BK Willis and Geiger M422-an excellent jacket!

[Stearmen]

Why on earth would I want to do that?

I'm sorry, I thought you researched the history of Willis & Geiger M422s before you bought yours. They were standard issue to these guys and that is as cool as you get!

[aswatland]

I have no intention of turning this jacket in to an AVG jacket. Hardly the thing to wear in town! It will remain a plain M422 repro.

[Dr H]

Perhaps, but in your first photo the (presumably equally cool cats) are doing the same job without the painted jacket. Different strokes, then as now...

[aswatland]

Cracking looking jacket, Andrew. How do you find the sizing? I think you and I wear the same size in an A2 (Current Aero or ELC 42 / wartime 44)? I'm thinking of a BK Russett A2 in time... I did correspond with them recently (was looking at a House A2 at the sale price, but they didn't have one big enough - I typically require a jacket that measures 46" in an A2 design...), hopefully in future...

Thanks Edward. It was either a 42 or a 44 and I went for a 44 on Platon's advice. It's a very comfortable fit.

[bburtner@moran]

Andrewo you have any originals to compare with,also is the mouton a nice tight fur or is it fluffy?Thanks Brian.

[aswatland]

Brian, I have only compared the jacket with pictures of originals of this contract. The mouton is a nice tight fit.

[bburtner@moran]

Thanks Andrew,the tight fur is a nice touch,I have a 55J14 Foster,from the late 40s,that has that tight mouton.Enjoy the Kelso!!! Brian..

[Brettafett]

I'm sorry, I thought you researched the history of Willis & Geiger M422s before you bought yours. They were standard issue to these guys and that is as cool as you get!

I have noticed from pics of AVG pilots, that they seem to have worn their M442As very baggy, almost like they wore one size up....
Any thoughts?
Also, check that A-2 in the top pic... I have this pic in a book somewhere and have often wondered what contract that would be, ie with the AVGs... Also seems way oversized and baggy.

[JollyGreenSlugg]

I have noticed from pics of AVG pilots, that they seem to have worn their M442As very baggy, almost like they wore one size up....
Any thoughts?

I wonder whether baggier jackets were preferred as they allowed ease of movement. I'm sure that an overly tight jacket wouldn't be what you'd want, especially with having to reach around the cockpit.

Cheers,
Matt

[ButteMT61]

You got what they issued you. Then I imagine there might have been some trading going on, but it's the military, and it was wartime. No custom GW or BK there!