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Concord L-2b

dmar836

Well-Known Member
A friend at the airport handed this to me the other day and it fit so he gave it to me. He said the label was gone so was surprised when I opened the left pocket. I know it's a later model but when was the J contract dated?




Dave
 

watchmanjimg

Well-Known Member
This is not an issued example. Unlike Alpha Industries which produced both military and civilian jackets, I'm unaware of any L-2B contract being awarded to Concord. Your jacket has a mix of pre-and post-1970 features and that's the telltale before you even get to the label. The original patterns had epaulets, crossover waist tab, and pocket flaps. The epaulets and pocket flaps went out in 1965. Pocket flaps came back in 1970 (without epaulets) and the aluminum zipper was introduced. No issued jacket I'm aware of was produced with epaulets but without waist tab as seen here. All of this being said, your jacket is a quality item produced (more or less as explained herein) to military specs as they existed in the mid-to-late 1970s. It should be a nice wearer for you!
 
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dmar836

Well-Known Member
Great info, Jim. I hoped you'd chime in. I have never collected nylon as I can see myself tearing one quite easily. Nice to know this one isn't a "collector".
Dave
 

Rutger

Well-Known Member
The L2B lining/shell is made from appr. 35% wool/ 65% rayon/acetate, from what I remember at least up to '73.
The percentages vary +/- 1%.
I haven't checked if 100% nylon L-2B's have also been issued (maybe after '73?).
 

watchmanjimg

Well-Known Member
The L2B lining/shell is made from appr. 35% wool/ 65% rayon/acetate, from what I remember at least up to '73.
The percentages vary +/- 1%.
I haven't checked if 100% nylon L-2B's have also been issued (maybe after '73?).
I believe those figures refer only to the lining. The shells have been 100% nylon from the start.
 

watchmanjimg

Well-Known Member
I assume the shoulder straps were deleted at the same date?
Here's an attempt at a detailed explanation:

The transitional model is the 7448F specification, produced pursuant to contracts issued during Fiscal Year 1965. The Skyline Clothing Corp. version (DSA-1-4982) features the traditional epaulets, waist tab, and pocket flaps while the Alpha Industries version (DSA-1-8988) has the waist tab only. Subsequent models 7448G (Fiscal Year 1966) and H (1967-69) lack the epaulets, waist tab, and pocket flaps, but the pocket flaps returned with the introduction of the 7448J in Fiscal Year 1970. The J revision can be immediately distinguished from the predecessor models by its aluminum zippers, and I'm unaware of any civilian variants having been produced prior to the J model. As I pointed out earlier, Dave's jacket is produced to the J specs as they existed in 1977 with the addition of the epaulets (incorrect for that era). The typical Alpha Industries-produced civilian versions seen in the 1980s also feature aluminum zippers with epaulets, although in recent years they've offered various commemorative models that may or may not reflect the original designs. ;)
 

Doctor Damage

New Member
^ Thanks for the detailed explanation. I keep poking Atticus Finch over on Fed Lounge to write a book on nylon flyers jackets from the 1950s to the 1970s, since he knows a lot about them, is retired and has time, and has a big personal collection himself. But he ignores me. I don't believe exists a comprehensive, detailed book on the subject in English, which is a real shame. Only Japanese books, untranslated. Maybe you'd like to have a go at it? ha ha
 

watchmanjimg

Well-Known Member
^ Thanks for the detailed explanation. I keep poking Atticus Finch over on Fed Lounge to write a book on nylon flyers jackets from the 1950s to the 1970s, since he knows a lot about them, is retired and has time, and has a big personal collection himself. But he ignores me. I don't believe exists a comprehensive, detailed book on the subject in English, which is a real shame. Only Japanese books, untranslated. Maybe you'd like to have a go at it? ha ha

Atticus who? ;)

(Just kidding, Geoff!)

I try to avoid characterizing myself as any sort of "expert," but I've had considerable exposure to the various nylon jackets and probably own 50 or more originals. While I don't see myself writing a book anytime soon, I'm always happy to assist in answering any questions you may have and can provide specific references to actual examples in support of any claim.
 

bn1966

Well-Known Member
Interesting L-2B that Concord one, anyone any knowledge about Concord? Some of the repros look very much like Alphas to me.
 

dmar836

Well-Known Member
I thought they had some contracts but I'm not a nylon guy. Wearing this civi version right now though!;) After some near-80 degree wx, we have 40s and some flurries right now.
Dave
 

bn1966

Well-Known Member
Thank you very much for that info...I'll be passing on a B-15 that looked suspiciously like an Alpha 'Vintage' Series model. Confirms a discussion had over @ the FL.
 

watchmanjimg

Well-Known Member
Thank you very much for that info...I'll be passing on a B-15 that looked suspiciously like an Alpha 'Vintage' Series model. Confirms a discussion had over @ the FL.
The pleasure was mine, and thanks to Dave for starting the discussion. It's been awhile since I've felt an urge to participate meaningfully on VLJ, and to do so is refreshing.
 
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