What are the differences between the 1969 and 1982 A-2 jackets?
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The Deck Jacket thread.
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What are the differences between the 1969 and 1982 A-2 jackets?
CatsCan
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The A2 Deck Jacket came in use in the 1960s and stayed in service until the late 1970s, early 1980s. As far as I know there are no noticeable differences between the 1960s and the 1970s/1980s made ones. There are differences to the older N-1, of course. For example the lining is made from a wool blend (50% Alpaca/50% Poly, but still basically the same kind of liner as in N-1s* instead of the flat liner used in Tanker Jackets), the collar is different, there are adjustable side straps at the hem on both sides (no draw cord), a button closed pocket is sewn to the left breast from the outside. Fabric is the same as in the M65 Jackets, early versions 100% cotton (I don't know if later versions used a cotton/Poly blend like the later M65). The A2 Jackets are a little bit lighter than the N1 because of the wool blend liner vs heavier pure Alpaka liner, and because of the different cloth used. They will dry faster.
I like the A2 very much and this will definitely be my next purchase. Since there are so many nicely preserved originals around and prices are not higher than in good repros from Buzz Rickson, Pike Brothers and the like, I will buy an original. I like it when items I own have some kind of story to tell.
*the Blend of Alpaca and Poly makes a very robust and long living liner, this may have contributed to the fact, that the liner in most A2s are still intact, many like new, whereas in original N-1s the liner is often times extremely worn and moth eaten, those are a couple of years older, however.
I like the A2 very much and this will definitely be my next purchase. Since there are so many nicely preserved originals around and prices are not higher than in good repros from Buzz Rickson, Pike Brothers and the like, I will buy an original. I like it when items I own have some kind of story to tell.
*the Blend of Alpaca and Poly makes a very robust and long living liner, this may have contributed to the fact, that the liner in most A2s are still intact, many like new, whereas in original N-1s the liner is often times extremely worn and moth eaten, those are a couple of years older, however.
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my first deck jacket was an A2.....wore the hell out of it! Will need to look at this guy in Hamburg - coincidently I bought a cold weather flying jacket from the Rider Room in Hamburg many years ago! Its a really great shop, well worth searching out if you are in the area......
I tell a lie.......my first deck jacket, bought from Flip of Hollywood 30+ years ago was like this:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/124606384957?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&fromMakeTrack=true
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/124606384957?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&fromMakeTrack=true
CatsCan
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The A2 Deck Jacket has a lining from 50% alpaca wool and 50% polyester.
CatsCan
Practically Family
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funny, my first Deck Jacket was the same kind of deck work jacket, but from the German Navy, when I served. Could not stand moisture but was flame resistant. And it was a hell to pull things out of the pockets. It was like this one:
Blackadder
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My understanding is the A-2 deck jacket has pure poly lining i.e. no wool or alpaca. The early version has a pointed pocket flap (on chest pocket) in stead of flatline but I am not sure which year they changed it. This pointed pocket version is rarer but still can be found. There are also claims that some early (may be test samples) versions use the same grosgrain shell as the N-1 but I have never seen one.
CatsCan
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You may be right about the lining. Some repros have the 50/50 blend. I may have confused things.
CatsCan
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Yeah! AGA! Later BGA (Bord- und Gefechts-Anzug).
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Blackadder
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Here is an early pattern A-2 with the pointed flap.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/144016054835?hash=item2188069a33:g:cOUAAOSwGSpggHCS
According to this, the contract no. shows it is 1966.
https://thechaplainkit.com/history/...ates-of-historic-military-clothing-equipment/
https://www.ebay.com/itm/144016054835?hash=item2188069a33:g:cOUAAOSwGSpggHCS
According to this, the contract no. shows it is 1966.
https://thechaplainkit.com/history/...ates-of-historic-military-clothing-equipment/
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Very cool
CatsCan
Practically Family
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Crazy! I saw some with those pointed flaps running for 900 to 1200 $, and not all from Japan (they go crazy with prizes), but also from the US. Whereas those with straight pocket flaps go for much less. The Hamburgian sells them for about 500 €. I saw US ebay sellers asking from 60 to 160 $. My wallet says: straight flap ordered from the US 
rarely seen MF N1 for sale over at the IH forum - at one point I really really wanted one, but I think I was more enamoured with the brand, rather that the actual jacket. The ad includes a measurements chart which is useful.....I'm led to believe this model has really thick lining. Price seems fair.
https://www.ironheart.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=15940.0
https://www.ironheart.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=15940.0
Blackadder
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Most MF products are made by Toyo enterprise. I think the MF deck jacket is made of the same materials as the Buzz Rickson's sea washed model N-1.
CatsCan
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Try it out! Sending it back if not happy is fairly easy. These guys are very good to deal with.
