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Are these A-2 jackets authentic vintage?

Cheuk-Yin To

New in Town
Messages
18
I've just come across several A-2 jacket listings on eBay which the seller claims are WWII originals. I've only ever owned repros from The Real McCoy's and Buzz Rickson's, so am not exactly sure how to spot authentic vintage pieces.

They certainly look worn enough, but something about the patches, zippers, and interiors seem off to me. Or were they actually cobbled together like this back in the day? Bidding for a couple of them is currently above $900.


Thank you in advance for any insight.
 

Peacoat

*
Bartender
Messages
6,296
Location
South of Nashville
The knits and linings have all been replaced; that may be why it looks off to you. I don't understand what he means by "leather repro patches." Would someone patch an original A-2 with reproduction patches? I certainly wouldn't. Maybe someone who is into patching these jackets will know.
 
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GregGale

One of the Regulars
Messages
177
One of them looks like an Eastman house A-2, the other one is an Aero. I really, really doubt any of these are originals from WW2.
 

MondoFW

Practically Family
Messages
852
I know nothing of these leather jackets, have never owned an A2 or Aero, but I have to agree, something felt off with these listings. I like to trust my gut with this kinda stuff--though, it would be interesting to see what the seller(s) says if you questioned the jackets' authenticity.
 

Technonut

Practically Family
Messages
842
Location
West "By Gawd" Virginia
Based on what @Interbak and HD said, I went back and looked at the links again. Not the same jackets. Most odd.

Look at the top of the page.... 'The listing you’re looking for is no longer available. Check out this similar item we found for you.' Click the word 'listing' link, and it will take you to the completed listing. eBay just started this recently. Had me going until I figured it out... ;)
 

Cheuk-Yin To

New in Town
Messages
18
Thank you all for your replies, and my apologies for the delayed response.

The links do point to completely different items now. I saved images of the jackets from the auctions before they ended. Please see attached.

I am especially interested in the first jacket with the two Flying Tigers patches, Crown zipper, and blank back. Do the patches appear authentic?
 

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Cheuk-Yin To

New in Town
Messages
18
Hey all, just a quick update.

I ended up winning the A-2 with two Flying Tigers patches. I've just received it in the mail, but am still not quite sure what to make of it. The Crown zipper and red Flying Tigers patch seem old enough to be authentic, but I'm not so sure about the blue patch. The knits and lining have definitely been replaced as well.

The seller offers a money-back guarantee. I spent around $420 on this after shipping. It's too large for me to wear around, so will be relegated to display duty. What do you guys think, is it worth keeping? How much of it was actually from the war?
 

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Peacoat

*
Bartender
Messages
6,296
Location
South of Nashville
Looks as though it has been around for a few years. If you want it to be around for many more years, you better get some Pecard on it as soon as you can.

It appears to be cracking in the area of the left shoulder. Once leather starts to crack, there is nothing you can do about it, but you can protect the other areas from cracking.

I like it and would keep it.
 

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