A2 price

[thunderw21]

I've been offered an original A-2 for $375 shipped. It should fit me (seller is sending measurements) and the condition looks used but decent, I'd call it character.

What do you think, decent price?

 

[Atticus Finch]

I'm not an A-2 expert...I know more about vintage nylon and Navy jackets...but I can tell you that $375 is a very good price for that A-2. *

AF

* Disclaimer: assuming the leather is in good condition and there are no hidden blowouts or rotted areas.

 

[CBI]

for that size and condition, its an OK price. I am sure someone will know this better than I but the tag looks a little suspect. Is it a Monarch label? Might do a bit more homework to make sure its the real deal. Some of the jacket guys here will know the answer. If 38 is your size (if it were me), I would hold out for something in much better shape that you could probably get for $400-450.

 

[jacketquest]

I believe "1756" is one of the so called "no name" contracts as the nomenclature tag did not state the manufacturer. The A-2 experts probably have some educated guesses as to who the maker was based on the construction details. $375 might not be bad if there's no dry rot or deteriorating stitching. Can you get some close ups of the details to better ascertain their condition: zip, lining, collar, knits, etc? Sometimes when you see the leather sueded like that, there's dry rot too and that's really bad news.

 

[Baron Kurtz]

You'd almost certainly pay more than that on eBay for that jacket. If you really want it, i'd say it's a good deal.* Is it someone you know who's offered it to you?? This is one i'd be tempted to ask to have a look at 'in the flesh' before committing to the full purchase.

bk

* with the caveat that there's no rot - particularly pay especial attention to that right shoulder area; make sure it's not so thinned that it might form a hole in near future.

 

[Papa M]

If it comes with a free bucket of Pecards then it looks like a reasonable deal.lol

 

[North]

It might be the angle, but one pocket looks less scalloped then the other.

 

[jacketquest]

It might be the angle, but one pocket looks less scalloped then the other.

Agreed, but that's not an unusual war-time variation...

 

[aswatland]

The price is very good indeed for a late contract A2 from 1944. There has been speculation as to the maker and it's closet to Perry Sportswear.

There is a document dated 13 June, 1944, from Maj. Gen B.E. Meyers, Office, Assistant Chief of Air Staff, Materiel, Maintenance and Distribution showing that orders were placed from:

Perry Sportswear, Newburgh, New York, Jacket, leather, Type A-2 25,000
J.A. Dubow, Chicago, Ill Jacket, Leather, Type A-2 35,000

The Dubow was the W33-038ac1755 contract and the last Perry contract was from 1942-3, the 1756 contract, which has the typical Perry collar stand, Conmar Zipper, similar shaped pockets was most likely the contract referred to. These jackets only appear in smaller sizes.

 

[thunderw21]

The price is very good indeed for a late contract A2 from 1944. There has been speculation as to the maker and it's closet to Perry Sportswear.

There is a document dated 13 June, 1944, from Maj. Gen B.E. Meyers, Office, Assistant Chief of Air Staff, Materiel, Maintenance and Distribution showing that orders were placed from:

Perry Sportswear, Newburgh, New York, Jacket, leather, Type A-2 25,000
J.A. Dubow, Chicago, Ill Jacket, Leather, Type A-2 35,000

The Dubow was the W33-038ac1755 contract and the last Perry contract was from 1942-3, the 1756 contract, which has the typical Perry collar stand, Conmar Zipper, similar shaped pockets was most likely the contract referred to. These jackets only appear in smaller sizes.

Good info. This jacket has a Conmar zip.

I'll question the seller about dry rot, it's one of my biggest fears when buying vintage leather.
I'm also a bit worried that the arms might be too short. Nearly every vintage suit and jacket I've owned has been too short in the arms for me.

 

[aswatland]

I hope it works out for you. As a wartime size 38 it will fit like a modern 36. If it proves too small you can re-sell it on Ebay and most likely get more than you paid for it.

 

[Silver Dollar]

I know Andrew and CBI from Vintage Leather Jacket forum. That's where I would have referred you to answer your question. I know there are a number of jacket experts here but I personally don't know who's who. Sorry to the others i haven't mentioned:eusa_doh: