A-2 from thrift store. Original?

Paulcrastination · Post by **Paulcrastination** » Sun Oct 12, 2003 4:40 am

I just bought an A-2 style jacket form a thrift store for $25. Since i can't aford a wested till after halloween I figured why not. It fits me great, the leather is broken in but tough. The tag is gone, and the lining is some silly polyester quilt, looks like it might no be the original lining. The zipper reads Talon. How would I know if its a genuine issue jacket?

Indiana · Post by **Indiana** » Sun Oct 12, 2003 4:05 pm

The military used TALON zips during WWII I believe.

IndianaJames · Post by **IndianaJames** » Sun Oct 12, 2003 5:14 pm

Hmmm THats a toughie....can you post a shot of it? Rick Blaine might know, wherever he is.

I J

Paulcrastination · Post by **Paulcrastination** » Sun Oct 12, 2003 6:26 pm

Sure thing, but it'll have to wait until tuesday as I won't have a digital camera until then. The leather is very heavy, making me think its the real deal. The Talon zipper looks to be aluminum... not brass like the old WW2 A-2s I've found online... so I'm guessing if its a genuine military issue jacket, its probably more recent. Still a great deal at $25 I suppose, but I still shouldn't be spending the cash... I've got aldens to buy!

rick5150 · Post by **rick5150** » Sun Oct 12, 2003 7:43 pm

Specs were (according to Flight Suits website):

http://www.flightsuits.com/leather_a2_hist_horse.html

Army Air Force A-2 specifications called for russet brown horsehide, wool cuffs and waistband, and a light brown cotton lining. The pocket and collar were secured with black oxide n****e snaps and the neck with a nickel hook-and-eye. Under the storm flap the jacket zipped up with an "interlocking fastening device."

Leather: 3-ounce horsehide.
Pattern: Back must be made from one piece of leather without any seams, sleeves from two pieces of leather, each front side from one piece.

Lining: 100% Cotton, russet brown, plain weave fabric, not rayon or acetate. The lining must be plain with no printing or silk-screened maps.

Knit 100% worsted wool cuffs and waistband with no seams

Zipper: Nickel zipper, not brass

Collar Hook: Nickel collar hook and eye, not black. The hook must be 5/16 inch wide and riveted on with a metal double eyelet.

Snaps: Black oxide size 4 n****e snaps. Collar snaps must be covered with lining fabric and be visible inside the lining.

Thread: Russet brown cotton thread sewn 8-9 stitches per inch 1/8 inch from edges of seams.

Hangar: Leather hangar, 3/8 X 3 inches, sewn through the back of the jacket

Epaulets: 1 3/4 inches wide at the shoulder, tapering to 1 1/2 inches at the collar. Box stitched on each end. The epaulet must be centered on top of shoulder, not toward the front or back..

Pockets: Pocket flaps must be gracefully curved, not cut straight from the edge to the center.

Pockets must have double row of stitching and be stitched across the corners.

Inspection: Must have an official AN inspection stamp on the lining back

Paulcrastination · Post by **Paulcrastination** » Sun Oct 12, 2003 8:31 pm

Thanks Rick,

The jacket doesn't hold up to all those specs, plus it has the warmer pockets. I heard that the presence of the hand warmer pockets indicates its not the real deal. Oh well, still a great jacket for $25. I'll still post some pictures on tuesday.

RonC · Post by **RonC** » Mon Oct 13, 2003 9:23 am

Rick, you just described my Air Force issued A-2 perfectly!