Mojave Jack
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,785
- Location
- Yucca Valley, California
There has been some discussion (though I can't find the thread now) on the claims of authenticity made by a few manufacturers on the G-8 or Type 440 flight jacket, i.e. (from the US Wings site): "This is a classic reproduction of the jacket issued to US Naval aviators in the 1920s and '30s." I recently received this response to an inquiry to the National Museum of Naval Aviation (http://naval.aviation.museum/) regarding the issue of this or a similar jacket:
"After researching written and photographic records, I can find no evidence to support the claims of such websites as uswings.com that a Type 440 (G8) flight jacket was ever issued to US Naval Aviators. The claims appear to be bogus. The Specification M-422A was the first jacket issued to Naval Aviators in the 1920s. A version of this jacket issued during the interwar and early WWII timeframe was the AN-J-3A. Both the M-422A and the AN-J-3A were almost exactly like the later G-1. I hope this information helps.
Respectfully,
Daniel Clifton
Collections Division Head
National Museum of Naval Aviation"
I know that most members here had pretty much debunked those claims previously, but just wanted to add a little official support to that position, particularly anyone who may be considering purchasing that jacket.
"After researching written and photographic records, I can find no evidence to support the claims of such websites as uswings.com that a Type 440 (G8) flight jacket was ever issued to US Naval Aviators. The claims appear to be bogus. The Specification M-422A was the first jacket issued to Naval Aviators in the 1920s. A version of this jacket issued during the interwar and early WWII timeframe was the AN-J-3A. Both the M-422A and the AN-J-3A were almost exactly like the later G-1. I hope this information helps.
Respectfully,
Daniel Clifton
Collections Division Head
National Museum of Naval Aviation"
I know that most members here had pretty much debunked those claims previously, but just wanted to add a little official support to that position, particularly anyone who may be considering purchasing that jacket.
