Vintage Jackets

[Silver Surfer]

star sportswear [formerly star glove mfg] only had one a-2 contract during wwll. that being 42-18245p. some stars can be found with the order number instead of the contract number. same jacket dif label. of interest is, though star only had one wwll contract, they were awarded contracts in the early 50s-60s for g-1 jackets. also, star glove mfg made civy flight jackets during the 1920s-30s. btw, i have owned this star for some 25+ year, and used to wear it regularly....

 

[B-Man2]

Vic
Thanks for all that . That’s one awesome looking Star!

 

[Micawber]

Very Nice Vic.

 

[DenimCanvasCamo]

That's an absolute corker. Have you had any treatment on the leather? Looks in great condition!

 

[mulceber]

My first contribution to the Vintage section, a United Sheeplined, size 42, courtesy of our own Vic. The package arrived around 4 today, and I immediately ripped it open to give the jacket some breathing room. Since you've probably all seen it in the Buy/Sell section, I've mostly posted fit shots.

This is my first experience with an original A-2, and it's a very different experience from my BK Dubow. That's at least partly because my Dubow is Badalassi cowhide, which is, if possible, even thicker than the old Victory hide. This jacket is much lighter, and wears like a light, early fall jacket.The fit feels a little tighter than the Dubow, which surprised me, but also much more forgiving and flexible.

In terms of look, I was really pleased: if I was asked before this purchase to name the sharpest looking A-2 contracts, United Sheeplined would not have come to mind, but I'm really liking the collar shape, the beveled pockets, and the shape of the pocket flaps. This is a stylish contract!

 

[ausreenactor]

Smilemaker 5000!

Looks great.

 

[jeremiah]

Looks great. Congrats. Happy for you.

 

[CBI]

super - nothing like an original!!!!

 

[B-Man2]

That’s sweet! Congrats !

 

[tjoenn]

Perfect!! Fantastic jacket and great fit!!

 

[Geeboo]

super - nothing beats an original!!!! It is rare too !

 

[Silver Surfer]

it looks like it was custom made for ya, jan. wear that baby in the best of health.

 

[Edward]

Awesome! Looks great on you!

 

[Micawber]

Cracking jacket and fit.

 

[taikonaut]

It will fit me better

 

[B-Man2]

So will you wear it often or occasionally or use it as a display piece?

 

[mulceber]

So will you wear it often or occasionally or use it as a display piece?

Depends on the weather. I could see wearing it several times a week, if the weather is clear and in the 45-65 degree range. But I definitely want to baby this jacket. If the weather’s rainy, or too cold or hot, it’ll stay right up on the shelf I cleared out for it.

I should probably anticipate some maintenance in the near future though: the knits could use some darning, and I might want to condition the leather. But I’ll be sure to ask you guys for advice on that stuff when the time comes.

 

[B-Man2]

Nice practical approach to owning and wearing a 78 year old jacket.....Cheers

 

[B-Man2]

Here’s a few “before” and “after”photos of an original Aero 21996 that I picked up a while back. It’s one of my favorite contracts. It’s a depot re-dye, that had its knits replaced at some point. I had the knits replaced with rust or berry knits ( never sure which is the proper name for them) which was the proper color for this contract. It’s a size 46 which makes it a bit rarer as surviving original size 46 jackets are difficult to find . It also had a crown zipper which adds to the desirability in my opinion. Hope you enjoy checking it out.
Thanks
BEFORE

 

[B-Man2]

AFTER: