A-2 Patches

[Deleted member 16736]

I'm accessorizing my A-2 now, and I need some advice about the patches. Is it always best to do a painted or paint-on-leather patch? I bought an original embroidered patch and a couple of canvas ones, but I've been told they will fall apart. Any opinions?

 

[Silver Dollar]

It all depends on whether or not you're doing an authentic A2 from a specific theater of operation or just adding patches. If the theater is the 8th or 9th AAF, you want the group or squadron patch painted right on the jacket. If you're doing the 14th AAF, you'll need a leather composite patch. If you don't care about total authenticity, then I would put on anything you like. Personally, I like the painted patch and the leather composite patch.

 

[Deleted member 16736]

Okay, thanks for that. What about the sleeve patch? Can that be cloth embroidered? Plenty of originals like that on eBay. I picked up a couple because they were so cheap. Do they not wear well? I agree with you that the painted patches are the best. I'm thinking now I'll stop at the sleeve patch. I want a jacket I can wear to dinner and not feel like I'm dressing in a costume.

 

[Lando]

I really like the leather composite patches. The one on this jacket was made by a guy on ebay who does a lot of 14th AAF stuff. Very cool. I usually like to put one patch on the chest, but occasionally I'll do one on each size of the chest if they correspond well. But patches can overwhelm a jacket very quickly I think. I was never a fan of the Top Gun jacket. I understand why it looks the way it does, but as a style element, I prefer something more limited. But be prepared to answer questions on your patches. I find that whenever I got out with a jacket that has a patch, I am asked once or twice what the meaning of it is. So, have your history ready. Does anyone else get that?

 

[Deleted member 16736]

If I do a patch, it'll be one squadron patch and one sleeve patch. For the squadron patch, I want a famous cartoon figure so I don't have to explain my jacket everywhere I go, like you said. Good point. I'm thinking about Bugs/Donald/Daffy, without a gun. For some reason, cannonballs are less scary than submachine guns. Or I could go with one of the civilian insignias. There's one of Bugs holding an archery target that is very nice.

Daffy in Pilots School:

http://www.wwiijeepparts.com/ForSaleStore/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=318

Bambi in Civilian Pilot Training School:

http://www.wwiijeepparts.com/ForSaleStore/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=321

Bugs holding an archery target:

http://www.wwiijeepparts.com/ForSaleStore/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=327

Daffy holding a cannonball:

http://www.wwiijeepparts.com/ForSaleStore/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=339

I saw one of Woody Woodpecker for the 31st Tactical Recon Squadron, which although a military unit, did not see combat action during the War (I think). It shows Woody looking through a telescope while flashing the Victory sign. Very cool patch. Does anybody have a high-res image of this insignia? I can only find one example online and it's fuzzy. Thanks.

Woody looking through telescope:

http://wwiisquadronpatches.com/SquadronPatchAAFArmyAirForce1.html

Once I have the squadron patch picked out, I can put on the AAF patch. I want to paint both directly onto the jacket. Can anyone recommend a jacket painter?

 

[thecardigankid]

Don't think for a minute that even though you have a famous cartoon character on your patch that you will have to explain it less. Infact you will probably get more questions than you would if you had an obscure patch. Most people if they don't know someone will not ask about a patch they cant relate to, throw a familiar cartoon character on there and then they can relate to it. So like Lando said, be sure you know your history on the squadron you choose to represent on your jacket, cause people will ask, and you'll be a heck of a lot cooler if you can tell the history behind the patch instead of just saying "I dunno I liked the patch"

 

[MissMittens]

I'm working on getting my insignia/patch galleries online again sometime this fall..........I'll post it to the board once it's done.

 

[Deleted member 16736]

I'd know my patch history regardless, but it would be nice if nobody asked.

 

[CBI]

Joel - Hello. I had responded to your patch ideas on another thread. I would not go with any of the patches you have suggested as they are poor post WW2 copies and they are WAY overpriced. If you want to purchase these, find them on eBay and pay about $40 instead of $150. If you go to eBay right now and search A-2 jacket there are a number of terrific patches in the $35-50 range from Old Club Badges:

http://cgi.ebay.com/563RD-BOMB-SQUA...022?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c1d90c856

you can see the other patches by "view other items"

I would caution anyone to purchase anything from the brimiljeep guy as I had a terrible buying experience with him a few years back - the most unscrupulous ever for me in the militaria realm. The patches are not WW2 era anyway and poorly done. They are these RKO patches. If you must go RKO, look here and pay about $35 instead of brimil's ridiculous $150.00.

http://cgi.ebay.com/WWII-USAAF-429-...898?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19bea83462

Sorry guys, but I am a collector of original flight jackets and patches and made the patches (along with one other artist) for George Lucas' upcoming Red Tails WW2 movie. I don't mean to be slamming anyone but I feel compelled to do this in this case due to a very bad experience.

 

[CBI]

this guy also does TERRIFIC work:

view other items


http://cgi.ebay.com/AVG-Flying-Tige...545?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a6876ecf9


he makes patches for Eastman Leather Co.

 

[Lando]

this guy also does TERRIFIC work:

view other items
http://cgi.ebay.com/AVG-Flying-Tige...545?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a6876ecf9
he makes patches for Eastman Leather Co.

