the not 5* goatskin dubow

[Silver Surfer]

pics of this one pretty much says it all. made last year? nope, made in 1942. the jacket is completely untouched and original, even the leather zipper puller. interesting that of the goatskin dubows that I have handled or owned, they were all fitted with crown zippers. the original owner a. Benedict Schneider jr [the a was for adolph, he didn't use it much] flew a scalpel, and made rank in the aaf us and England. I misplaced the read outs that jan and Natalie worked up about Schneider. the jacket fits as a true size 42 as tagged, and is inn every day wearable condition.....not that would even consider serious wear time with it.

 

[Marc mndt]

the jacket fits as a true size 42 as tagged, and is inn every day wearable condition.....not that would even consider serious wear time with it.

Amazing jacket. Why wouldn't you wear it? (Serious question)

 

[mulceber]

Stunning. We should all look as good at 80 as this jacket does.

 

[B-Man2]

Another historic Gem Vic!

 

[Silver Surfer]

not to worry, Marc, I Domdo, and will continue to do so.....though sparingly.

 

[Chandler]

So, the leather thong zipper pull was a true, issue item? I think I only ever got them on my Flight Suits jackets*.

Although, my original AN has one, but you know those Navy procurement guys were pretty picky.

*I don't even see them on JC's jackets.

 

[Kennyz]

Wowzer Vic, that ones a stunner.

Ken

 

[Silver Surfer]

Damnit, I hate spell check. And for that matter, anything that interferes with my train of thought. Yeah, leather zipper pullers are uncommon. Because a repro does not include the pullers does not mean that they were not original to original a-2s. Most of the Time when I have gotten an original with an original puller, the leather was thread bare and shot.

 

[Silver Surfer]

Btw, I would like to thank, most graciously, Natalie, and Jan for getting the dope on this jacket.

 

[mulceber]

Any time - we'll see if we can dig up what we found on Mr. Schneider.

 

[Silver Surfer]

much obliged, jan.

 

[ausreenactor]

What an amazing A-2. Thanks Vic.

 

[saucerfiend]

Wow, so new looking it's unbelievable.

 

[blackrat2]

Very very nice Vic
Thanks for posting this beauty up

 

[Micawber]

Lovely jacket Vic.

 

[Nickb123]

Are the collar and epaulets stitched with different colored threads, or has it just faded?

 

[Chandler]

Because a repro does not include the pullers does not mean that they were not original to original a-2s.

No doubt, but you'd think that if the pulls were standard in new-issue jackets, repro manufacturers would want to hold their "authenticity" levels to that detail.

 

[Silver Surfer]

Well, can’t say fore sure if all a-2s were issued with pulls or not, as I’ve only had or seen a few with them.it would seem that regardless of whether or not an a-2 was issued with a leather pull, owners stationed in England or Europe often improvised a puller so that they could navigate the zipper with gloves on. One of my favs (mentioned in another thread) is the a-2 that I received with an aluminum ford tool tag attached to the zipper puller. Coins, bells, cord, and all kinds of gee gaws were used as well.

 

[saucerfiend]

Looks sweet! How about a wearing pic?

 

[Spitfireace]

Attests to the longetivity of goat.