Rough Wear Clothing Co. W535 ac 18091 size 44

[aswatland]

Rough Wear had five contracts for A2s and this was the second, awarded on 6th March 1941. The contract was for 17,628 jackets, making it the largest pre-War contract until August 1941 when 30,000 jackets were ordered from Rough Wear under the W535 ac 20958/ 42-1401P contract.

All jackets in the 18091 contract were made from goatskin and this was the first USAAC contract made from goatskin. This jacket is numbered 7050 and is a size 44. The goatskin is relatively thin, making the jacket feel lighter than many horsehide and cowhide A2s. Consequently it is very comfortable to wear!

The jacket is 100% original. It has clearly seen plenty of use in the War, but remarkably the lining is in amazing condition, with just a couple of tiny holes and without the usual wear at the neck. The waistband is in almost perfect condition, but I have repaired the cuffs. At some stage the vet (Smith) wore the jacket to decorate in and there are a few traces of paint on the knits.

The goatskin is really supple and strong and has developed a beautiful patina during the last 73 years. There is no rot or repairs and the stitching has not decayed. The nickel- plated Talon zipper is in perfect condition.

 

[aswatland]

 

[Fanch]

Incredible looking jacket for its age. There was a thread yesterday by HD of an interview done by John Chapman, who said in the interview the Rough Wear pattern makers were the best in the business.

 

[Sloan1874]

Amazing stuff, Andrew, a gem of a find, but decorating in an original A-2? Ay yi yi...

 

[aswatland]

You often find traces of paint on original A2s Craig and they can prove hard to remove from the knits without damaging them.

 

[Otter]

Nice to see some goat John, great find.

Remember these were working jackets, I never thought about it when I had my Army Suit on, if it got dirty or paint on it, then that was what it was there for.

 

[Superfluous]

Stunning jacket! Congrats on the great pick-up!!!