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USAC - The First A-2 Pre Contract Prototype Jacket - Reproduction For Sale

Skyhawk

Vendor
Messages
358
Location
Portland, OR
Ultra rare and unique, the A-2 prototype jacket made for the concept of the A-2 jacket program in 1929-1930.
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In 1930 we see this jacket show up on a few high ranking pilots in the USAC. At the time they would have been moving away from the button up A-1 jackets and moving towards a new design, a zip up version with a leather collar, the A-2.

This jacket appears in a few photos just before the first A-2 contract in 1931, the P. Goldsmith & Sons contract.

All the evidence points to A.G Spalding Bros. as the maker. They are the only ones I have seen install Hookless zippers without the rivets as a practice in manufacturing. They used the no topstitch knit attachment a lot. They used machined button holes during that era. Plus they had provided test jackets for the A-1 program and made a lot of gear under contract with the USAC. It is also believed that they made some of the A-1 contract jackets.

This reproduction is the result of some extensive and very interesting (and enjoyable) research by your truly, and is produced by Headwind Mfg Co.

Here are the details:
1. The Jacket appears before the 1931 Goldsmith jacket.
2. A-2 style with tall narrow buttoned pockets. Pockets are slightly wider than an A-1 and taller.
3. No epaulets.
4. 2 wind flaps, one inside, one outside. Hookless zipper without the rivets used.
5. No topstitch on the knits.
6. Large collar with tall fold over to accommodate a snap over neck tab. No snaps inside collar.
7. Pockets have a machined button hole and a single layer of leather backed with lining, like the A-1.
8. Jacket is made of Capeskin. Evidence shown in the drape, graining, and pocket characteristics.

We have our first test jacket up for sale. It is a size 40 and made in a thick antiqued finished Vegetable Tanned Sheepskin. This hide has amazing grain and is far superior to the average thin fashion Sheepskin, and fake Capeskin you see on the market these days. Our production jacket will be made in Capeskin with this hide as an additional option.
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This test jacket is 95% correct, with just a few changes to come for the production jacket. This jacket is missing the additional inside windflap and needs a few small changes with some details, but it is nearly a perfect reproduction. This test jacket is available now at a big discount.
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Size is a 40
Chest: 22"
Shoulders: 18"
Arms: 25.5"
Length: 25"

Price is $425 - Includes free shipping in the USA
 
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