits are perfect as is the lining

Roughwear, I've looked at this a number of times and am just amazed it is so incredibly well preserved. Simply an amazing find. Congratulations!

May I please ask how you plan to care for it going forward? I'd appreciate any insight you would provide.
 

Greg Gale

Well-Known Member
Great photos, thanks for sharing. So interesting to see that lighter shade than ELC repros. I wonder if it's because of their age? Will modern ELC repros fade to a russet over time? Or is it simply due to the inconsistency of wartime productions?
 

Steve27752

Well-Known Member
Great photos, thanks for sharing. So interesting to see that lighter shade than ELC repros. I wonder if it's because of their age? Will modern ELC repros fade to a russet over time? Or is it simply due to the inconsistency of wartime productions?
It is highly unlikely that the modern repro would fade.
 

MikeyB-17

Well-Known Member
They’re that colour because that’s the colour the hides were dyed. Seal hides don’t fade to russet. The top coat can wear off revealing the base layer underneath, but that’s not fading. Some russet A-2’s were redyed seal during refurbishment, and the seal wears off to show the original colour underneath, but again, that’s a different thing.
 

TresWillets

New Member
I also have a Star A-2, but the tag in the pocket is long gone. It is size 40. Chet Willets was a liaison pilot in the 1st Air Commando Group. It is not quite in the same shape as Roughwear's jacket, but still in very good condition.
**PLEASE**, this is my Father's jacket!!! I am Chester A. Willets, III and my deceased Father was Chet Willets, Jr. I foolishly and regrettably sold this jacket in California, over 20 years ago, for I think $200. I would very much appreciate if I could get it back please. My nickname is Tres Willets and I now live in Simponville, South Carolina..can somebody help me on this please?

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TresWillets

New Member

TresWillets

New Member
I also have a Star A-2, but the tag in the pocket is long gone. It is size 40. Chet Willets was a liaison pilot in the 1st Air Commando Group. It is not quite in the same shape as Roughwear's jacket, but still in very good condition.
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I foolishly sold this jacket in the 1990's in San Luis Obispo, California...I would LOVE to get it back. I am Tres Willets, the son of Chet Willets Jr
 

ausreenactor

Well-Known Member
Put some feelers out on the jacket pages on Facebook, A-2 Appreciation Society, Suit Up etc...

Someone may have a link.
 

TresWillets

New Member
I also have a Star A-2, but the tag in the pocket is long gone. It is size 40. Chet Willets was a liaison pilot in the 1st Air Commando Group. It is not quite in the same shape as Roughwear's jacket, but still in very good condition.
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This was my FATHER'S jacket, and I have been trying to get it back please..does ANYONE know who has it please? Sincerely, Tres Willets aka Chet Willets III
 
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