The Few - B-2

[Peter Graham]

Here's an original B-2 from the inside cover of "Hell bent for leather"

 

[Miles_Archer]

Isn't that a B-1 tho Peter?

 

[asiamiles]

Isn't that a B-1 tho Peter?

Indeed, with visible stitch holes where the pocket and seemingly a nametag were removed. I wonder when that photo was taken? Looking at the collar it's clearly seen a fair amount of wear.

 

[Peter Graham]

Isn't that a B-1 tho Peter?

Is it, oops.

 

[John Lever]

Interesting collar straps also. Looks like two straps rather than the short useless snap and button loops.

 

[asiamiles]

Isn't that a B-1 tho Peter?

Is it, oops.

You can clearly see it has a sheepskin lining, so it would be presumably be a warmer jacket than the B-2. Did they change to the B-2 because it was too hot in the cockpit, I wonder, or were the two in use simultaneously? Aside from the liner I believe the jackets were the same.

 

[deeb7]

... or were the two in use simultaneously?

Quite possibly ... Full Gear lists Switlik contract W535 AC 5515 for both B-1, and B-2 jackets, and also A-1, and A-2 trousers.

Interesting collar straps also. Looks like two straps rather than the short useless snap and button loops.

The two straps were the final versions (version 2, of the B-1, and version 3, of the B-2).

 

[John Lever]

... or were the two in use simultaneously?

Quite possibly ... Full Gear lists Switlik contract W535 AC 5515 for both B-1, and B-2 jackets, and also A-1, and A-2 trousers.

Interesting collar straps also. Looks like two straps rather than the short useless snap and button loops.

The two straps were the final versions (version 2, of the B-1, and version 3, of the B-2).[/quote

David,
Is it possible to post a detail of the collar fastenings ?
I would like to use straps on my custom jacket.

 

[deeb7]

David,
Is it possible to post a detail of the collar fastenings ?
I would like to use straps on my custom jacket.

John, there is a small picture on page 35 of Full Gear.

Try a PM to Dave of Jacket_Head ... he already has the scan, and the book for sale.

Otherwise get back to me with a PM.

 

[Falcon_52]

You can clearly see it has a sheepskin lining, so it would be presumably be a warmer jacket than the B-2. Did they change to the B-2 because it was too hot in the cockpit, I wonder, or were the two in use simultaneously? Aside from the liner I believe the jackets were the same.

I've often wondered the same thing. All I can think of is that the government wanted to find something warmer (or just as warm) as the sheepskin fleece but at less cost. Given the economic situation in the 1930s, perhaps the U.S. Army was trying to pinch pennies as well.

Noel

 

[John Lever]

I think the double layer of hide might make the jacket thick and cumbersome compared to a single layer of blanket.

 

[asiamiles]

I think the double layer of hide might make the jacket thick and cumbersome compared to a single layer of blanket.

The sheepskin on that original looks pretty thin, but The Few B-1 in Junky seemed much heavier.