Willis & Geiger A-2 contracts?

[Arthur]

Last night,I was looking at jacket photos of A-2’s I’ve owned. Several were of a Willis & Geiger A-2. This jacket had a contract label with a contract number. One glaring discrepancy between this and other reproductions is the lining. The W&G had a rayon lining. So, my question is, did Willis & Geiger actually make A-2 jackets for the AAF or AF , or were these contact labels simply “fantasy” labels with made up contract numbers ?


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[B-Man2]

Last night,I was looking at jacket photos of A-2’s I’ve owned. Several were of a Willis & Geiger A-2. This jacket had a contract label with a contract number. One glaring discrepancy between this and other reproductions is the lining. The W&G had a rayon lining. So, my question is, did Willis & Geiger actually make A-2 jackets for the AAF or AF , or were these contact labels simply “fantasy” labels with made up contract numbers ?


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To the best of my limited knowledge Willis & Geiger never had a government contract to make A2 jackets for the US government. However, they did have a contract to produce M-422a USN flight jackets during WWII. I hope that answers your question .

 

[Juanito]

To the best of my limited knowledge Willis & Geiger never had a government contract to make A2 jackets for the US government. However, they did have a contract to produce M-422a USN flight jackets during WWII. I hope that answers your question .

...and I once owned a WWII W&G AN-6552 jacket.

 

[Arthur]

Thanks guys. That is what I suspected. I have the Eastman book and there is no mention of W&G having contract(s) from the 1930’s through the end of WWII.I thought that possibly they may have had a post war contract but it looks like their labels listed “fantasy” contracts.


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[Pilot]

If I remember correctly there was a thread a while ago, on precisely this subject.
W&G had no WW2 A-2 contract, was the conclusion.

 

[Grant]

Willis and Geiger was busy making awesome USN and AN jackets before and during the war. They never had an A-2 contract.

 

[silvio76]

Thanks guys. That is what I suspected. I have the Eastman book and there is no mention of W&G having contract(s) from the 1930’s through the end of WWII.I thought that possibly they may have had a post war contract but it looks like their labels listed “fantasy” contracts.


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W&G had no contract for A-2 before and during WW II. USAF began issuing them again in 1988. First contract was awarded to Cooper Sportswear in 1988 and again in 1992 (with Branded garments Orchard), 1995 and 1996. In 1998 Avirex awarded contract, and this is last contract before redesign. Avirex awarded contract again in 1999. (so called 21.st century jacket) and 2007 (under Cockpit brand). Todays supplier is Excelled, contract from 2013.