That's the guy who did my 2nd Pursuit Squadron patch. He does absolutely incredible work. All layered leather and amazingly detailed. I just bought this one from him:

If you're looking for good patches, I couldn't imagine better ones, if you like the composite leather ones mind you. Ive put a few of his patches on my jackets.

 

[jbmilart]

Don't think for a minute that even though you have a famous cartoon character on your patch that you will have to explain it less. Infact you will probably get more questions than you would if you had an obscure patch. Most people if they don't know someone will not ask about a patch they cant relate to, throw a familiar cartoon character on there and then they can relate to it. So like Lando said, be sure you know your history on the squadron you choose to represent on your jacket, cause people will ask, and you'll be a heck of a lot cooler if you can tell the history behind the patch instead of just saying "I dunno I liked the patch"

I totally agree with the cardigankid...it's been my experiance that anytime you "hang" anything on a WWII A2 or G1 flight jacket...it's like a people magnet! Eye candy for the curious...and you WILL get asked about your jacket and what it stands for. After all that's why the airmen put them on in the first place... to be reconized...that they were different...a part of something special.

 

[CBI]

yes, the guy is Sean Collins, he makes THE BEST layered leather patches!

 

[Deleted member 16736]

Joel - Hello. I had responded to your patch ideas on another thread. I would not go with any of the patches you have suggested as they are poor post WW2 copies and they are WAY overpriced. If you want to purchase these, find them on eBay and pay about $40 instead of $150. If you go to eBay right now and search A-2 jacket there are a number of terrific patches in the $35-50 range from Old Club Badges:

http://cgi.ebay.com/563RD-BOMB-SQUA...022?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c1d90c856

you can see the other patches by "view other items"

I would caution anyone to purchase anything from the brimiljeep guy as I had a terrible buying experience with him a few years back - the most unscrupulous ever for me in the militaria realm. The patches are not WW2 era anyway and poorly done. They are these RKO patches. If you must go RKO, look here and pay about $35 instead of brimil's ridiculous $150.00.

http://cgi.ebay.com/WWII-USAAF-429-...898?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19bea83462

Sorry guys, but I am a collector of original flight jackets and patches and made the patches (along with one other artist) for George Lucas' upcoming Red Tails WW2 movie. I don't mean to be slamming anyone but I feel compelled to do this in this case due to a very bad experience.

Thanks, CBI. I appreciate your responses. I saw those felt patches you mentioned. I am wary of using anything other than leather. Does he paint on leather or just felt? Thank you.

Also, does anybody know anything about work by Dan Beaty ("Bad Dog"). His old leather patches are for sale on eBay. Pricey but gorgeous:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...99751&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_6103wt_1085

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...38192&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_6150wt_1085

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Here's the setup on one of my repros. There are alot of options you can go with.....

 

[JRZNTV]

I've recently purchased a new A-2 (goat skin; non-authentic; from San Diego Leather) and would like to apply "patches" to it. I'm leaning toward the 363rd Fighter Squadron (357th FG, 8th AAF)... Chuck Yeager's WWII squadron. Click on this link to see what is looks like:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c9/363d_Fighter_Squadron_-_World_War_II_-_Emblem.jpg

My utmost concerns are that I apply patches that are consistent & accurate to what was worn in-theater relative to the design, size, material(s), painted on or sewn, and that any other patches I apply (8th AAF, etc.) are applied appropriately and correctly. It's difficult to get accurate answers from the old photos posted on the internet.

From some of the threads I've read, it appears that there are some very astute subject-matter experts out there! Can someone provide me with some guidance??? Especially as to whom they would recommend do the work?

Finally: What is the concensus on art work across the back of the jacket? I was told about Victory Girl (victorygirl.com), but I'm not very thrilled about turning my jacket into a mural or political statement.

 

[Worf]

Hi guys, I just got into the hobby myself and have some recent experiences with "original" repro leather patches. I bought a couple of those overpriced "RKO" A2's from the guy on ebay. Big mistake. The leather is way too thick and stiff. You fold it the wrong way and the lead paint (I said lead paint) cracks all over the place. Second BIG problem was that the handpainted 99th pursuit squadron flying lion was headed in the WRONG direction. I went with a "slightly" less expensive hand painted leather from US Authentic. My BEST experience with A2 repro patches thus far has been with the guy from the FL Johnny Signor, you can find his link in the Vendor section. Great work, real fast and I'm VERY happy with his product couldn't recommend him any higher

Worf

 

[Otter]

While we are on the subject, can anyone id this patch?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/74324106@N04/6856027849/

 

[JRZNTV]

Silver Dollar -

Why do you suggest painting on 8th AAF squadron patches? Authenticity? Personal preference? Both? Do you also recommend painting on the 8th AAF & USAAF patches on the sleeve(s)? If that's the most authentic representation, I'd definitely prefer to do that.

I've recently purchased a new A-2 (goat skin; non-authentic; from San Diego Leather) and would like to apply patches to it. I'm leaning toward the 363rd Fighter Squadron (357th FG, 8th AAF)... Chuck Yeager's WWII squadron. Click on this link to see what is looks like:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...I_-_Emblem.jpg

My utmost concerns are that I apply patches that are consistent & accurate to what was worn in-theater relative to the design, size, material(s), painted on or sewn, and that any other patches I apply (8th AAF, etc.) are applied appropriately and correctly. It's difficult to get accurate answers from the old photos posted on the internet.

- Jeff ("JRZNTV")

 

[Jeff M]

Had asked a question. Found my answer.