The Mighty A-2: A Guide to the Army Air Forces’ Leather Flying Jacket

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Cable 27753 Example No. 2:

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Star Sportswear Mfg. Co. W535-AC-28557 42-18245-P​

Contract Awarded: 18 May 1942 (EA2G plate 28)
Date of Completion: unknown
Quantity: 30,000 jackets (EA2G plate 28)
Leather type: horsehide/cowhide - the use of cow was verified by DNA test in Eastman’s A-2 guide (EA2G plate 28)
Stitch color: red
Zipper(s): Any that were current in early 1942. The following have been observed. They are listed in approximate order of the frequency with which they have been encountered:

• Talon M-41 nickel
• Talon M-42 nickel
• Talon M-39 nickel
• Crown M-42 dull
• Conmar M-40 gilt
• Talon M-42 gilt with a straight pull
• Talon M-42 nickel with a straight pull

General Comments: The Star contract is unusual, in that it had two different spec labels - one that listed the contract number, 28557, and one that listed the order number - 42-18245-P (EA2G plate 28). Chapman has noted that, in his observation, most of the jackets that have the contract number on the spec. label also have double-barrel eyelets on the collar hooks, while those jackets with the order number have brass eyelets.

Identifying/Distinguishing Details:

• The collar has a distinctive curve to it. Bill Kelso’s write-up for the contract aptly describes it as “‘crescent moon’ shaped”.
• Triangle stitching on the pocket body, although the orientation of the triangle varies.
• Sharply-scalloped pocket flaps
• Rotated inset sleeves
• Lower sleeves are rather snug
• Often dark brown knits, although the typical mid-brown seen on other A-2s is common as well.
• The leather backing reinforcement for the pocket snaps is a square shape, where most A-2 jackets are semi-circular.

Star Example No. 1:

 

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Star Example No. 2:

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